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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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New Feature! Spotlight on Recreation in our Community…

A person sitting in a wheelchair and another individual are at a display table with books and a sign-up sheetMissouri Historical Society is Making Space for Everyone: At the MHS, we’re committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming museum experience for visitors of all ages and all abilities. Our sensory friendly guests can access a private sensory room in the Missouri History Museum’s lower level, borrow our sensory kits, or attend a sensory-friendly event. Visitors with vision impairments can access prerecorded descriptions of exhibits through QR codes on the accessibility map located at the entrance of the exhibit galleries. The museum partners with DEAF Inc. to offer American Sign Language (ASL) tours and interpretation for our hearing impaired guest. The Missouri History Museum has three levels, and all are accessible to the public who use mobility devices such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, crutches, braces, and mobility scooters. We also offer inclusive programs and events throughout the year. Because there’s more than one way to explore history, and there should be room for everyone. Accessibility Guide

Past Spotlights HERE

Recreation Council News…

Focus on Friendship: A Photo Hike for People with Disabilities and their Caregivers
DATE: Saturday, October 3, 2026
TIME: 1 – 3 pm ~ FLYER
LOCATION: Busch Greenway, Duckett Creek Trailhead (more information)
WHO: Children and adults with disabilities and their support providers to assist if needed
BRING: full water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, jacket, camera or cell phone (for pictures only), snacks
WEAR: dress for the weather and wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes good for walking
Please RSVP: www.recreationcouncil.org/nature-photo-hike-fall-2026/
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Recreation Council want everyone to discover the joy of friendship, nature, and nature photography. First, we will get to know each other with some games and activities. Then our group will take a leisurely stroll down a beautiful paved path that is easy for all hikers and wheelchair users. The hike is less than 2 miles and is flat, paved, and shaded with a lovely stream flowing alongside the path. Come enjoy the chirping birds, gently bubbling water, fall colors on the trees, and the warmth of the sunshine peeking through the forest canopy. We will stop many times along the path to take photos and just immerse our senses in the peaceful glow of nature. LEAVE YOUR HEADPHONES, and MEDIA AT HOME so you can fully experience the beauty of this natural trail. There is ample parking and a “johnny on the spot” but no running water toilets or drinking fountains. Please note that the trail is a little difficult to find if this is your first visit. Google does not clearly take you to the trailhead.Make sure to look at the maps before you come so you know how to get here.

Events For People with Disabilities…

National Inclusion Project: Conversation Corner on Afterschool Activities (Virtual): Friday, September 18 at 2 pm, Online. Back to school should mean back to friends, back to play, and back to fun — not back to worries about exclusion. Join our free, Zoom discussion about inclusion during out-of-school time. From afterschool programs, to sport teams, to rec leagues, to community groups, and more! Let’s talk about ways to strengthen inclusion after the bell rings. Families, program staff, educators, providers, advocates, and allies are encouraged to attend, participate, and invite others. This is a welcoming space to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with others navigating inclusion in out-of-school time. Come as you are. Ask what’s on your heart. Register HERE

2026 Transition Fair hosted by BCI and Community Living (SCC), Friday, September 18 from 8am-1:30pm at the Ameristar Casino Ameristar St. Charles, Discovery Ballroom , 1 Ameristar Boulevard, Saint Charles, MO 63301 (map). COST: $10 per person ~ Conference REGISTRATION ~ Flyer

Harbor Unlimited Baseball Bonanza Day (SCC), Saturday, September 19 from 9 am–12 noon at Olde Towne Park – Pavilion A, 1 Park Street, St. Peters, MO 63376.  Baseball at its finest…Savannah Banana style! Come prepared for on-field antics, music, entertainment and loads of fun. Bring whatever you want to swing… a broom, tennis racket, skillet, cookie sheet, etc. Register HERE ~ Flyer

