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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…

Saturday Explorers: Astha A Capella (STL), Saturday, May 2 from 2-3pm at the Weber Road Library branch, 4444 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 (map).  Saturday Explorers is a monthly program designed specifically for adults with disabilities. On May 2nd, our friends from Astha A Cappella will be performing South Asian Fusion Acappella music for us to enjoy. Caregivers are welcome. Contact Lauren Budde at 314-994-3300 or lbudde@slcl.org at the library with questions. Information

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

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

Route 66 Centennial Festival (STL), April 30-May 3 (various hours) at the MO History Museum in Forest Park. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 at the Missouri History Museum during this four-day festival exploring the Mother Road’s stunning natural scenery, quirky roadside attractions, complex history, and impacts on communities across the St. Louis region. Kickoff on Thursday April 30 with the Route 66 Centennial Concert: Sweetie and the Toothaches Concert. Activities throughout the weekend include live music, a vintage car display, storytelling, history talks, and a screening on Friday night of the movie, Cars. Check out the website for dates and times of each activity. Information

Spring Wellness Festival (STL), Friday, May 1, from 10am-4pm at the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park, One Fine Arts Drive, 63110. Explore art, nature, and wellness through yoga, meditation, hands-on activities, and family-friendly programming. Schedule includes toddler time at 10am, meditation, yoga, wellness, and art activities for all ages from 11am-2pm, Freeform Dancing DORK Dancing at 2pm where everyone just joyfully dances the afternoon away!
Information

Sauce Magazine’s Food Truck Friday: Season Kickoff (STL), Friday, May 1 from 4-8pm at Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110. 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. Event repeats May 29 and through the summer. Information

May Maker’s Market (SCC), Friday, May 1, 2026, 5-8 PM at St. Charles Foundry Arts Center, 520 N. Main Center, St Charles, MO, 63301. We’re celebrating spring and the women who inspire us! Join us for a First Friday featuring vendors who specialize in spring-themed goodies and gifts for women, and the perfect opportunity to shop for the mothers and mother figures in your life. Plus a Bonus! Snag some spring-inspired tattoos (yes, real tattoos!). Information

The Greater St. Louis Book Fair (STL), Friday-Sunday, May 1-3 (various hours) at Queeny Park: 550 Weidman Rd, Manchester, MO 63011. Come browse this enormous sale of hardback and paperback books, records, CDs, DVDs, comics and more. Many of these items can be purchased for prices as low as a couple of dollars. Proceeds benefit education and literacy efforts in the St. Louis Metro area. Admission is FREE Friday through Sunday. Information

Florissant Valley of Flowers Festival, Car Show, and Parade (STL), May 1-3 at various hours daily at the Duchesne Home Association Grounds, 50 Rue St. Francois Street, Florissant, MO 63031. This annual spring festival features vendor and food booths, a pretty baby competition, queen crowning, live entertainment and music, kids activities, and a car/motorcycle show. The parade on Sunday, May 3rd begins at 1:45pm from the James J. Eagan Center, Florissant Civic Center, 63033. Information

Whiskers & Wags Pet Expo & Adoption Event (SCC), Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at Civic Park, O’Fallon, MO. Join us for a celebration of pets at O’Fallon’s annual pet-focused expo and adoption drive. Bring your four-legged friends and shop vendor booths for incredible pet products like pet food & treats, toys and wearables, crates and beds and other can’t-miss deals. Grab a bite to eat to share with your furry pals, and enjoy pet-themed events, activities, demonstrations and more. Information

Spring Migration Bird Walk, Guided Hike (STL), Saturday, May 2 from 9am-10:30pm at Laumeier Sculpture Park, Kranzberg Education Center, 12580 Rott Rd, St. Louis, 63127. Learn how to spot birds by sight and sound while exploring why Laumeier Park’s grounds are an important stop along their journey across Missouri. Hike includes unpaved areas, slopes, narrow trails, and will be near wildlife and plants. Wear hiking shoes, sunscreen and bug spray. FREE, but registration is required. Call 314-615-5278 or Register ONLINE

Chicken N Pickle Kids Crew: Spring Balloons & Bloom Bash (SCC), Sunday, May 3 from 10am-12noon at CNP 1500 South Main, St. Charles, MO 63303. Free Kids brunch, free kids Spring Balloons & Bloom Bash, free balloon artist fun, free bingo! Fun for the whole family!*FREE Tickets needed for kids ages 12 & under only* Join us for CNP Kids Crew: Sign up here

WorldFest (STL), Sunday, May 3 from 12:00–5:00 p.m. at the Saint Louis Music Park in Maryland Heights, 750 Casino Center Drive, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043 (map).Experience a world of culture right here in Maryland Heights at a free, one-day celebration of global diversity featuring live performances, international cuisine, cultural demonstrations, crafts and family-friendly activities. Children can explore the world through our interactive World Passport Program, visiting stations to learn about different countries and cultures. Information

Sailboat Races (STL), Sunday, May 3 from 2-4pm at at Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park, 2143 Creve Coeur Mill Rd, Maryland Heights, MO, 63146. The Creve Coeur Sailing Association puts on the sailboat races on select Sunday afternoons, May through October. Races start at 2pm and take place at the southern end of Creve Coeur Lake, at the first boat ramp at the bottom of the hill on Marine Avenue. Open to the public – spectators are welcomed. Events are FREE! Information

All-Star Chorus Spring Concert (STL), Sunday, May 3 at 3:00 pm at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63108. Enjoy an All-Star Chorus Spring Concert at the Sheldon Concert Hall with refreshments following the concert. Doors open at 2pm. Admission is FREE and open to the public. Information

Youth & Family Concerts (STL), Sunday, May 3 at 3:30pm at Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington, Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63103. Discover the joy of jazz together with Jazz St. Louis’ new Youth & Family Concerts! Designed to delight audiences of all ages, these matinee shows offer a wonderful opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of jazz. 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

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

 

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…