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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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Spotlight on Disability…

The Black Cat Coffee Café Project is a pop-up coffee shop with a mission to empower teens and young adults with disabilities in St. Charles County, Missouri. We host quarterly pop-up events where our Coffee Crew gains hands-on experience in a welcoming, supportive environment. Through these events, our crew members develop valuable job skills to help them transition into competitive employment. Join us at our next pop-up, support our mission, and be part of something truly special. Information

Black Cat Café Summer Pop-up Cafe: Saturday, July 19 from  Avalon Park Independent Living, 11001 Cottleville Trails Dr, Cottleville, MO 63304 (map). Summer is heating up, and so is our impact! Join us at Avalon Park for our kickoff pop-up café to sip something delicious, support a great cause, and celebrate community with our Coffee Crew. Event Information

Chicken ‘N Pickle Give Back Night: Thank you to everyone who came out to CNP for adapted pickleball night and The Recreation Council Give Back Night. CNP is an amazing partner for so many local nonprofits in our area! Stop in on July 22 for another Give Back Night to benefit Missouri DIsability Empowerment: Flyer

 

Events for People with Disabilities…

The Magic House Sensory-Friendly Event (STL), Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 8:30am-9:30am. The Magic House is opening early for KEEN families and friends to enjoy a sensory-friendly playtime. This is designed to provide children with disabilities a sensory-friendly opportunity to enjoy The Magic House – without the crowds! Families will have private access to The Magic House’s many activities. You are welcome to stay once The Magic House opens to the public, but you must arrive by 9:30am for free admission. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE MAGIC HOUSE 7/12  Admission is free, but registration is required.

Harbor Unlimited: Bingo (SCC), Saturday, July 19 from 10am-12:30pm at Spencer Road Library, 427 Spencer Rd, St. Peters, MO 63376. Join us for fun like never “B-4” and prizes galore. Harbor Unlimited events are free and are designed to connect and support families touched by disabilities. FREE – Register Here ~ Flyer

National Beep Baseball World Series (ILL), July 20–25 at Glen-Ed West Soccer Complex in Edwardsville and Reiniger Memorial Soccer Park in Caseyville. MindsEye Radio, an organization that works with blind and visually-impaired community members in the St. Louis area, will sponsor the world series from Beep baseball players from across the country will travel to the region to compete. Beep baseball is played with a ball that actually beeps, a sighted pitcher, and bases that make sound. The outfielders are blindfolded and try to locate the ball and tag out the batter before he/she makes it on base. Come out to watch this fascinating and highly competitive game. Information

Disability Day: Fostering Inclusion (STL), Tuesday, July 22 from 10am-2pm at the MO History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO, 63112. Thirty-five years after being signed into law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) continues to protect the rights of people with disabilities. Join the Missouri History Museum for keynote speeches by prominent advocates with disabilities and resource tables that reflect, celebrate, and foster inclusion, followed by lunch. FREE but please REGISTER

State of MO Family Flexible Assistance Program FY26 Funding Announcement: Formerly known as EMAP funding, the new FFAP program will take applications for funding beginning at 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Individuals who are enrolled with the Division of Developmental Disabilities, who have a diagnosis of autism, and reside in the East or Northwest Missouri Autism Project regions will be able to apply for FY26 FFAP funding. The application link will be posted to the East Missouri Autism Project (EMAP) webpages when the application period opens on July 23, 2025. For more information regarding eligibility requirements, priority status and award amount for each region, visit the EMAP and webpage. Visit the Family Flexible Assistance Program webpage for the latest Program Guidelines, FAQ’s, webinars, and more. If you have questions, contact the Office of Autism Services.

Fun, Free Events for Everyone…

MUSIC: Scroll down to see events that repeat throughout the summer and for a listing of OUTDOOR MUSIC in the metro area.

Westport Plaza Movie Nights (STL), Friday, July 11 & 18, activities begin at 6 pm and movie begins at 7pm at Westport Plaza, 111 WestPort Plaza Dr., St. Louis, MO 63146. On July 11, enjoy the movie Finding Nemo. On July 18, enjoy the movie Sandlot. Join us for fun activities, including caricatures, face painting, and character performances. Activities and the movie are free. Food and drink available for purchase. Repeats on August 8 & 22 with different movies. Information
Downtown St. Louis, Summer MOVIE Night at Ballpark Village: Frozen (STL), Thursdays, July 17 & 31 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Movie begins at 6pm. On July 17 enjoy the movie “Frozen” and on July 31 enjoy the movie “Mama Mia” scheduled to be shown at Kiener Plaza on the corner of Market and Broadway, St Louis, MO, 63102 (check website for location updates). Information
Outdoor Movie: Moana (STL), July 17, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at The Hub STL, 17065 N Outer 40 Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63005. Enjoy a night under the stars as we present the summer sea favorite, Moana. Information