The Freddie Ford Family Foundation Inclusive Gaming Group Event (STL), Saturday, September 19 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon at the Clark Family Branch of the St. Louis County Library, located at 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63043 (map). This event features group gaming on the Nintendo Switch, various activities, snacks, and refreshments. All ages are welcome to attend, but registration is required and limited to 20 participants. The Freddie Ford Family Foundation is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization that educates people on the needs of children on the autism spectrum and promotes inclusion. We host many free events throughout the year. Information

FestAbility (STL), Sunday, September 20 from 10am–3pm at the MO History Museum. FestAbility is back! Celebrate the Disability community in St. Louis with a day of accessible, family-friendly activities and entertainment. Join us to enjoy a Disability Pride Parade at 10:30 am led by Fleur de Noise to kick off the event. Stay at the MO History Museum for resource tables, a community art activity hosted by Artists First, a chance to meet Duo Dogs touch therapy dogs, a little free library book giveaway table, a sensory room provided by St. Louis Arc; voter registration, performances, and fun for all. Food is available for purchase at Amighetti’s on the Museum’s upper level, and Scoops of Joy will be on the Imo Family Plaza with ice cream and kettle corn. Stop by the Recreation Council vendor table to say hi to Randy and grab some of our swag!  Information ~ Flyer ~ Agenda

The Next Chapter: Independence for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum (STL): The Next Chapter is a series of programs designed to help young adults on the Autism Spectrum build practical life skills while promoting civic awareness and community engagement to support greater independence. This series is supported by the Urban Libraries Council Civic Makers Lab for Adults (18-24) grant Join us for these next 2 free events:

  • The Next Chapter: Public Transit 101: Saturday, September 26, 12:00 p.m. at the Clark Family Branch of the St. Louis Libray: Build confidence using Metro Transit by learning how to navigate the St. Louis bus and Metrolink system. Participants will also discuss transportation accessibility and share ideas for improving community access. Attendees will have the chance to win a free 30-day Metro Transit pass. This program is supported by the Urban Libraries Council Civic Makers Lab for Adults grant. For adults ages 18-24. Registration required.
  • The Next Chapter: Cooking for Independence, Wednesday, September 30, 6:00 p.m. at Operation Food Search, 1644 Lotsie Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63132. Build practical cooking skills by preparing a simple recipe alongside Chef Jason at Operation Food Search, then explore community access to healthy food through a guided discussion. This program is supported by the Urban Libraries Council Civic Makers Lab for Adults (18-24) grant. For adults. Registration required.

Partner Update…

Families – Check out this super awesome NEW PROVIDER: Giant Rockets Foundation & Skate Haus (SCC), Skate Haus Lounge, 2015 Campus Drive, St. Charles MO 63301 ~ Flyer ~ Giant Rocket’s Foundation is a sensory-inclusive non-profit based at The Skate Haus Lounge in St. Charles. NOW ENROLLING for Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays with one hour on the skating floor, same coaches every week, and ages 5 to 99. Rec Council voucher funding accepted. Cost to skate is $8 per person plus $4 skate rental. Website

Fun, Free Events for Everyone…

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra FREE outdoor Concert & Fireworks (STL), Wednesday, September 16 on Art Hill in front of the Art Museum. Enjoy the captivating melodies of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra led by musical director Stéphane Denève at the annual free Forest Park Concert. Bring your chairs or blankets and pack plenty of snacks and drinks for this spectacular night on Art Hill  Information

St. Louis Hispanic Festival (STL), September 18, 19, & 20 from 10 am-10pm in Historic Soulard, 7th and Lafayette Street, 63104. Come enjoy a 3 day event filled with live music, bands, folkloric dancers, Latin food, crafts, and community resources. Information

Family Night at The Magic House (STL), Friday, September 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. Information

Great Forest Park Balloon Race (STL), September 18 & 19 in Forest Park. One of the most magical events of the year lights up the field with a hot air balloon GLOW on Friday night, followed by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Skydiving Team and a fireworks finale. Come back on Saturday as the hot air balloons take off for the Great Forest Park Balloon Race. Both glow night and race day will feature performances from DJ Reggie along with food trucks, inflatables, and sponsored events. Information

