Maybe you don’t want to drop hundreds of dollars on tickets for a stadium show. Maybe you already did this summer, and just need to let your bank account recoup for a while. Either way, these free fall concerts have you covered.
Concert Series
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A new tradition before St. Louis CITY SC matches, the CITY Block Party features live music outside of CITYPARK stadium to get the hype going. Upcoming performances include DJ Mitch Marku, Alejo, DJ Chris Brown, Darkwood, StringzEMB, Tef Poe, Nico Marie, and NandoSTL, as well as a special series featuring Tonina and Brock Seals. Select Saturdays and Sundays through October 5, CITYPARK.
Kicking off this fall, the Rock the Dock Concert Series will bring weekly shows to the Mississippi Riverfront near the Gateway Arch grounds, with a lineup that promises to feature blues, soul, R&B, alt-rock, and country acts. The event also features a partnership with Play it Forward, a local nonprofit seeking to remove barriers to musical education. The organization will be present each week to collect instruments and monetary donations for students in need. Sundays, September 19–October 24, 1–4 p.m., Gateway Arch Dock.
Coinciding with the community’s 20th-anniversary celebration, the New Town Concert Series will close out with a show from St. Louis cover band Trixie Delight, which performs decade-spanning hits live. The event will also include various games, a cake walk, and other family-friendly activities. September 20, 5–10 p.m., New Town Amphitheater.
Maplewood’s Summer Concert Series, which brings live music to Ryan Hummert Memorial Park every fourth Wednesday of the month from June through September, will conclude with a set from the band Perfect Strangers. As a special bonus, attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet members of the St. Louis SLAM Women’s Football team, who recently took home a trophy from the 2024 Pro National Championships. September 25, 6–8 p.m., Ryan Hummert Memorial Park.
The Twilight Thursdays Concert Series, which takes place weekly on the North Lawn outside of the Missouri History Museum, will wrap up its 2024 season with a show from funk legends the Ohio Players, whose hits include “Fire” and “Love Roller Coaster.” Picnic on the lawn or purchase food catered by several local restaurants, including Salt + Smoke, The Key Bistro, and Clementine’s Ice Cream. The museum’s 1904 World’s Fair and Gateway to Pride exhibits will also be open late, accepting visitors until intermission. September 26, 6–8 p.m., Missouri History Museum.
For a laid-back lunchtime show, Kemper Unplugged curates short monthly concerts in the lobby of the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum. This fall’s schedule includes a show from trumpeter Geroge Sams, as well as student and faculty showcases from Washington University’s Department of Music, Arts and Sciences. Every third Friday of the month, September–November at 12 p.m., Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.
Weekly Live Music
Every Monday, Schlafly Tap Room hosts Grateful Mondays, acoustic jam sessions inspired by the music of the Grateful Dead. A far-out way to start the week, it includes songs from The Dead’s catalog performed by Nick Elwood and Tracy Gladden of Stone Sugar Shakedown, along with other local guitarists. Mondays from 7–10 p.m., Schlafly Tap Room.
For accessible jazz on a weeknight, the Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s Wednesday Night Jazz Jam is the place to be. Expect jazz standards, original pieces, and an open jam session to close. Taking place in a cozy barroom setting, the event is family-friendly and open to all on a first-come, first-serve basis. Wednesdays from 6–9 p.m., The Dark Room at The Grandel.
Also be sure to check out weekly live entertainment in the Food Hall at The Foundry on Fridays and Saturdays from 7–9 p.m., local musicians at Alpha Brewing Company every Friday–Sunday, and a full roster of artists performing at Venice Cafe every night of the week except Sunday.
Free Music Fests and Events
The St. Louis Symphony’s annual Forest Park Concert previews their upcoming season with a free show on Art Hill. Pack a picnic, bring your family and friends, and get comfortable on the lawn to hear music from E.T. and Meet Me in St. Louis alongside classical staples. September 19, 7 p.m., Art Hill.
Hosted by The Gyres Society, an organization that seeks to uplift St. Louis’ art and music scenes, the SoSTL Music and Arts Festival provides a full day of live music from local bands and musicians. Artists and food vendors will also sell their wares at this welcoming community event, located at the charming Spine Indie Bookstore & Cafe near Benton Park. September 21, 12–6 p.m., Spine Indie Bookstore & Cafe.
Since 2017, residents of the Skinker DeBaliviere Neighborhood have offered the front porches of their homes as stages for Porch Fest St. Louis. Encouraging visitors to meander through the streets and discover over 35 musical artists from a diverse array of genres, the festival is sure to supply a day of memorable entertainment. September 22, 1–6 p.m., Skinker DeBaliviere Neighborhood.
The Old Webster Jazz and Blues Fest unites family fun and great music with continuous performances across two stages, kid-friendly activities, and eats from local restaurants. The Webster Groves High School Jazz Band, Webster University Faculty Jazz Ensemble, Java Jived, Walker Parks & Friends, Gospel Celebration, and Marquise Knox are scheduled to play on The Webster University Stage on North Gore Avenue. Meanwhile, Miss Jubilee, Swunk, Royce Martin, Andy Coco’s Nola Funk and Rhythm & Blues, and the Joe Mancuso Quintet will perform at the Sunset Hills Subaru stage on Allen Avenue. September 21, 1–11 p.m., Downtown Old Webster Groves.
Featuring live music throughout the day in Ritz Park, the lineup at the South Grand Fall and Music Fest includes School of Rock, Jen Norman, Playadors, Javier Mendoza, Midwest Avengers, and Cloudchord. The festival also spotlights local businesses on South Grand Boulevard while offering activities and shopping on Hartford, Juniata, Connecticut, and Wyoming Street. Saturday, September 21 from 11 a.m.–8 p.m., South Grand.
Catch live jazz at a coffee shop in the morning, a vintage store in the afternoon, and a bar in the evening at the Cherokee Street Jazz Crawl. With musicians performing at local businesses throughout the day, dance classes, skate dance parties from Skate Culture, and the Boogie Brass Band leading a Second Line Parade, this is the perfect opportunity to get to know a truly unique neighborhood. November 2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Cherokee Street.