Let Them Eat Art (STL), Friday, July 11 from 6 PM – 10 PM along the streets of Historic Maplewood, MO. Let Them Eat Art is a celebration of the arts and a whimsical tribute to Bastille Day. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Let Them Eat Art, which features live art demonstrations, musical performances, and kids’ activities, plus food and drink from Maplewood restaurants. Information

Children’s Performance Series in Tower Grove (STL), Friday, July 11, 18, 25 & August 1 from 10-11 am at Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, St Louis, MO 63110 (map), at the Stupp Center in the outdoor amphitheater. These FREE family-friendly events feature storytellers, musicians, dancers, and more. Each week has a different theme. Gates open at 9:30am. Information

Ranger Guided Hikes at Klondike Park (SCC), Saturday, July 12 from 12noon-1pm at Klondike Park, 4600 Highway 94 South, Augusta, MO, 63332. St. Charles County Park Rangers talk about park history, plant and animal life, and learn fun nature facts as we hike for about an hour through our scenic park. Repeats monthly through November. Pre-registration is required

CAM Family Day (STL), Saturday, July 12 from 9:30am-12noon at the Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108. Join us for dance demos, a puppet show, and fun activities for youth and families. Complimentary snacks will be provided and families are encouraged to drop in anytime to participate. Information

Line Dancing at Frankie Martin’s Garden (SCC), Sunday, July 13 from 6-10 pm at Frankie Martin’s, 5372 St Charles Street, Cottleville, MO, 63304. Boot Scoot your way over to FMG every Sunday for Line Dancing. The first hour we provide instruction with our super talented Line Dance Instructors. After that, dance the night away with music from DJ FISH, who will play ALL of your favorite dance tunes. FREE admission. (No outside food or drink allowed) Information

Sunset and Snow Cones on the Greenways (STL), July 14, 22, 31 from 5:30-7:30 pm On July 14, come to the Mississippi Greenway at Cliff Cave County Park Lower Trailhead, 806 Cliff Cave Rd, St. Louis, MO 63129 (Map). On Tuesday, July 22, meet us at Meramec Greenway, Al Foster Trailhead, 225 Grand Avenue, Glencoe, Wildwood, 63038 (Map), On July 31, meet us at St. Vincent Greenway in St. Vincent County Park, 7335 St Charles Rock Rd, St. Louis, MO, 62121 (Map). Hop on your bike or bring your walking shoes to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our regional network of greenways with a FREE SNOWCONE on the greenways. Information

Cottleville Twilight Tuesday – Reptile Night (SCC), Tuesday, July 15 from 5-7pm at Legacy Park Log Cabin, 5490 5th Street, Cottleville, MO 63304.  If you like reptiles, come out for an evening to see them in person. Information

SIP & SPLASH (SCC), Monday July 14 from 4-8pm at Frankie Martin’s Garden,  5372 St Charles St, St Charles, MO 63304. We’re bringing in TWO epic water slide + bounce house combos for all age levels – perfect for kids looking to cool off and have a blast! Food trucks will be here for food purchases. FREE to attend – just come ready to play. Information ~ Flyer

Family Nights at The Magic House (STL), Friday, July 18 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. Event repeats monthly, Aug 15, Sept 19, Oct 17, Nov 21, Dec 19.  Information

B.A.R.K. Ranger Event (STL),  Sunday, July 20 from 10:00 am at the St Louis Gateway Arch, St Louis, MO, 63102. Bring your pet to enjoy Puppuccino Crawl. Dogs get to enjoy a pup cup while we stroll the grounds. This event is FREE for you and your furry friend. Information

MDC Family Fun Day (SCC) Monday, July 21, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Busch Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center, 3550 Route D, approximately five miles west of Highway 94 in Defiance. Come out for a day of activities for visitors of all ages. Visit educational stations, including an indoor nature center exhibit, a fun fishing game for the little ones, and disc golf, atlatl throwing, and archery. Information

Events that Repeat Through the Summer…

History Museum Family Fun Series (STL), Wednesdays and Fridays, through July 30 from 10am-1pm at the MO History Museum in Forest Park. Head to the Museum on Wednesdays and Fridays to enjoy a variety of family activities, including crafts, performances, and scavenger hunts on Wednesdays, and then visit us again on Fridays for storytelling, Cuentos en el Museo, and a drop-in craft workshop. The Summer Family Fun Series is great for families with children ages 2–12. Information

Thursday Nights at the Museum Series at the Missouri History Museum (STL), Every Thursday night enjoy different topics and themes relevant to St. Louis, and fun with a Happy Hour at 5:30pm featuring light appetizers and drinks that will be available for purchase. Main stage performance or lecture will begin at 6:30pm. Museum exhibits will be open until 8pm. Admission is FREE! Information

