Top Things to Do This July

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 a full day of music, food and fireworks. And the festivities continue every Friday and Saturday night through August 2, with Live on the Levee's free outdoor concerts and fireworks displays. There is one big change this year. Both events are at Soliders Memorial Plaza instead of the Arch grounds due to flooding.
Soldiers Memorial Plaza
July 4, then Fridays and Saturdays through August 2

The free concerts at the Missouri Botanical Garden continue through July. Featured performers this month include blues singer Kim Massie and the contemporary pop sounds of Javier Mendoza. 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.
Missouri Botanical Garden
July 2 - Anita Rosamond
July 9 - Javier Mendoza
July 16 - Kim Massie
July 23 - Poor People of Paris
July 30 - FolknBluesGrass

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 first ever 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 hot dogs.
Bishop DuBourg High School
July 12

This July, celebrate our country's unique blend of cultures with "Passport Dinners on the Plaza." Every Thursday, at the beautiful Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park, Butler's Pantry will serve a buffet dinner featuring cuisine from some of the cultures that made our country what it is today. Whether you're craving French, Caribbean or Italian, there's an evening to fit your tastes. The dinners are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and cost $28 dollars a person. And, if you attend all of the dinners, the 5th one's free. To make a reservation, call 314-575-5658.
Piper Palm House, Tower Grove Park
July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Animal lovers can mingle with local sports celebrities Albert Pujols, Barrett Jackman and many others at the Dogs & Duds charity fashion show. The event raises money for local animal shelters. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa will host the evening, with comedian Elayne Boozler acting as master of ceremonies. Tickets are $75 or $125 for VIP seating.
Kemp Auto Museum, Chesterfield
July 20

The Gateway Festival Orchestra is performing free outdoor concerts every Sunday in July at the Brookings Quadrangle on the campus of Washington University. They begin July 6, at 7:30 p.m., with a night of patriotic music to celebrate America's independence. Everyone is encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Brookings Quadrangle, Washington University
July 6, 13, 20, 27

Monster truck fans can see 12 of the nation's best drivers at "Monsters and Music" at Gateway International Raceway. 2007 champion Mark Hall will defend his title on the largest racing course ever built in the St. Louis area. There is also a pre-race concert and autograph session and more music to end the evening. General admission tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. To order tickets call 1-866-35-SPEED.
Gateway International Raceway, Madison, IL
July 26

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 26 is Bug Hunt Day at the Butterfly House in Faust Park. Young explorers from ages 2 to 12 can collect beetles, water bugs and other critters. There are also games, crafts and a scavenger hunt. The bug hunt is included with the price of admission, which is $6 for adults, $3 for children 4 to 12, and free for kids 3 and under.
Faust Park, Chesterfield
July 26

Toby Keith is one of country's hottest stars and he's bringing his Biggest & Baddest Tour to St. Louis. Keith will perform his hit songs at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, along with special guest Montgomery Gentry. Tickets are $25.75 to $65 and are available through Ticketmaster.
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 31