Kirkwood Greentree Festival (STL),September 18–20 daily at Kirkwood Park, 111 S. Geyer Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122.  Join us for three days of live music, a hometown parade, artisan arts and crafts, family activities, delicious food, Folklife traditions, dog events and the community spirit that makes Greentree one of Kirkwood’s most treasured traditions. FREE ADMISSION. Information

The Saint Louis Art Fair (STL),  September 18, 19, & 20 along the streets in Clayton, 63105. The Saint Louis Art Fair in Clayton MO celebrates 33 years this fall. The free annual event is known for bringing together more than 150 impressive artists from all over the country. Be sure to check out the fest’s Independent Artist Stage to catch up-and-coming musical acts from around the region. Information

St. Louis Lebanese Festival (STL), September 18, 19, & 20 at St. Raymond’s Maronite Cathedral, 931 Lebanon Dr, St Louis, MO 63104. Join us for this fun filled week end where the Lebanese hospitality, traditions, cuisine, live music & dabki and much much more are on full display for all ages to enjoy. Flyer

Celebrate Wildwood (STL), Saturday, September 19 from 10:00 a.m. (parade) to 9:15 p.m. (fireworks), and a whole lot of activities and music in between. Location: Village Green (next to City Hall), 16860 Main Street, Wildwood, MO, 63040 (map). The day includes a parade, opening ceremonies, 3 concerts, and fireworks.  Celebrate Wildwood Information

Pollinator Palooza (SCC), Saturday, September 19 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at Weldon Springs Site Interpretive Center, 7295 MO-94, St Charles, MO 63304 (map). Join us for an educational pollinator festival! Discover how we can all help Missouri’s pollinators and support pollinator habitat in our own backyards. Enjoy kids’ crafts, games, educational activities and native garden demonstrations. Native plants, arts and crafts, food and more will be available for purchase from local vendors. Don’t miss this fun, FREE, family event. No reservations required. For questions contact us at WSInterpretiveCenter@lm.doe.gov or call 636-300-2601. Information ~ Flyer

Augusta Harvest Festival (SCC), Saturday, September 19 from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm in Historic Wine County, Augusta, MO. September is one of the most magical times to visit Missouri Wine Country.  The park opens at 9:00 am for festival activities including; pony rides, petting zoo, extreme tropical dual lane dry slides, craft vendors, pie contest, and live music by “Texas Giants”. The Harvest Parade, with this year’s theme “Happy 250th Birthday America” starts at 10:00 am at The Harmonie Verein and works its way to the town square.  Information

Lucky Strike St. Peters, Lucky Launch Party (SCC), 8070 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Peters, MO 63376. Information

DobsonFest Astronomy Celebration (SCC), Saturday, September 19 from 4-9 p.m. at Broemmelsiek Park’s Astronomy Site, 1593 Schwede Road, Wentzville, MO 63385. John Dobson’s life mission was to show planets, stars, and galaxies to everyone and developed an inexpensive telescope that is simple to use.  Thousands of people have made their own Dobsonian telescopes following his design. The Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri (ASEM) is celebrating his life with activities for all ages, free telescope viewing at night, safe solar viewing during the day, food trucks, and experts to help you get to know the night sky.  Information

Saint Charles Fair (SCC), Sunday, September 20 from 11am-5pm at Blanchette Park, 1900 W. Randolph Street, 63301. Guests will enjoy carnival games, face painting, balloon animals, live music, food, drinks, and a variety of contests. Activities include Carnival Games, Face Painting, Balloon Artist, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Hay Rides. Information ~ Flyer

O’FallonFall Into the Arts Festival (SCC), Sunday, September 20 returns with its largest artist lineup yet to O’Day Amphitheater (1100 O’Day Park) on September 20. Cultural Arts Commission members learned Wednesday that the free event will feature 31 juried artists (up from 23 last year), along with live music, artisan food vendors, and performances by the O’Fallon Theatre Works troupe. Information