Free Fridays at the Art Museum (STL): Every Friday, the Saint Louis Art Museum presents “Free Fridays” with live music, gallery activations, open studios, films, performances, and more. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Museum is open from 10 am to 9 pm, with free admission to ticketed exhibitions. Free Fridays include free programming and events throughout the day. Event repeats weekly through the summer and fall. Information

First Fridays at the Foundry Art Centre (SCC), August 1 from 5-8 PM, On the first Friday of each month, families and visitors of all ages are invited to join the Foundry and celebrate the arts. The FAC will be open for extended hours through 8pm for 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

Summer Saturdays at the St. Louis Union Station (STL), Every Saturday through August 30 from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm at Union Station, 1820 Market Street, St Louis, MO, 63103. Every Saturday “Summer Magic” happens featuring FREE family fun. Acts include magic shows, puppet fun, juggling, circus acts, unicycle riders, balloon shows and more. Event repeats weekly through August 30. Information

Outdoor Concerts in St. Charles

St. Charles Municipal Concert Band (SCC), Thursdays, July 10, 17, 24, & 31 at 7:30 pm at Frontier Park in Historic St. Charles. These FREE big band concerts will take place on the Jaycee Stage Pavilion. Bring your own chairs or blankets and food and drink. Band concerts will be cancelled if a forecasted heat index is 100 degrees or above at 6:00 pm. Check the band facebook page for updates. Big Band Concerts repeat weekly through August 28. Information

The Meadows Summerfest Music Series (SCC), Thursdays, July 10, 17, 24, 31, from 6:30-8:30pm at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, 20 Meadows Circle Dr, Lake Saint Louis, MO, 63367. FREE admission for humans, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. All you need to bring is a blanket or lawn chair and your dancing shoes. Event repeats weekly through September 25, 2025.  Information

Frankie Martin’s Garden in Cottleville: Music Nights (SCC), Weekends of July 10/11/12, July 16/17/18/19, July 23/24/25/26, & July 30 at Frankie Martin’s Garden, 5372 St. Charles Street, St. Charles, MO 63304. Join us for local musical talent from acoustic guitar soloists to rock and roll bands playing dance tunes. See the website for more details: More dates in August. Website

New Town Concerts (SCC), July 11, 18, & 26 from 7-10pm & July 13 from 10am-12 noon at the NT Amphitheater, 3312 Rue Royale Saint Charles, MO 63301. Dancing encouraged! Sing out loud! Bring your picnic dinner and enjoy outdoor concerts by various local talents. Stay tuned for more concerts in August on various dates. Information

Hot Summer Nights in Frenchtown (SCC), Saturday, July 12 from 7-10pm on 2nd Street in Historic Frenchtown, St. Charles, MO 63301. Join us for a summer of hot music, great time with friends and some good food and drink. Enjoy music by Country Night with Drawl, and our NEW – STC City Showcase featuring Claudia Rose. Bring your lawn chairs. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Event repeats on Aug 9 & Sept 13. Information

St. Charles JAZZ Band Concert Series (SCC), Sundays, July 13 at 7:30 pm at Frontier Park in Historic St. Charles. These FREE Jazz band concerts take place on the Jaycee Stage Pavilion. Bring your own chairs or blankets and food and drink. Event repeats August 10, 17 & 31, & Sept 13 Information

O’Fallon Jammin’ Concert Series (SCC), Tuesdays, July 15, 22, 29 from 6:30–9 p.m at Civic Park Bandstand. Join us for free concerts on Tuesday evenings this summer. Admission and parking are free. Food trucks and concessions will be available at nominal prices. Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating and enjoy the evening. Event repeats weekly through August 5, 2025. Information

Music on Main, St. Charles Concert: Trixie Delight (SCC), Wednesday, July 16 from 5-7:30pm on 100-200 blocks of N. Main in beautiful Historic St. Charles, 63301. Enjoy a FREE outdoor concert with dance tunes and popular music.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the concert. Food and drink available for purchase. Concerts monthly through September 17. Information

Dardenne Prairie Outdoor Concerts (SCC), Friday July 18 from 6:30-9:30pm at City Hall Park, 2032 Hanley Rd, Dardenne Prairie MO 63368. Bring your lawn chair to listen to the Well Hungarians playing a mix of rock, dance, pop, and country. Event repeats monthly. Information

Twilight Tuesdays (SCC), Tuesday, July 22 from 6-8:30pm at Cottleville Weldon Spring Rotary Amphitheatre in Legacy Park, 5490 5th Street, Cottleville, MO 63304. On July 22 enjoy music by “Pink Houses USA Band” playing John Cougar Mellencamp tunes. Bring your own picnic dinner or dine at Cottleville restaurants & food trucks. Shade umbrellas, chairs, and blankets are welcome.  Information

