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Fun, Free Events

Listings by AREA:
St. Louis, MO ~ STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
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Of Interest to People With Disabilities…

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

SAVE THE DATE: Fishing for People with Disabilities (STL), DATE: Saturday, June 27, 2025 from 10 am – 12:30pm at the Forest Park Fish Hatchery. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Recreation Council want everyone to discover the fun of fishing. This program will be catch-and-release, ADA-accessible, and designed specifically for both children and adults who have disabilities. REGISTRATION IS COMING SOON.

Access Swim at the Maryland Heights Aquatic Center and the Aquaport: Access Swim offers dedicated hours for people with disabilities and their caregivers to enjoy the aquatic facilities. FREE for everyone at the Aquatic Center and Free for residents at the Aquaport. Contact Sarah Croy, Inclusion Coordinator for details at (314) 963-5623 or croys@webstergrovesmo.gov Check out these flyers for more details: Aquaport ~ Aquatic Center

MEMORIAL DAY Remembrance…

Baue Memorial Gardens County-Wide Veterans Memorial Program (SCC), Sunday, May 24 at Baue Memorial Gardens, 3950 W. Clay, St. Charles, MO 63301. Join us for the family picnic, food, drinks, face painting, music, and more starting at 12:00 pm. At 2:00 pm we will honor all Veterans who have died since last year’s program. During this beautiful service, families of those Veterans will be invited forward to place a poppy in a wreath in their honor. Information

Jefferson Barracks Memorial Day Good Turn (STL), Sunday, May 24 from 10:30-3pm at JB Park, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63125. Join Scouting USA troops in this traditional flag-placement ceremony and procession in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.  Information

O’Fallon, MO Memorial Day Ceremony (SCC), Monday, May 25 AT 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Walk, 800 Belleau Creek Rd., O’Fallon, MO 63366. Join us for our annual Memorial Day Ceremony to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. This ceremony will also include the unveiling of our newest Path of Heroes signs to be displayed throughout the O’Fallon community. Information

Memorial Day Observance (STL), Monday, May 25 at 10am at the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, 1315 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. Gather with fellow community members in a setting dedicated to remembrance. The wreath-laying ceremony will begin at 10am and will include a musical tribute by “Air Lifter Brass Quartet”. Yellow carnations will also be available for visitors to place at memorial sites. The observance is free and open to the public. Information

Lake St. Louis Memorial Day Ceremony (SCC), Monday, May 25 at 9:00 AM at Veterans Memorial Park, 200 Civic Center Drive, Lake St Louis, MO 63367. Join us for this solemn remembrance ceremony to honor our military heroes. Information

Free Events for Everyone…

(OUTDOOR CONCERTS ARE LISTED SEPARATELY BELOW…)

Rolling on the Riverfront (STL), May 22-25 at the Gateway Arch. This 4 day event has something for everyone. Enjoy free music concerts daily, watch the parade on Saturday at 2pm, enjoy a magic show on Monday at 2pm, come down for fireworks on Monday at 8pm, or sign up for a 2 hour roller skating session with the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River as your backdrop. Those who bring their own skates are FREE! Skate rentals are available for all ages and skill levels for a fee. All participants, including those bringing their own skates, must register to skate and complete a waiver prior to skating. FEES are charged for PARKING. Information

Movie Nights at Westport Plaza (STL), Friday, May 22 from 6-9 PM at Westport Plaza. On May 22, come see “Rookie of the Year” and on May 29, enjoy “A Minecraft Movie.” Enjoy an outdoor showing of a baseball-themed family-friendly movie in the 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. Information

St. Louis County Greek Festival (STL), May 22-25 daily at at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 1755 Des Peres Road, Town and Country.. The festival features live music, traditional folk dancing, church tours, a vendors market and authentic Greek food. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the festival is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Monday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Information

Battle of St Louis Day Reenactment Day (STL), Saturday, May 23 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Gateway Arch near the South Reflection Pond, 11 North Fourth Street, St Louis, MO, 63102. Visitors will enjoy learning the history and significance of the battle that took place on what is now the Arch grounds on May 26, 1780 when the British and Native Americans attacked the village of St. Louis during the Revolutionary War. Reenactors will be in period dress and 1700 cannons and rifles will be fired at the top of the hour at 11am, noon, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. See website for more info. Admission is FREE. Information

Movie Night at Marquette Park: Wicked for Good (STL), Saturday, May 23 at 7:00 pm at Marquette Park, 4091 S. Compton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118. Join Dutchtown Main Streets for free, family-friendly entertainment under the stars this summer at Marquette Park. All are welcome to join us at the Marquette Park Field House (Gasconade and Virginia) beginning at 7pm. The movie will begin at dark. Feel free to bring chairs, blankets, snacks, and drinks. Information

Annual Car and Bike Show (SCC), Saturday, May 23 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at 370 Lakeside Park, St Peters, 63376.Put on by Detail 360, this family-friendly show will feature incredible cars and motorcycles and honor veterans. Visitors will enjoy a day full of live music, food and fun. Admission is FREE for spectators. Information

Punk Rock Flea Market at Tower Grove Park (STL), Saturday, May 23 from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm at Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63110 (map). This flea market is filled with all things on the fringe. Enjoy this 200+ vendor market full of the strange and unusual, plus a great line-up of live bands, performing artists, food and drink options. Saint Louis Punk Rock Flea Market VII will be even bigger, louder, and more unforgettable than ever before.  Admission is free. NOTE toSensory Sensitive visitors should be prepared for a loud environment. Information 

