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Fun, Free Events Newsletter

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St. Louis, MO ~ STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
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Recreation Council News…

Lite Tennis DEMO at Adapted Pickleball Night:  Monday, July 6, 2026 from 6-8pm at Chicken ‘N Pickle, 1500 S. Main Street, St. Charles MO 63301 (map). Join us on Adapted Pickleball Night for a demo of LITE TENNIS, a simplified tennis game played on a pickleball court. People of all abilities can play both Pickleball and Lite Tennis. Bring your own tennis racket if you want to try your hand at Lite Tennis.  Pickleball rackets and balls are provided for those who want to play pickleball.  This event is for EVERYONE! Bring your friends who want to learn about these fun racket sports. No registration needed.

INTRODUCTION TO LITE TENNIS Instructional Night, Monday, July 13 from 5-7pm at Chicken ‘N Pickle, 1500 S. Main Street, St. Charles MO 63301 (map). If you like the DEMO, sign up to attend the Lite Tennis instructional night. This new and user-friendly racquet sport combines tennis and pickleball. Lite Tennis is played with a soft, quiet, specially designed and engineered foam ball that is hit with a tennis racquet on a Pickleball / Lite Tennis court. Scoring is simplified and it’s easy to learn. Instructor, Leo Estopare, will share the joy of this game with people of all ages, all abilities, and all skill levels. Event is open to ALL! We have one court for new tennis players and another court for the more experienced tennis players. We have a few rackets to share, but bring your own racket if you have one.  Registration is Required ~ FLYER ~  Learn more about the game at www.litetennis.com

ADA Then and Now: Disability Pride Celebration and Vendor Fair, Tuesday, July 28 from 10am -1pm at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. The Recreation Council is one of the many vendors attending this celebration of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Visit the vendor hall beginning at 10am, then listen to inspirational speakers on the role of disabled St. Louisans in the ADA’s passage, the disability rights movement, future directions toward full inclusion of people with disabilities. Information at www.mohistory.org/events/stl-milestones ~ Flyer

For People With Disabilities…

The Magic House Sensory-Friendly Event (STL), Saturday, July 11, 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 July 11, 2026

ZOO Sensory Friendly Morning (STL), Sunday, July 19 from 8-11am at the St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park. This special morning gives families and individuals with sensory needs a chance to enjoy all the Zoo’s regular offerings with lower crowd capacity, sensory bags (limited quantity), a calming cart, trained Zoo staff to help and various quiet zones.  Free – Reservations Are Required

Saint Louis Crisis Nursery Annual Conference: Hope in Action (STL), The program features perspectives on the current challenges and opportunities impacting children and families across Missouri and a deeper look at building protective factors and delivering trauma-informed care to strengthen community engagement and prevention efforts. Information ~ FREE, but REGISTRATION is Required

Fun, Free Events for Everyone…

This week’s Screen-Free Summer Challenge from St. Louis magazine: Pick one red, white, or blue activity and be fully there for it. Yes, that means resisting the urge to take 47 blurry fireworks photos you’ll never look at again. Put the phone down; it’s a party!

City Soccer Pop Up Soccer Events, July 1-19 across the Metro area. Nearly every day in July, City Soccer will be a nonstop celebration of soccer including watch parties, street soccer, community mini-pitch openings, youth tournaments, and more. Hosted at multiple locations, like the Forest Park, Kirkwood, O’Fallon YMCA, Westport Plaza, Fairgrounds Park, Black Jack, and U-City, these events and activities will be dedicated to making soccer more accessible for fans of all ages and backgrounds. Information ~ Where to watch the World Cup in St. Louis

July is Parks and Recreation Month

O’Fallon Parks & Recreation Month Activities (SCC): Free Pop-up Events all Month Long – FREE, but registration is requested due to limited space ~ July is Parks & Recreation Month, and we are so excited to celebrate everything that makes our city such a vibrant, strong, and resilient place to live. O’Fallon Parks & Recreation has a fun lineup of free activities planned for everyone, no matter your age or ability. You can jump into our Splash Pad Socials, break a sweat at our Family Fitness events, or enjoy Art in the Park. We’re mixing in some great new surprises, like an ice cream social for seniors, while still celebrating community staples like the Heritage and Freedom Fest. This year’s free Parks & Recreation Month activities include:

  • Senior Ice Cream Social – July 7th, 1:30 p.m. at the Renaud Center
  • Art in the Park (Rock Painting) – July 9th, 10:30 a.m. at Civic Park
  • Family Yoga Class – July 13th, noon at Dames Park
  • Splash Pad Social – July 16th, 10:30 a.m. at Brendan’s Playground
  • Art in the Park (Keychains & Friendship Bracelets) – July 23rd, 10:30 a.m. at O’Day Park
  • Family Fun Kickboxing Class – July 27th, noon at Dames Park
  • Splash Pad Social – July 30th, 10 a.m. at Alligator’s Creek Aquatic Center
  • Messy Mania – July 31st, 6 p.m. at Sports Park

St. Charles County Parks: Where the Wild Things Play: Parent-Child Nature Days (SCC),  Nature is the ultimate playground and it plays a big role in helping kids grow strong, confident, and curious. 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. This is a free program, but Registration is Required ~ St. Charles County Parks Facebook

  • 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Tuesday, July 7 at Quail Ridge Park
  • 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday, July 11 at Indian Camp Creek Park
  • 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 8 at Matson Hill Park

More Fun Free Events Happening Next Weekend…

Great Rivers Greenway Sunsets and Snow Cones (STL), Thurs. July 9 from 5:30-7:30pm Centennial Greenway: Warson Park. Celebrate your regional network of greenways by grabbing a free snow cone on your favorite greenway at sunset. No registration required, just come beat the heat with an icy treat. Repeats on July 23 & 30, August 6 & 13 on various Greenways in the metro area. Information ~ Great Rivers Greenway Facebook Page

Touch a Truck (STL), July 10 from 9am-1pm at North County Recreation Center, 2577 Redman Road, 63136. Kids can climb, explore, and discover all kinds of big rigs, from fire trucks to dump trucks and more. More Touch a Truck Events are scheduled for July 31 and August 14 at various locations. Facebook Posting

Let Them Eat Art (STL), July 10 from 5:30-9:30pm at CNB Park, 7300 Manchester Rd, Maplewood, MO 63143.  Celebrate over two decades of creativity, community, and whimsy at Maplewood’s most magical summer event and a lively tribute to Bastille Day. This year’s event will feature over 60 artists demonstrating their craft and selling their work, along with roaming performers, live music, and engaging activities for all ages. Food vendors will be available along Manchester Road for food and drink purchases. Information

2026 Movie Nights at Westport Plaza: CARS (STL), Friday, July 10 from 6-9 PM at Westport Plaza, 111 Westport Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 (map).  Enjoy an outdoor showing in our family-friendly green space at the Plaza. Movie concessions will be available, plus 90 minutes before the movie there will be face painting. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Admission is FREE! Movie begins at 7pm. More movies scheduled for July-September. Information

Gateway Festival Orchestra Concerts (STL), July 12, 19, & 26. see schedule below. Whether you love an evening picnic or enjoying soaring symphonies in the cool air conditioning, the Gateway Festival Orchestra (GFO) is thrilled to be your St. Louis summer soundtrack with our completely free, family-friendly, symphony concerts that are open to everyone. No tickets required. Free parking is available at the Danforth University Center garage. MAP with wheelchair/ADA accessibility at the WashU Quadrangle MAP ~ The Outdoor Experience: Symphony Under the Stars, July 12 & 26 at 7:30pm at Washington University Brookings Quadrangle  The Indoor Experience: July 19 at 4pm at 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave, University City, 63130. Information

Family Nights in Brentwood Park (STL), Friday, July 10, 2026, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm at 2924 Brazeau Avenue, Brentwood, MO 63144. Join us on select evenings this summer for even more fun in the park, featuring local food trucks, refreshing drinks, live music, and free entertainment for all ages. Food trucks and activities begin at 5:30 PM, with featured music acts taking the stage at 7:00 PM. Explore the park, visit our newest playground, and grab your lawn chairs for a night of free summer fun and music. Repeats on August 14. Information

National Police Collectors Show (SCC), July 11 & 12 from 9am-3pm at the St. Charles Convention Center, One Convention Center Plaza, 63303. Enjoy a premier annual event for law enforcement memorabilia enthusiasts, bringing together collectors from across the country to share their passion, trade, and showcase collections. Since 1985, this tradition has fostered lasting friendships, with many attendees reconnecting each year at the show. Free entry to browse vendor tables. Information

Outdoor Concerts & Repeating Events….