Outdoor Concerts in St. Louis 

Concerts at the Hub (STL), Thursdays July 10 & 24 from 6-8pm at The Hub the District, 17057 N Outer 40 Road, 63005. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair to enjoy this FREE event. Concessions available for purchase. Event repeats twice per month August 14 & 28. Website

Downtown St. Louis, Summer MUSIC Nights in Kiener Plaza (STL), Thursdays, July 10 & 24 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Kiener Plaza, corner of Market and Broadway, St Louis, MO, 63102. Enjoy FREE summer fun with outdoor live music nights with various local musicians. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs. Food and drink available for purchase. Event repeats on August 7 & 21 Information

Tower Grove Park, Food Truck & Music Friday (STL), Friday, July 11 from 4-8Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63110 (map). More than 20 local food trucks will be part of one of the most beloved outdoor food events in St. Louis for an evening of friends, fun, live music, and plenty of great food. Event repeats monthly through October. Information

Central West End, Street Musicians (STL), Fridays, July 11, 18, 25 from 6-9pm at 416 North Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108. We’re celebrating the return of warmer weather by bringing live music to the streets of the Central West End. You can sip, shop, and stroll throughout the neighborhood while listening to the sounds of local, live musicians at the corners along Euclid Ave. Event repeats weekly through September 26. Information

Jazz St. Louis Summertime Concert Series (STL), Free tickets still available for Saturday, July 12 at 7:30pm at Jazz St. Louis, Steward Center, 3536 Washington, St. Louis MO 63103. If you love Jazz, our summer concerts spotlight talented local musicians. Limited tickets available for August concerts as well. Snag your free tickets by visiting this link: Information

Faust Park Summer Concert Series (STL), Tuesdays, July 15, & 29 (no concert on July 22) from 5:30-9 pm at Faust Park, 15185 Olive Street Road, Chesterfield, MO, 63017. Enjoy these live outdoor concerts featuring talented local musicians, plus a kid’s zone with the Foam Geeks, face painting, balloon twisting, and more. Gates open at 5:30pm; Bingo at 6pm; concerts from 7-9pm. Concessions and Food Trucks will be available for food and drink purchases. Concerts are FREE. Event repeats weekly through August 12. Information

MO Botanical Gardens Whitaker Music Festival (STL), Wednesdays, July 16, 23, 30 – gates open at 5pm, concert begins at 7pm at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Bring your own picnic or purchase dinner on site. Admission to the Garden is FREE after 5pm during the festival. Event repeats weekly through July 30, 2025. Information

Downtown St. Louis City Lunchtime Live Outdoor Concerts (STL), Wednesdays, July 16, 23, 30 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Old Post Office Plaza in Downtown St. Louis, 800 Locust, between 8th and 9th Streets. Lunchtime Live brings you outdoor activities, live music, and food trucks during lunchtime, plus it’s FREE to attend. Purchase food from the food trucks or brown bag it. Event repeats weekly through October 29, 2025. Information

Whitaker Music Festival: Music by Vince Martin (STL), Wednesdays, July 16, 23, 30, gates open at 5pm, concert begins at 7pm at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Enjoy open-air, FREE concerts. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to sit on and are welcome to bring their own picnic supper or purchase dinner on site. Admission to the Garden is FREE after 5pm during the festival. Information

Grant Historic Site Concert (STL), Thursday, July 17 from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Grant Historic Site, 7400 Grant Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. Our second concert of the season will feature The Soulard Blues Band, winner of nine “Best Blues Band” category in a popular local poll. Well-behaved leashed pets, outside food, and beverages are allowed, but we do request no glass containers. Information

Maryland Heights Summer Concerts (STL), Friday, July 18 at Vago Park, 24 Monima Dr, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Enjoy tunes by Flashback, playing classic rock music. All concerts are FREE and all ages are welcome. Bands will play from 7:00–9:00 pm. Information

Chesterfield Sounds of Summer Concerts (STL), Saturday, July 19 & 26 from 6:30-9:30pm (gates open at 5:30 for security checks) at Chesterfield Amphitheater, 631 Veterans Place Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Bring your lawn chair and a picnic dinner for an evening of rock and roll. On July 19, enjoy the Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band. On July 26, enjoy a Heart Tribute Band. Bring lawn chairs. Stadium seats available on a first come, first served basis. More concerts in August. Information

Recreation Council Reminders…

Summer Camp Directory: www.stlmag.com/sponsored-content/summer-camp-guide

Recreation Council Summer Opportunities Guide

FY 2025 Voucher Funding:The voucher programs offset the cost of recreation programs for people with developmental disabilities living in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County. Funding can be used for community recreation (CARE), personal care (Recreation Supports), overnight camp (all ages), and adventure programs (ages 18+). Additional programs available in various counties. Applications can be found at this link: www.recreationcouncil.org/applications

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…