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Courtesy of Rosalind Early
July 4: Veiled Prophet Parade
It’s been wrapping around the streets of downtown St. Louis for more than a century. The 136th annual Veiled Prophet Parade is a St. Louis tradition, with marching bands, giant floats, balloons, and of course, the Veiled Prophet’s Court of Love and Beauty. Free. 9:30 a.m. Parade begins at 14th and Olive streets, vppardade.org.
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Troy Turnipseed
July 4 through 7: 1776
Celebrate our nation’s independence with Insight Theatre Company’s production of 1776, a musical about America’s founding fathers writing the Declaration of Independence. Never has history been so entertaining…or melodious. $25–$30. 8 p.m. Thu–Sat, 2 p.m. Sun. Heagney Theatre. Nerinx Hall High School, 530 E. Lockwood, 314-556-1293, insighttheatrecompany.com.
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Courtesy of Peabody Opera House
July 10: Mindless Behavior
Though the members of R&B boy band Mindless Behavior are still all too young to vote or drink, they have toured with Justin Bieber, the Backstreet Boys, and Janet Jackson. $39.50–$49.50. 7 p.m. Peabody Opera House, 1400 Market, 314-499-7600, peabodyoperahouse.com.
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Courtesy of George Wallace
July 11: George Wallace
Comedian George Wallace started his career in a New York comedy club the same night as close friend and fellow comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Wallace is known for making fun of the silly things people say. $35–$55. 8 p.m. Lumière Theatre, Lumière Place, 999 N. Second, 314-881-7777, lumiereplace.com.
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July 11: A-List Party 2013
Join St. Louis Magazine at the can't-miss party of the summer. Enjoy an open bar and sample savory cuisine from the city's best restaurants, including Fork & Stix, Lester's Sports Bar & Grill, La Patisserie Choquette, Truffles, The Shack PubGrub, VB Chocolate Bar, Pie Oh My!, Lumiere Place Casino & Hotels and River City Casino, Cleveland-Heath, prasino, Three Sixty, The Cheshire, Piccione Pastry, and many more. Must be 21+. $40 if purchased before July 1, $45 after July 1, $75 VIP. Time: 7–10:30 p.m., with an after party at Mandarin Lounge. Maryland Plaza, 314-918-3033, stlmag.com/alist.
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Diane Anderson
July 12: Let Them Eat Art
The city of Maplewood pays tribute to Bastille Day with Let Them Eat Art, a street festival with live music, belly dancers, tarot-card readings, and a thousand free cupcakes. Marie Antoinette would be pleased. Free. 6 p.m. Downtown Maplewood, cityofmaplewood.com.
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Bobbi Miller, Strauss Peyton
July 12, 13, 19 & 20: Madame Butterfly
Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly is known for its sad story—an American man cruelly deserts his Japanese wife and son—and its beautiful arias, here sung by the Union Avenue Opera. $30–$42. 8 p.m. Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 N. Union, 314-361-8844, union-avenue.org.
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Courtesy of The Urge
July 13: The Urge
Ska and reggae act The Urge is sure to rock the hometown crowd at its performance as part of the Celebrate St. Louis Summer Concerts. Free. 6 p.m. Soldiers Memorial, 314-434-3434, fairsaintlouis.org/summer-concerts.
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July 15 through 21: Les Misérables
Love and revolution take center stage in The Muny’s production of Les Misérables. Expect all of the drama of the film version—plus a Jean Valjean whose portrayal truly sings. $12–$80. 8:15 p.m. The Muny, 1 Theatre, Forest Park, 314-361-1900 x550, muny.org.
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July 19, 20 & 21: Burden of Dreams
The Webster University Film Series pays tribute to late documentarian Les Blank, showing a series of his films. Among them is Burden of Dreams, a documentary about Werner Herzog trying to make a film about a man who wants to build an opera house in the Amazon. $4–$6. 7:30 p.m. Winifred Moore Auditorium, 470 E. Lockwood, webster.edu/filmseries.
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Paul Addotta
July 20: El Monstero: The EMvolution Continues
Expect an even bigger spectacle than last year at this summer’s performance of El Monstero: The EMvolution Continues, with pyrotechnics, costumed actors, blinding lights, and of course, flawlessly executed Floyd. $20–$65. 7 p.m. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 14141 Riverport, 314-298-9944, livenation.com.
By Nancy Curtis and Rosalind Early
Summer is officially in full swing, and as we take time to celebrate America and bask in the sun, there’s plenty to keep you entertained this July in St. Louis. Here's our list of the top 10 (plus one bonus) events not to miss from the SLM calendar (in chronological order):
By Nancy Curtis and Rosalind Early
