Fun, Free Events Newsletter

Listings by AREA:
St. Louis, MO ~ STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
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Recreation Council News…

ADA Then and Now: Disability Pride Celebration and Vendor Fair, Tuesday, July 28 from 10 AM -1 PM 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 10 AM, 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

Inclusive Ice Experience Day (SCC), Sunday, August 9, from 3:00–4:30 p.m. at the Rec-Plex North Ice Rink. The Rec-Plex is proud to partner with DASA, the Recreation Council, the St. Peters Figure Skating Association, and volunteers from the St. Louis Warrior Blues to make this a fun and rewarding day for all. During this FREE event, individuals with disabilities are invited to participate in an introductory group skating lesson. Following the lesson, participants’ families are welcome to join them on the ice for an open skate, creating an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the experience together. Attached, you’ll find the event flyer and registration QR code. Register HERE ~ For questions, contact Mandy Whitacre at mwhitacre@stpetersmo.net ~ Flyer

Mark your calendars for Monday, August 10, 2026 for Lite Tennis Play Night: Over 50 people attended the LITE TENNIS INSTRUCTION NIGHT this past week. To keep the “ball rolling” mark your calendar to come back to Chicken ‘N Pickle on Monday, August 10 from 5-7pm to play this fun new game. After a short warm-up, we will divide into teams to play the actual game. Food and drink are available for purchase at the CNP cafe. Bring your tennis racket and a full water bottle. We will have a few rackets to borrow for those who don’t own a racket. Learn more about this event HERE.

For People With Disabilities…

Sensory-Friendly Skate Night (STL), Friday, July 17 from 7:00–10:00 PM at the James J. Eagan Center in Florissant. Looking for a fun, welcoming evening for your teen? Giant Rocket Foundation is hosting a FREE Sensory-Friendly Skate Night for youth ages 12–19 designed with sensory needs in mind. The event features free admission and free skate rental, low music, dim lighting, a calm, judgment-free environment. Tweens/Teens of all abilities are welcome, and parents/caregivers are encouraged to attend. Families are also welcome to bring their own skates. Registration is REQUIRED

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), Friday, July 24 from 8:30am-12:30pm at The Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 (map). Join us as we dive into  current challenges and opportunities impacting children and families across Missouri, take a deeper look at building protective factors, delivering trauma-informed care to strengthen community engagement, and explore prevention efforts. Information ~ FREE, but REGISTRATION is Required

Partner News…

LifeBridge is Seeking Your Input on Their Recreation Survey: Do you want to help young people with disabilities enjoy better recreational options? This is how you can do it. Follow the link and complete the survey to help LifeBridge Partnership identify what is working and what needs improvement in local recreation programs for youth with disabilities and their families. This will have a direct impact on quality of life throughout our community. LifeBridge serves people with disabilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson County, Franklin County, and surrounding areas by providing recreation and enrichment activities for youth and adults with disabilities, helping them cultivate social well-being and a sense of belonging. Through this survey, LifeBridge will use community feedback to identify local needs and priorities, guide improvements to services, and earmark future investments in accessible recreational programs. Begin Survey Here

Different Dynamics Music Demo Days: Young Music Explorers for ages 3-5, Saturday, July 25 from 9:30-10:30 AM. This is an interactive and inclusive music class for children ages 3 to 6 that supports creativity, movement, communication, musical exploration, and joyful participation for children of all abilities. Participants will sing, move, play instruments, and engage in stories and musical play. REGISTER NOW for Young Explorers. Dynamic Studio Band Jam Session for ages 16 and older, a performance-based music program for teens and adults with disabilities (16+). Dynamic Studio Band is a weekly rehearsal and performance program where musicians come together to play, learn, and perform as a band. No experience required. No age limit. Just a place to make music and be part of a vibrant community. Book Your free Jam Session

TASK (Team Activities for Special Kids) August Games Night & Day: Friday, August 7 from 6-8pm for ages 13-18 & Saturday, August 8 from 9:30-11:30am for ages 5-12. COST: $20. Join us for board games, card games, video games and more as we kick off our fall social event line up. Snacks for the evening will include popcorn, chips and a variety of snack foods. If you have specific dietary concerns please email Kortney at kortneyp@taskstl.org. Registration deadline is August 3. and you MUST have a 2026 application on file to participate. Registration Information

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Fun, Free Events for Everyone…

