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Fun, Free Events

Listings by AREA:
St. Louis, MO ~ STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
Email us to receive this e-newsletter weekly: stchascounty@recreationcouncil.org
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Recreation Council News…

Overnight Camp Registration and Voucher Funding: Breaking News! By now, most of you have heard that Sunnyhill Adventures has cancelled ALL weeks of their week-long, overnight summer camp for 2026. Note that Sunnyhill’s Weekend Adventure trips are not part of this closure and will happen as planned. If you received a Recreation Council overnight summer camp voucher for Sunnyhill, contact the coordinator in your service area to discuss alternatives. To be fair to all our applicants, we will hold funds allocated for Sunnyhill Overnight Summer Camp until FRIDAY, MAY 15 (one week longer than originally expected) to give you time to find an alternative camp. After that point, THE ALLOCATED FUNDS WILL RETURN TO THE GENERAL FUND. Remember that funds in all 3 of the counties we serve (St. Louis city, county, and St. Charles) are first come, first serve with program dates required. ST. CHARLES IS LIKELY TO REINSTATE A WAITING LIST BY THE MIDDLE OF MAY, while ST. LOUIS CITY AND COUNTY have ample funds available for all programs. Complete an application HERE for the county where you live.

Events For People with Disabilities…

Black Cat Coffee Café Spring Pop Up Day (SCC), Saturday, May 16 from 9:00 AM  12:00 PM at Messiah Church (map). We empower teens and young adults with disabilities in St. Charles County at quarterly pop-up events where our Coffee Crew gains hands-on experience in a welcoming, supportive environment. Grab a menu, take a seat, and note your name and table number before marking your selections. A Coffee Crew member will collect your order. Beverages are self-serve including coffee, tea, juice, water, and cold drinks. All treats and drinks are complimentary, with CASH ONLY tips warmly welcomed to support our Coffee Crew. Information

The Magic House Sensory-Friendly Event (STL), Saturday, May 23, 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. Register for The Magic House on May 23, 2026

Partner News…


Big Muddy’s Summer Canoe Adventures: Whether this is your first time paddling or you’re a Bonafide river rat, Big Muddy Adventures has a river trip waiting for you. We offer a wide range of guided canoe trips, from hour-long paddles to multi-day expeditions and private island dinners. The canoes are double wide, stable, and safe for paddlers of all abilities. Check out all the most popular trips including:

COST VARIES BY TRIP SELECTED. Trips are eligible for Recreation Council CARE voucher funding.

Midwest Disabled Water Ski Association – Skier slots are going fast – Register soon: Summer Splash REGISTRATION. Missouri Disabled Water Ski Association (MDWSA) can’t wait to get back on the water, see familiar faces, and welcome new friends to the lake for another unforgettable summer. We provide a safe, fun and extremely memorable water ski experience. SLOTS FILL QUICKLY! Learn more about MDWSA.

Parents Supporting Parents (SCC): One of our Rec Council parents is creating network to support working parents with child care needs and asked us to share this message: “Many parents find themselves in a bind when they can’t leave their children with disabilities unattended because the child is too old for daycare but too young for adult services. My name is Lindsay and I’m a parent who wants to connect with other parents living in the St. Charles area who are in the same situation and want to discuss creating a network of parents who are willing to share childcare duties. This could happen both during the summer and the school year. If you are interested, contact Lindsay at Dandeliondogs@hotmail.com or 470-222-1008.”

Free Events for Everyone…

Cinco De Mayo celebrations are popping up across St. Louis with music, margaritas, and festive flair. Visit the St. Louis Magazine’s listing of places you can go to hear music, indulge in tacos, or have your furry friend join you. (Some locations charge a fee to participate).  Information

UMSL University Spring Concerts (STL), May 4, 5, & 13, at 7:30 pm at the Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis, MO 63121. Select from Jazz (May 4), Chorus (May 5) or Orchestra (May 13). Admission is FREE, but tickets are required. Donations accepted to support the UMSL Music Scholarship Fund. Enjoy an evening of music at our beautiful theater. Information

 Katy Trail “Tuesdays on the Trail Tram Tours” from St. Charles to Machens (SCC), Registration opens May 5 & slots fill quickly. Tour is on Tuesday, June 9. Join the Mo Department of Natural Resources for these free tours for Seniors to spend 2 hours on the Katy Trail with a knowledgeable guide riding in the comfort of an open-air tram.  Register Online or give us a call at (573) 449-7402. Information

Lunchtime Live Concert in Downtown St. Louis (STL), Wednesday, May 6 from 1:30 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. Event repeats every Wednesday all summer long. Information

Midwest Maifest (SCC), Saturday, May 9 from 2-6pm at New Town at St. Charles Amphitheater, 3504 Rue Royal St.Saint Charles, MO 63301. This one-day festival celebrates the arrival of Spring and the rich German heritage in St. Charles County. The festivities includes: Beer, Wine, and Spirit Samples; Food and local craft vendors; Live German Entertainment; Events and activities provided for all ages to participate. Tickets only required for sampling. Information