Summer concert series for every day of the week:  Read Now »

St Charles Area…

Cottleville Twilight Tuesdays (SCC), Tuesday, July 7 from 6-8:30pm at Legacy Park, CWS Rotary Amphitheatre, 5490 Fifth Street, Cottleville, MO 63304 (map). Join us for “Pink Houses” playing music by John Mellencamp. More concerts on July 21 & Aug 25. Information

O’Fallon, MO Jammin’ Summer Concert Series (SCC), No concert on Tuesday July 7. Event returns on July 14 and repeats weekly through August 11.  Information

St. Charles, Beale Street Concert (SCC), Wednesday, July 8 from 6-8pm at Streets of St. Charles, 1520 South 5th Street, St. Charles, MO, 63303.  Enjoy music by Hollywood 5. Bring your lawn chair for a live local musical entertainment (no outside food or beverages). Concerts monthly on Aug 12, Sept 9 and Oct 14. Information

St. Charles Municipal Band Concert (SCC), Thursday, July 9, 16, 23, 30 and weekly through August, 2026 from 7:30-8:30 pm at Frontier Park, 500 S Riverside Dr, St Charles, MO 63301. Pack a lawn chair or blanket, and enjoy a free outdoor performance by the St. Charles Municipal Band. Free. Information

The Meadows at Lake St. Louis Summerfest Music Series (SCC), Fridays, July 10, 17, 24, 31 & weekly through September 2026 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. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your dancing shoes. On July 10, enjoy singer Michael Marciano performing rock, blues, pop, reggae, rockabilly, motown & more. Information

Frenchtown Hot Summer Nights (SCC), Saturday, July 11 from 7-10pm on Second Street, St. Charles, MO 63301. Join us for a summer of hot music, great times with friends and good food and drinks. Enjoy our first concert featuring “Rock Party Night” featuring the J-Berrys. More concerts on Aug 8 & Sept 12.  Information

Jazz at the Riverside (SCC), Sunday, July 12 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. Repeats Aug 9, and Sept 6. Information

St. Louis Area…

Downtown St. Louis Lunchtime Live Concert (STL), Wednesdays, July 8, 15, 22, & 29 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. Dates for August & September are not posted yet. Information

Botanical Gardens Whitaker Music Festival (STL), Wednesday, July 8, 15, 22, 29 from 5-9 PM at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Gates open at 5pm with a concert at 7pm. 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. Last concert of the season is July 29. Information

Faust Park Summer Concert Series (STL), Thursdays, July 9, 16, 23, & 30 & weekly through August 11, 2026 from 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm at Faust Park, 15025 Faust Park Drive, Chesterfield, MO, 63017. This outdoor concert series features talented local musicians. Gates open at 5:30 pm, bingo at 6 pm, concerts from 7-9pm. Concessions and Food Trucks will be available for food and drink purchases.  Website ~ Facebook

Ferguson Summer Concerts at Plaza 501 (STL), Friday July 10 from 7-9pm at The Plaza, 501 S. Florissant Rd, 63135. Enjoy the music of Griffin & The Gargoyles. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers (no glass) to enjoy music outdoors. Final concert of the summer scheduled for Sept 11. Information

Des Peres Summer Concert (STL), Friday, July 10 from 7-9:30pm at Des Peres Park, 12325 Manchester Road, 63131. Join the City of Des Peres for the music of Breakdown Shakedown along with food trucks where you can purchase food. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and coolers (alcohol is allowed but NO GLASS).  Information

Chesterfield Amphitheater Sounds of Summer Tribute Band Concerts (STL), Saturday, July 11 from 6-10pm at the Chesterfield Amphitheater, 631 Veterans Place Drive, Chesterfield, MO, 63017. On July 11, enjoy a tribute to Huey Lewis. Admission is FREE! More tribute concerts on July 16, 25, August 14 & 22. Information

Tower Grove Park, Sauce Magazine’s Food Truck & Live Music Fridays (STL), no July dates; Event returns on Aug 14 & 21, Sept 18, & Oct 2, 2026. Information

The Metro STL/SCC area is hopping with activity. Check out these listings of more events you can explore:

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…