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Fun, Free Events Newsletter

Listings by AREA:
St. Louis, MO ~ STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
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Recreation Council News…

Ride to Unite at the Gateway Cup 2026 (STL), September 5 & 6 at Francis Park in South St. Louis City (map): The Ride to Unite (RTU) at the Gateway Cup is excited to bring a new set of cycling activities for individuals with disabilities to the 2026 Gateway Cup Races. Join us on Saturday, September 5 for the Tour DeFrancis Park Gateway Cup Kids Ride at 4:00 pm for ages 3-12 followed by the women’s race kickoff at 4:30pm and the men’s race kickoff at 5:40pm when adapted cyclists do a celebratory start for the races. For more advanced riders, sign up for Sunday, September 6 for the Trailnet Giro Della Lou ride that takes you 18 miles through the historic Hill neighborhood. Get your free code to ride in all these races by emailing Ride to Unite at CycleSTLpartnership@gmail.com. Information ~ Flyer

Of Interest For People with Disabilities…

AbleLight Thrift Shop – St. Peters (SCC), Friday, August 28 with ribbon cutting at 8:30am and store opening at 9am at AbleLight Thrift Shop, 4122 Mexico Road St. Peters, MO, 63376. We’re excited to share the grand opening of our new AbleLight Thrift Shop location in St Peters, MO. Community members are invited to attend and check out the new location! The event will include a variety of special promotions, raffles, giveaways, and refreshments. Donations of gently used clothing, home goods, and home decor are gladly accepted. More information on the AbleLight Facebook Page

Black Cat Coffee Cafe Project (SCC), Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 AM-12:00 noon. LOCATION: Harvester Christian Church, 2950 Kings Crossing, St. Peters, Missouri, 63303 (map).  Join us in August for complimentary coffee and sweet treats, all served by our amazing Coffee Crew of young adults with disabilities gaining real-world job skills and confidence. There is no charge to attend; cash-only tips are encouraged and go 100% to our amazing Coffee Crew. Learn more at: Information ~ Flyer

Sensory-Friendly Evening at the Missouri History Museum (STL), Wednesday, September 2 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. Join us for a special evening designed for guests of all ages with disabilities. Experience a welcoming, inclusive environment with adjusted lighting and sound levels to create a comfortable atmosphere. The Museum is closed to the public to ensure a cozy setting. Enjoy storytelling, games, water and sand sensory play, a music-making room, therapy dogs, exhibits and resource tables hosted by our partner organizations. Some snacks will be provided, but visitors can bring their own food.  Flyer

Saturday Explorers: 10 year Anniversary Party (STL), Saturday, September 5 from 2-3 pm at the Weber Road Library branch, 4444 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 (map). Saturday Explorers is program designed specifically for adults with disabilities. Caregivers are welcome. Contact Lauren Budde at 314-994-3300 or lbudde@slcl.org at the library with questions. Repeats on the first Saturday of each month.  Information ~ Flyer

The Magic House Sensory-Friendly Event (STL), Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 8:30am-9:30am at The Magic House in Kirkwood, MO. The Magic House and KEEN St. Louis invites families and friends to enjoy a sensory-friendly playtime designed to provide children with disabilities a sensory-friendly opportunity to enjoy The Magic House without the crowds. It’s FREE, but we need you to Register for The Magic House on Sept 12, 2026

Partner Updates…

The St. Louis Ataxia Support Group’s annual WALK N’ ROLL TO CURE ATAXIA (STL), Saturday, September 5 from 9:30am-12:30pm at Campbell Pavilion in Kirkwood Park, 100 Amphitheatre Drive, Kirkwood, MO 63122 (map). The St. Louis Walk N’ Roll Fundraiser brings together families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and the community to support the National Ataxia Foundation’s mission to accelerate the development of treatments and improve the lives of people living with Ataxia. We’ll have raffles, food, music, and photos. Registration is FREE to join the walk, with donations and fundraising encouraged. Register here ~ Flyer

YMCA seeks Adaptive Support Staff: Make a Difference Beyond the School Day (SCC): Do you have experience working with children or individuals with adaptive support needs? The YMCA is looking for caring, patient and compassionate individuals to join our Y-Club Before & After School Care team in the O’Fallon and St. Charles area. Our Adaptive Support Staff help children participate, build confidence, develop friendships and enjoy meaningful experiences in a supportive before- and after-school environment. If you’re a paraprofessional, special education professional, caregiver, behavioral support professional or simply have a passion for helping children thrive, we’d love to hear from you. Flexible schedules, professional development, a free YMCA membership and program discounts are just a few of the benefits of joining the Y. Learn more and apply at GWRYMCA.ORG/CAREERS or contact Lakesha Nelsonlakesha.nelson@gwrymca.org at O Fallon YMCA or Darris Smith darris.smith@gwrymca.org at the St. Charles YMCA.