Das Bevo Maifest (STL), Saturday, May 9 from 12 noon-10pm at Das Bevo, 4749 Gravois Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63116.  It’s that time again! We’re kicking off spring and Biergarten season with our 5th Annual Maifest, and it’s going to be a party. Join us for a full day of beer (for sale) from our pals at Urban Chestnut, polka music, and plenty of ridiculousness. Rain or shine. Admission is FREE. Dust off your lederhosen, start practicing your yodel, and get ready… because yes, we’ll definitely have a Stein holding contest (or two). Prost! Information

Main Street In Bloom (SCC), May 9 & 10 from 11am-5pm both days on Main Street, Saint Charles, MO 63301. Spend Mother’s Day weekend strolling, shopping, and celebrating in the heart of Historic St. Charles which will will be beautifully dressed for spring with flowing ribbons, florals, and stunning seasonal displays. Event features fife and drum performances, parade on Saturday, Maypole dance, children’s crafts and face painting, and photo opportunities along Main Street. Information

Food Truck in Blanchette Park (SCC), Tuesday, May 12 from 5-8PM at Blanchette Park, 1900 W Randolph St, St Charles, MO 63301 (map). Join us for this Food Truck Event featuring live music and a variety of delicious food options available for purchase at several different food truck vendors.  Bring your family and friends out for a relaxing evening in the park. Information

Beale Street Concert Series (SCC), Wednesday, May 13 from 6-8pm at Streets of St. Charles, 1650 Beale Street, 63303. Kick off our summer concert series with “Plastic Kings” playing lively music so you can dance and sing. FREE! Bring your lawn chair. No outside food or beverages allowed. Visit Website 

Family Nights at The Magic House (STL), Friday, May 15 from 5-8pm at The Magic House, 516 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122. These special nights enable a family (up to two adults and four children) to visit the Museum at no cost. Space is limited. Information

Gallery Laughs (STL), Friday, May 15 from 5-8pm with comedy show beginning at 6:30pm at the Art Museum in Forest Park, 63110. Enjoy live music and stand-up comedy at SLAM’s Gallery Laughs series featuring nationally touring comedians and local performers. Free tickets will be available in person at the Museum starting at 10 am on the day of the performance at the welcome desk in Taylor Hall. Information

Mini Book Fair (SCC), Friday, May 15 from 9 am-6 pm, and Saturday, May 16 from 9 am-4 pm. Join us for our mini Book Fair—a smaller version of the community’s favorite annual event. Admission is free to browse. Books for sale priced very reasonably. Information

Wentzville Days Fair & Music Festival (SCC), May 15-17 in Historic Downtown Wentzville Allen & Main, 63385. Celebrate our community during Wentzville Days! This three-day festival includes food, drink and craft vendors, live music, a carnival, kids activities and more. Carnival times are 6:00-10:30 PM on Friday, 12:00-10:30 PM on Saturday, and 12:00-6:00 PM on Sunday.  Wristbands can be purchased for rides. Information

Armed Forces Day Ceremony- Veterans Memorial Walk (SCC), Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m. at O’Fallon’s Veterans Memorial Walk, 800 Belleau Creek Road, 63368. Join us for O’Fallon’s annual Armed Forces Day Ceremony to honor the brave men and women currently serving in all branches of the U.S. military. All are welcome to attend as we come together as a community to show our appreciation and support for our armed forces. Information

Monster Machines Day (STL), Saturday, May 16 from 9am-12noon at the Lodge Des Peres Outdoor Parking Lot. Join us for Monster Machines Day at The Lodge!  See a police car, fire truck and much more up close during this FREE hands-on event.  Climb in, look around and let your imagination take you for a ride! The program is free and no registration required!  In case of inclement weather, visit www.desperesmo.org/weather. ~  Event Information

Sid & Bob’s BBQ (SCC), Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westhoff Park, 810 Sheppard Drive, O’Fallon, 63366. Calling all residents of O’Fallon, MO! You’re invited to join Parks Police Officers Sid and Bob to indulge in some seriously delicious BBQ treats while soaking up the sunshine at the Westhoff Plaza Skate & BMX Complex. They’ll be flipping burgers, grilling hot dogs, and serving up smiles all afternoon. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with your local law enforcement while enjoying some mouthwatering grub. Information

 

 

23 free ways to have fun as a family in the STL-SCC metro area: 

Affordable, world-class activities year round make St. Louis a true family town. 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.

The 2026 Summer Opportunities Guide is now available to view and print: Find the PDF version HERE

St. Louis Magazine publishes a guide to local summer camps. From arts to athletics, there are many local offerings to keep your child active and entertained while continuing their development outside of the school year. Check out our 2026 Local Summer Camp Guide to find the right camp for your child. Camp Guide Here

BluePrint4 is a search engine to help you search for Summer Day camps and after-school programs in the St. Louis Metro area. www.blueprint4.com

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…