Music lovers can turn out any day of the week to see exciting free concerts and live performances all across the St. Louis area. With the array of different genres and settings on offer, you can always find the right fit, whether you’re looking for a place to picnic with the family or a low-cost date night. For more information on lineups or changes—with outdoor concerts come inevitable weather cancellations—visit the individual event websites.
Monday
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The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will host a free community concert on June 8 celebrating America’s 250th birthday at 370 Lakeside Park’s Corporate Pavilion 1000. This Monday evening concert is free to attend, but RSVPs are requested.
Hawken House Summer Concert Series
Beginning on June 8 with acoustic trio Three of a Perfect Pair, the Hawken House in Webster Groves will host a series of concerts on the second Monday evening of each month on their front lawn. Spanning from June to September, the series has historically hosted local favorites such as Jeremiah Johnson and Steve Ewing. Artists play from 7–9 p.m. June 8, July 13, August 10, September 13.
Tuesday
Chesterfield Summer Concert Series
Faust Park will host Chesterfield’s Summer Concert Series on Tuesday nights from June through early August. Numerous food and drink options are available to concert-goers, including local food trucks and a concession stand operated by the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce. Concert nights will also feature a kid’s zone complete with face painting, games, and balloon animals. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and music runs from 7-9 p.m. June 9—August 11.
Now in its 30th season, the University City Summer Band is set to return to Heman Park on Tuesday evenings in June and July. Each of the band’s six shows features a unique theme, including July 14’s “Christmas in July” or July 21’s Broadway-themed presentation. The band of approximately 60 performers plays for about an hour each week, and shows start at 7 p.m. June 9—July 21.
O’Fallon’s Jammin’ Summer Concert Series returns to the Civic Park Bandstand on Tuesdays in June, July, and early August. While admission is free, local businesses such as Sugarfire Smokehouse and Casa Tequila Cantina are available for concessions at each performance. Artists on the docket for this summer include Just In Time, Clover, and Vote for Pedro. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating for the shows, which are scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. June 9—August 11, excluding July 4.
Wednesday
Long a mainstay of St. Louis summers, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Whitaker Music Festival returns on Wednesdays from May 27 through July 29. Free admission to the Garden begins at 5 p.m. prior to each performance, with music beginning at 7 p.m. and last entry at 8:15 p.m. This summer’s schedule brings a wide variety of local musicians, including the Steve Ewing Band, Laka Soul, and Nick Gusman. Visitors are welcome to bring their own provisions or purchase from vendors onsite. June 10—July 29 .
Second Wednesdays of the month mean one thing in the Streets of St. Charles—the Beale Street Concert Series is in action. Shows run from 6-8 p.m. and offer food and beverages from St. Charles restaurants. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, but outside food and drink are not permitted. June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14 .
St. Charles’ Music on Main series returns on the third Wednesdays of the month from May to September. Outdoor concerts will take place from 5-7:30 p.m. in the 100 and 200 blocks of North Main Street in St. Charles. Food and drink will be available to purchase from local restaurants, and no outside alcohol is allowed in the performance. June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16.
Maplewood Summer Concert Series
Maplewood’s Summer Concert Series is in action on the fourth Wednesdays of June, July, August, and September this year. The shows are held in Ryan Hummert Park. Food and drink is available from local vendors, but guests are also welcome to bring their own. Bands playing the series this summer include The Perfect Strangers, Just a Blur, and Broken Hipsters. June 24, July 22, August 26, September 23.
Thursday
Millennium Park Summer Concert Series
Those looking for barbecue and a Thursday night tune need look no further than Creve Coeur’s Summer Concert Series. Musicians such as the Tim Cunningham and Jeremiah Johnson promise to bring a variety of genres to Millennium Park this summer. The May, June, July, and August performances are scheduled for 6:30-8:30 p.m., while the season-ending September show is set from 6 -8 p.m. June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10.
Music in the Park Summer Concert Series, Grafton
If a Thursday evening trip up the River Road suits your fancy, head to Grafton for the town’s Music in the Park series. Bands of all genres play across the 18-week season, which has a show each Thursday between Memorial Day and September 24. Concerts run between 7-9 p.m. at Grafton’s Grove Memorial Park. May 28—September 24.
Concerts in the Park, Ellisville
The amphitheater in Ellisville’s Bluebird Park will be filled with music on select Thursday evenings this summer courtesy of the city’s Concerts in the Park series. Bringing local favorites such as Trilogy, 120 Minutes, and the Whiskey Drifters to the West County municipality, Concerts in the Park also provides concert-goers with options for food and artisan goods from local vendors. Performances will take place from 7-9 p.m. June 11, June 18, June 25, July 9, July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13.