Registration is open now for the Brain Injury Association One-Day Regional Outdoor Camp 2026: Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 12:00 pm –  3:00 pm at Vago Park, 2700 Fee Fee Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. There will be Camp activities of arts and crafts, games, music as well as enjoying nature and spending time with others. Participation is FREE and open for survivors of brain injury, family members, professionals and the community. Registration is required to ensure an accurate count for refreshments.

Fun, Free Events for Everyone…

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival: Two Gentlemen of Verona (SCC & STL), Various evenings now through September 6 at parks around the metro region. Join us for this rollicking Shakespearian comedy in which best friends Valentine and Proteus swear loyalty to each other…until they both fall for the same woman! Suddenly loyalty, love, and good judgment all go out the window. Complete with disguises, misunderstandings, and one very scene-stealing dog, this is Shakespeare’s original rom-com about friendship, forgiveness, and the hilarious messiness of growing up. Productions are FREE to attend and, no reservations or tickets required. Find a location near you at this link: St. Louis Shakespeare Festival

Benton Park Back to School Picnic (STL), Saturday, August 29 from 4-7 pm at Benton Park, Pestalozzi Street, 63118 (map). Join the Holy Friars, a Beatles & George Harrison cover band, on August 29th for Peace, Love, Picnic in Benton Park. Meet in the Park on the LAKE side of the Grotto to enjoy more shade and harken back to the old days when neighbors would gather around with their picnic baskets and enjoy our park. VW bugs & vans welcome as in the past, too.  Information

 Sip, Shop, and Stroll on South Grand (STL), Sunday, August 30 from 1–4 pm along Grand Avenue. Enjoy exclusive deals, giveaways, live street performers on the vibraphone and saxophone, plus refreshing drinks and mocktails from local restaurants and cafés. Information ~ Click here to download the map of participating venues.

Festival of Nations (STL), August 29 & 30 at Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110. St. Louis welcomes the world. 80+ countries are represented across more than 100 vendors, dozens of stage performances and interactive experiences. Join us at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, Missouri for a celebration of music, flavors, art and culture from around the world at the annual Festival of Nations, powered by the International Institute of St. Louis. Information

Beginner Bird Walk at Tower Grove Park (STL), Sunday, August 30 from 8:30 am – 10:00 am, meet at the entrance to the Robert & Martha Gaddy Bird Garden in Tower Grove Park. The St. Louis Audubon Society will conduct a guided tour for beginner bird watchers. Learn basic bird identification and some tips on how to spot them. Bring your own binoculars, some will be on hand to borrow. The is a FREE event for ages 8 and above, but Registration is Required and space is limited.

First Friday at the Foundry Arts Centre (SCC), Friday, September 4 from 5-8pm at Foundry Art Centre, 520 N. Main Center, Saint Charles, MO 63301. Join the Foundry and celebrate the arts. Visitors to spend time in the galleries, meet resident studio artists, engage with the community, and enjoy a wide array of art programming, entertainment, and special events. Information

Chesterfield Art Fair (STL), September 5 & 6 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM both days at Faust Park, 15025 Faust Park, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Come stroll the park to see original works for sale by talented local and regional artists. Also enjoy live music and delicious bites at food trucks. Free admission. Hours: 10am-4pm both days. Information

St. Charles County Parks: Where the Wild Things Play, Parent-Child Nature Days (SCC), Saturday, September 6 from 10 am–1 pm at Broemmelsiek  Park. This is a FREE program, but Registration is Required. Children ages 6–11 head outdoors to explore natural spaces alongside their peers, supported by light-touch supervision that encourages independence and discovery. While kids are off adventuring, parents and guardians can join a ranger-led hike to slow down, explore the trails, and reconnect with the natural world. Registration is also open for repeat date of Oct 4 at Broemmelsiek Park. Registration is Required ~  St. Charles County Parks Facebook

Labor Day Events in the Metro Area: There’s plenty to do in the metro area, but please note that many of these events charge admission fees to enter: Information

Outdoor Concerts….