Asian Festival (SCC), Sunday, May 24 from 10am-6pm at Lakeside 370 Park, 1000 Lakeside Park Dr, St Peters, MO 63376.  In celebration of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, bring friends and family and enjoy an All-day event of cultural awareness, food from different Asian countries, arts & crafts and cultural performances. Information

African Arts Festival (STL), Sunday, May 24 from 11am-8pm at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park, Government Hill, St Louis, MO, 63110. The 34th annual African Arts Festival will highlight African culture and will include live entertainment, food and artisan vendors, a children’s village, an African Marketplace and more! Admission is FREE! Information

Cherokee Caravan Along Historic Cherokee Antique Row (STL), Monday, May 25 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on Historic Cherokee Street Antique Row. Spend Memorial Day shopping for treasures on Cherokee Antique Row! Visitors will enjoy the finest antiques and art, plus food trucks and live entertainment. Cherokee Street will be closed between Jefferson Avenue and Lemp. Admission is FREE! Information

Shakespeare in the Park: The Tempest (STL), opening day is Wednesday, May 27, show runs daily (except Mondays) through June 21 in Shakespeare Glen near the Art Museum in Forest Park, 6604 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110. The Tempest is a play about travelers who wash ashore on a mysterious island where nothing is quite as it seems.  The Tempest is a spellbinding story of forgiveness, love, and finding your way home. FREE! Information

SciFest: Great Outdoors Expo (STL) Saturday, May 30 from 9:30am-4:30pm at the Science Center, 5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110. Meet and engage with STEM experts and organizations related to outside life, activity, work, and play. The free-to-attend, daylong event is the second in the Science Center’s quarterly series for 2026 connecting the public with science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals. The event typically hosts 3,000–4,000 attendees and includes engaging activities, informative presentations, and games. STL Magazine Article ~ Event Information

Play Day in the Park at the Forest Park Visitor Center (STL), Saturday, May 30 9:30 am – 2:00 pm at the Forest Park Visitor Center. Families will enjoy this FREE event that will feature hands-on activities, bubble play, outdoor art, parachute games, sports, STEM activities and more. This event is a fantastic opportunity to come together and celebrate the importance of play in our community. Information

OUTDOOR CONCERTS…

Summer concert season has arrived! Many of these concerts repeat throughout the summer so grab your lawn chair and head outdoors to enjoy some music with friends in the community.

Dardenne Prairie Summer Concert (SCC), Thursday, May 21 from 6:30 – 9:30 PM at City Hall Park, at 2032 Hanley Road, Dardenne Prairie, 63368. These free outdoor concerts provide a great way to enjoy the summer with family and friends. Music this month by the “Brightside Band.” Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase. NOTE: This event may be crowded since the “Taste of the County Fundraiser” is happening alongside the free concert. You may buy tickets for the fundraiser at the website. Event repeats monthly with varying activities. Information

History Museum Twilight Concerts (STL), Thursdays, May 21 & 28 from 6-8PM at the MO History Museum in Forest Park. This popular, free outdoor concert series on the Imo Family Plaza brings a lineup of spectacular shows from local musicians. Some of the area’s best food trucks will also be on hand each week. On May 21, enjoy  Sly and The Family Stone”, playing funk, soul, and rock. On May 28, enjoy a Diana Ross Tribute Band.  Information

St. Peters Sunset Concerts (SCC), Friday, May 22 & 29 from 6:30-9 PM at 370 Lakeside Park,  On May 22, music is by “Zydeco Crawdaddys.” On May 29 enjoy music by “The Portholes.” Enjoy free outdoor concerts around beautiful lake 370 with food trucks. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. Event repeats on various dates in June, August and September. Information

Lake St. Louis Summerfest Music Series at The Meadows (SCC), Fridays, May 22, & 29 from 6:30-8:30pm at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, 20 Meadows Circle Dr, Lake Saint Louis, MO, 63367. Join us on May 22 for the rocking music of the “Comparato Band” and May 29 for “Caleb Atwood” with country music for all. 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 (weather permitting).  Information

Jammin’ Summer Concert Series-O’Fallon, MO (SCC), Tuesdays, May 26 from 6:30–9 p.m., at Civic Park Bandstand, 308 Civic Park Drive, 63366. 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 11. Information

MO Botanical Gardens Whitaker Music Festival (STL), Wednesday, May 27 from 5-9 PM at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Gates open at 5pm with a concert at 7pm by Tiffany Ann. The May 27th performance includes ASL interpreters provided by DEAF, Inc. 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. Event repeats weekly through July 29, 2026. Information

Downtown St. Louis Lunchtime Live Concert (STL), Wednesday, May 27 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

Tower Grove Park, Sauce Magazine’s Food Truck Friday (STL), Friday, May 29 from 4-8pm at Tower Grove Park,63110 (map)   Bring a picnic dinner or buy an entrée from one of our food truck vendors and enjoy an evening at the park with friends, fun, live music and over 20 food truck options. Repeats June 12, 26, Aug 14 & 21, Sept 18, & Oct 2. Information

O’Fallon, MO Food Truck Frenzy, (SCC), Friday, May 29 from 5:30-8:30pm at O’Fallon Sports Park, 3589 State Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63368. Food Truck Frenzy features a wide variety of the most popular local food trucks in a family-friendly park setting. Purchase food or bring your own picnic dinner to listen to music spun by our local DJ. Admission and parking are free. 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…