Sunset on the Riverfront series returns this summer to provide residents of Washington with a wholesome Thursday evening of music, food, and family entertainment. While kids can take advantage of a rotating set of children’s activities, parents can check out the local beer and wine vendors. Bands such as Raised on Radio and the Texas Giants will perform from 5-8 p.m. June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24.
Downtown Kirkwood Concert Series
Head down to Kirkwood Station Plaza every Thursday evening in June, and select dates in August and September, for Downtown Kirkwood’s Concert series. Take in the summer air with performances from artists including Curtis and the Cruisers, Captain Bulkhead and the Portholes, Lost Dog, and The Dog’s Breakfast. June 11, June 18, June 25, August 20, August 27, September 3.
Friday
Third Fridays of the month from May through August promise to bring vibrant live music to Ferguson’s Plaza at 501. Performances from artists such as Lustrelights, the Chaz 45 Band, and Griffin & The Gargoyles will run from 7-9 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and coolers. June 12, July 10, August 14 .
The City of Wildwood’s Music on Main series returns this summer with a variety of evening performances from local musicians. Artists such as Honky Tonk Heroes and The Rockwood Boys will play in the series. Performances are located at 16860 Main Street in Wildwood, and run from 6:45-9:15 p.m., with the exception of August 21, which starts at 6 p.m. May 15, June 19, July TBD, August 21.
Concerts in the Park, Edwardsville
Edwardsville’s Concerts in the Park series will bring a wide variety of genres to the Metro East on select summer Fridays. Including local favorite the Steve Ewing Band on July 10, City Park hosts blues, rock, pop and jazz artists throughout the summer. All shows begin at 8 p.m. June 19, June 26, September 26.
Saturday
Hot Summer Nights, St. Charles
Second Saturdays through September in St. Charles’ historic Frenchtown district will be filled with tunes courtesy of Hot Summer Nights. The concert series features local musicians playing from 7-10 p.m., while breweries and food trucks provide service throughout the night starting at 6 p.m. Hot Summer Nights will feature a blues night, ’80s night, Beatles night, and rock night across its four shows. June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12.
Summer Concert Series, Lake St. Louis
Lake St. Louis’ Summer Concert Series promises dancing and energetic live music on select Saturday nights throughout the summer. Shows are scheduled to last from 7-10 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, food, and beverages. Featured acts include Fanfare Band, Side Eye Dog, and Petty Cash Junction. Location varies between Lake St. Louis’ Boulevard Park Amphitheater and Windjammer Point, and show-specific information can be found on the city’s website. June 13, June 27, September 13
Making Music Concert Series, Kirkwood
Kirkwood’s Making Music Concert Series returns for its 23rd season on Saturday evenings in June, July, and August. Performances are held at the Lions Amphitheater in Kirkwood Park. Guests are invited to bring food and drinks to shows, all of which are slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, August 8, August 15.
Lafayette Square Summer Concert Series
Head down to St. Louis’ oldest historic district every other Saturday night for a multi-genre spanning concert series. Bring a lawn chair and a cooler to Lafayette Park for performances including Uncle Albert, Zero to Ninety, and Chasing the Milky Way. All performances begin at 6 p.m. June 20, July 4, July 18, August 1, August 15, August 29, September 12.
Sunday
Gateway Festival Orchestra, WashU
The Gateway Festival Orchestra returns to the campus of Washington University this July for its annual Summer Concert Series. Now in its 62nd year, the orchestra’s mission is to make chamber and orchestral music accessible to the community. Concerts are family-friendly and typically feature a music education component. They are held at WashU’s Brookings Quadrangle and 560 Music Center. July 12, July 19, July 26.
Searching for a musical kickstart to the week? Stop by Donnelly Amphitheater in Manchester’s Schroeder Park on select Sundays throughout the summer to catch a performance from the Manchester Community Band. The band’s June and July performances will start at 6:30 p.m., while the August show starts at 6 p.m. June 14, July 12, August 9.
Musical Nights at Oak Knoll Park
Start your week off with a relaxing concert in Oak Knoll Park. Bring your family, a picnic, and a blanket, and settle in for a laid-back Sunday evening with a lineup including Michael Marciano, the Luke Queen Band, and Rogers & Nienhaus. Bring food, drinks, and lawn chairs to the performances, which start at 5 p.m. June 21, July 26, August 23, September 27.