Oktoberfest in Historic St. Charles (SCC), September 25-27 daily in Frontier Park, 500 S. Riverside Drive, 63301. Raise your steins and grab your pretzels! It’s the 40th year of Oktoberfest in Historic St. Charles. Every fall, Main Street and Frontier Park come alive with the sounds of oompah bands, the aroma of bratwurst and funnel cakes, and the cheers of friends old and new. Information ~ Facebook

Advertising this super cool October event because it might fill up: FAMILY CAMP OUT NIGHT & STARGAZING EVENT (SCC), October 24-25 from 3pm (Oct 23)-10am (Oct 25) at Kochanski Multi Sport Field in Legacy Park in Cottleville, MO. Pull out your camping gear, join a group campfire, gaze at the stars through telescopes, and spend the night on the field. Tom’s Coffee Truck will be there and the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri will have telescopes set up. Plan to take guided group walks in the park. Cost: FREE! Register here ~ Flyer

 

Season Long Concerts In the Park….

St Charles Area…

St. Charles Music on Main (SCC), Wednesday, September 16 from 5-7:30pm on 100-200 blocks of Main Street in Historic St. Charles, MO, 63301. Join us for  Music by “The Portholes”. Bring your lawn chairs to enjoy this free outdoor concert. Food & Drink available to purchase. Last concert of the season is Sept 16. Information

The Meadows at Lake St. Louis Summerfest Music Series (SCC), Thursdays, September 17 & 24 from 6:30-8:30pm at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, 20 Meadows Circle Drive, 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. More concerts on Oct 8, 15, & Nov 1, 2026. Information

Bench Racers (SCC), Live music every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday in September. Come out to see the newest outdoor social venue located at 1801 N. 2nd Street, St. Charles, MO 63301. Food and beverages available for purchase. Information ~ Facebook

St. Peters Sunset Concerts (SCC), Saturday, September 19 from 4-9 PM at 370 Lakeside Park, 63376. Enjoy a double header with music by Breakdown Shakedown, & That 80s Band starting at 4pm. Enjoy these free outdoor concerts around beautiful lake 370 with food trucks. Sept 19 is final concert of the season. Information

New Town Concerts (SCC), Saturday, September 19 from 7-10pm at the New Town Amphitheater, 3312 Rue Royale, Saint Charles, MO 63301. Enjoy the music of “Trixie Delight.” Bring your lawn chair and picnic dinner. One more free concert on Sept 26 with dance, pop, and hip hop hits by “Just in Time.”  Information ~  New Town Events Listing

Weldon Spring Concerts & Food Truck Nights (SCC), Sept 16 & 23 Weldon Spring City Park at 5401 Independence Rd, Weldon Spring MO, 63304. Join for the final two concerts of the season! Bring your family, friends, and a lawn chair and enjoy some great live music starting at 6:00 PM. Information

Dardenne Prairie Summer Concert (SCC), Saturday September 26 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 ”Well Hungarians.” Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be available for purchase. Final concert of season is Sept 26. Information

Thursdays Concerts at the History Museum (STL),  Thursday, September 17, & 24, & Oct 1 from 6-8pm at MO History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. Join us for the fall concert season at the Missouri History Museum! This popular, free outdoor concert series on the Imo Family Plaza brings a lineup of spectacular shows from local musicians. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and listen to music under a beautiful Forest Park sunset. Some of the area’s best food trucks will also be on hand each week. Information

Downtown St. Louis City Lunchtime Live Outdoor Concerts (STL), Wednesdays, September 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 is FREE to attend. Purchase food from the food trucks or brown bag it. Information

Mark your calendar for these upcoming September events….

  • Cottleville Live Owl Display (SCC), Sept 22  Information
  • Movie at Westport Plaza: The Rookie (STL), Sept 25  Information
  • Dardenne Prairie Day 2026 (SCC) Sept 26 Information
  • Zoo Pajama Party (STL), Sept 26 Information
  • Maplewood Route 66 Celebration (STL), Sept 26 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.

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…