St Charles Area…

The Meadows at Lake St. Louis Summerfest Music Series (SCC), Thursdays, August 27 & September 3 from 6:30-8:30pm at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, 20 Meadows Circle Drive, Lake Saint Louis, MO, 63367. On August 28, enjoy music by “Decades Apart.” On September 3, enjoy music by “Decades Apart.” FREE admission for humans, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your dancing shoes. More concerts weekly through November 1, 2026. Information

NEW…Live Music Nights at Chicken N Pickle (SCC), Friday, August 28 from 7–10 PM at CNP, 1500 S. Main Street, St. Charles, 63303. Whether you’re stopping by for dinner, meeting friends for happy hour, or making a night of it with pickleball and yard games, live music is the perfect soundtrack to your evening. Repeats in September. Information

St. Peters Sunset Concerts (SCC), Fridays, August 28 & September 4 from 6:30-9 PM at 370 Lakeside Park. On August 28, enjoy music by “Zero to Ninety.” On September 4, enjoy music by “Me & Paul.” Enjoy free outdoor concerts around beautiful lake 370 with food trucks. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. More concerts on September 9 & 11. Information

Cottleville Twilight Tuesdays (SCC), Tuesday, September 1 from 6-8:30pm at Legacy Park, CWS Rotary Amphitheatre, 5490 Fifth Street, Cottleville, MO 63304 (map). On August 25, join us for “Butchwax & the Hollywoods” for a rocking concert. On Sept 1, enjoy the last concert of the summer series with music by “CLU-less”. A variety of events are scheduled for the fall. Information

New Town Concerts (SCC), Saturday, September 5 from 7-10pm at the New Town Amphitheater, 3312 Rue Royale, Saint Charles, MO 63301.Bring your lawn chair and picnic dinner. More free concerts on Sept 19, 26. Information ~  New Town Events Listing

JAZZ at the Riverside (SCC), Sunday, September 6 at 7:30pm at Frontier Park, 222 S. Riverside Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301. Listen to the swinging sounds of the St. Charles Big (Jazz) Band performing on the Jaycee Stage in Frontier Park on the Banks of the Missouri River. Performances include popular music including Swing, Bebop Jazz, Pop, Show Tunes, Contemporary Jazz, and vocals from the Great American Songbook. Final jazz concert of the season is on Sept 6.. Information

St. Louis Area…

Maplewood Summer Concert Series (STL), Wednesday, August 26 from 6-8 pm at Ryan Hummert Park, 2400 Sutton, 63143 (map). Come listen to the sounds of “The Perfect Strangers” with neighbors and friends. FREE to attend. One more concert Sept 23. Information

Downtown St. Louis Lunchtime Live Concert (STL), Wednesday, August 26 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Old Post Office Plaza in Downtown St. Louis, 801 Locust Street, 63101. Take a break from work and join us for lunch outdoors on the Post Office Plaza. This event features live music and food trucks, PLUS, it is FREE to attend. Purchase food from the food trucks or brown bag it. Dates for September are not posted yet. Information

Maryland Heights Summer Concerts (STL), Friday, August 28 from 7-9pm at Vago Park, 24 Monima Dr, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. On August 28, enjoy music by “Vince Martin” playing Soul/Blues/Jazz. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and a picnic dinner. Final concert of the season is Aug 28. Information ~ Flyer

Thursdays Concerts at the History Museum (STL), Thursday, September 3, 10, 17, & 24 from 6-8pm at MO History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. Join us for the fall concert season at the Missouri History Museum! This popular, free outdoor concert series on the Imo Family Plaza brings a lineup of spectacular shows from local musicians. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and listen to music under a beautiful Forest Park sunset. Some of the area’s best food trucks will also be on hand each week. Information

 

 

Recreation Council & Partner Reminders…

Missouri Department of Conservation FREE nature classes:  Visit these links to find all the class listings: MDC’s Free Classes & Programs Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events here: Sign Up for MDC News.

Search for more Activities in your part of town…

Here are a few links to continue your search for fun in the metro area. Some places charge entry fees, so check on costs before you go.

Footnotes…