St. Louis in July kicks off with a parade, fireworks and free concerts as the area celebrates the 4th of July. But after Independence Day there are still dozens of free concerts and outdoor activites, plus the big event of the month for sports fans, the 2009 MLB All-Star Game. Here are my top ten recommendations for things to do in July 2009 in St. Louis.
1. Fair St. Louis & Live on the Levee
Photo courtesy Celebrate St. Louis
Fair St. Louis and Live on the Levee are two of the biggest events of the summer. Fair St. Louis offers a chance to celebrate Independence Day in downtown St. Louis with music, food, kids activities and fireworks. And the festivities continue every Friday and Saturday night from July 17 through August 1, with Live on the Levee's free outdoor concerts and fireworks displays.
July 3 & 4, then Fridays and Saturdays from July 17 - August 1, 2009
St. Louis Riverfront
July 3 & 4, then Fridays and Saturdays from July 17 - August 1, 2009
St. Louis Riverfront
2. MLB All-Star Week
St. Louis has the honor of hosting the 2009 MLB All-Star Game. It's been more than 40 years since the game was played in St. Louis and the city is ready for a big celebration. There are many activities planned including the All-Star FanFest at the America's Center, a 5K run and a free charity concert with Sheryl Crow.July 10-14, 2009
Downtown St. Louis
3. Farmers Market Dinners
July is the time to cook with homegrown tomatoes and other local produce. Or better yet, have someone else do the cooking for you. Butler's Pantry is hosting Farmers Market Dinners each Thursday in July at the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park. Each buffet meal features fresh ingredients from the Tower Grove Farmers Market.
Thursdays in July 2009
Tower Grove Park
Thursdays in July 2009
Tower Grove Park
4. Whitaker Music Festival
Photo by Leslie Wallace, courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden
The free concerts at the Missouri Botanical Garden continue through July. Featured performers this month include the Tony Simmons Band and Ralph Butler. Admission to the Garden is free on Wednesdays after 5 p.m., and the concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets and a picnic dinner and gather around the Cohen Amphitheater. Food and drinks are also for sale at the Garden.
Wednesdays in July 2009
Missouri Botanical Garden
Wednesdays in July 2009
Missouri Botanical Garden
5. Do The Right Thing Trivia Night
Image courtesy Do the Right Thing of Greater St. Louis
Trivia buffs can test their skills while helping local children at the same time. The St. Louis City and County Police Departments are hosting their 2nd annual trivia night to raise money for the "Do The Right Thing" program. The program rewards area children who help others, give to charity or otherwise do the right thing. Tables of 8 are $120, and that includes beer, soda and snacks.
July 11, 2009
Bishop DuBourg High School
July 11, 2009
Bishop DuBourg High School
6. Gateway Festival Orchestra Concerts
Photo courtesy Washington University
The Gateway Festival Orchestra is performing free outdoor concerts in July at the Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University. They begin July 12, at 7:30 p.m., with a night of All American music. Everyone is encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy a relaxing evening.
July 12, 19, 26, 2009
Brookings Quadrangle, Washington University
July 12, 19, 26, 2009
Brookings Quadrangle, Washington University
7. St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase
George Clooney may have left town, but there are still some great movies being made in St. Louis. The St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase is just the venue to show off the work of St. Louis directors and filmmakers. You can take in feature films, shorts and documentaries during the festival. There are also free seminars for anyone interested in making movies.July 18-23, 2009
Tivoli Theatre
8. Jammin' at the Zoo
The Young Zoo Friends are hosting a party with music, entertainment, food and drinks. You'll listen to music from Arvell & Co., Electric Soul, Urban Groove Project and more while feasting on a gourmet picnic dinner. Admission is free for Zoo Friends members and $10 for non-members. For an additional $10, you can enjoy a wine and beer tasting from 6 pm. to 8 p.m. Free parking is available for everyone.July 22, 2009
St. Louis Zoo
9. Bug Hunt Day
Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden
If your kids love to explore, play in the dirt and pick up insects, now they have the perfect place to do all those things. July 25 is Bug Hunt Day at the Butterfly House in Faust Park. Young explorers from ages 2 to 12 can collect crawling, swimming and flying insects. There are also games, crafts and field sessions with an entomologist. The bug hunt is included with the price of admission, which is $6 for adults, $4 for children 4 to 12, and free for kids 3 and under.
July 25, 2009
Faust Park, Chesterfield
July 25, 2009
Faust Park, Chesterfield
10. Jonas Brothers Concert
The Jonas Brothers are bringing their 2009 World Tour to St. Louis on July 28. The brothers will perform on a 140 foot stage in the middle of the arena so that more fans can be closer to the action. The concert also features American Idol winner Jordan Sparks and new artists Honor Society. Tickets are $27 to $82 and are available through ticketmaster.July 28, 2009
Scottrade Center
