Photograph by LeeAnn Gomes, courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden
It took some convincing to get me to go to the Missouri Botanical Garden’s summer concert series, the Whitaker Music Festival. “Who’s the band? Are they any good?” Little did I know that you don’t really go for the music. It is merely a lovely backdrop. The real draw is hanging out with friends, eating, and drinking what you like, for free.
Now before you get too excited, they don’t provide free food and drinks. You bring your own. But entrance is free and it will be one of the cheapest evenings out you have all summer. And there is something magical about lazing in repose, sipping on Chardonnay, nibbling on cheese at dusk. Cue the fireflies.
Many in St. Louis have already fallen under the spell of summer nights at the Botanical Garden, so expect a large, but civilized crowd. The key is to get there early—at least an hour before the concert is scheduled to start. You’ll also need a blanket or folding chairs and a cooler with wheels. (It is a loooong walk from parking to the stage lawn so make sure you can carry all your goodies with ease.)
Don’t feel shy about going all out on your spread. It seems like summer concert series regulars try to one-up each other. Last year I saw folding tables with white linens and free standing champagne chillers.
The concert series begins June 1—Gumbohead performs—and will be held every Wednesday for 10 weeks ending on August 3. Music begins at 7:30pm and admission is free after 5pm. The Botanical Garden is entirely smoke-free. Pooches and other pets must be left at home and BBQ grills are not allowed.
Details on upcoming performances can be found at mobot.org/events/Whitaker