Delmar Makers District Block Party (STL), Friday, July 17 from 5-9pm on the Delmar Loop in University City, 63130. It’s year number three for our Delmar Maker District Block Party, and Delmar will be booming with activity Visit the Seconds Sale and kids’ market at Third Degree, a Makers Market at MADE, & an ice cream fundraiser at Craft Alliance. Third Degree welcomes you for glass blowing demonstrations, private experiences, raffles, exhibits, food & drinks, and live music. Information

City Soccer Pop Up Soccer Events, Friday, July 17 from 6-8 PM at 11 Burdale Court, Ferguson, Missouri, 63135 (map). One last chance to meet the soccer players at the mini pitch in Ferguson. Enjoy kids pickup soccer, meet CITY street team members, and more. Information

Family Nights at The Magic House (STL), Friday, July 17 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

Bellefontaine Cemetery Trolley Rides, Wildflower Walks, & Horticulture Classes (STL), July 18 Horticulture Classes. This hidden gem contains a treasure of trees, gardens, architecture and cemetery art. It is the final resting place Adolphus Busch of the famed Anheuser-Busch Brewery, explorer William Clark, and James Eads who designed the St. Louis Eads Bridge. The Cemetery hosts many private and public, trolley, walking and special themed tours throughout the year. Events are free but $5-$15 donations are most appreciated. Register now for Wildflower Walk on August 5. Registration is required.

Outdoor Movies

“Zootopia 2” at St.Charles County Veteran’s Tribute Park (SCC), Saturday, July 18 at 8:30 p.m. at Veteran’s Tribute Park, Weldon Spring, 63304. Lay out your blanket or bring a camp chair as we enjoy a movie under the stars on a giant outdoor inflatable screen. Free popcorn will be provided. Drinks and candy will be available for purchase. Dress for the weather and bring bug spray and a small cooler with drinks. This free program is for all ages. Information

“Ratatouille” at City Greens Market (STL), Saturday, July 18 at 8:15 p.m. at CIty Greens, 4260 Manchester Ave, 63110. Come enjoy popcorn and Ratatouille, a movie about a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a great chef. Bring a blanket and pillows and wear your cutest PJs. Information

The Incredibles at 9 Mile Garden (STL), Wednesday, July 22 from 7-9 pm at 9 Mile Garden, 9445 Gravois Road, Affton, MO, 63123. Bring your family and friends, along with lawn chairs or blankets, to enjoy a FREE outdoor family-friendly movie. Cold drinks and food trucks will be available for purchase. More movies on July 29, August 5 & 12. Information

Big Boy No. 4014 Train Comes to St. Louis (STL), Sunday, July 19 on display from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at St. Louis Union Station, 1820 Market, 63104. Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will journey to the East Coast this summer for the first time as part of a historic coast-to-coast tour to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. In addition to the public display days, rail fans can see this historic machine in action at over four dozen whistle-stops, generally 15- to 30- minutes long. Information

Gateway Festival Orchestra Concerts (STL), Sundays, July 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 Indoor Experience: July 19 at 4pm at 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave, University City, 63130. The Outdoor Experience: Symphony Under the Stars, July 26 at 7:30pm at Washington University Brookings Quadrangle. Information

Classic Bike Night at Schlafly (STL) Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Avenue, Maplewood, MO 63143 (map). This FREE family-friendly event features lots of vintage motorcycles, Schlafy beer and food, music by a DJ and outdoor fun. FREE admission. People of all ages are welcome, but remember you must be 21+ to drink, this is an outdoor event, and there are louder areas with music and drinking. Well-behaved dogs on leashes allowed, but not inside tents nor the restaurant. A friendly reminder: there are crowds, kids, food, and louder areas with music and drinking. Please no outside food or drink. Information

Great Rivers Greenway Sunsets and Snow Cones (STL), Thursday, July 23 from 5:30-7:30pm pm the Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave. Celebrate your regional network of greenways by grabbing a free snow cone on your favorite greenway at sunset. No registration required, just show up and beat the heat with an icy treat. Mark your calendar for Thursday, July 30, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm at St. Vincent Greenway: Trojan Park. Repeats on August 6 & 13 on various Greenways in the metro area. Information ~ Great Rivers Greenway Facebook Page

O’Fallon Parks & Recreation Pop Up Activities (SCC): July 23, 27, 30, & 31 – FREE, but registration is requested due to limited space ~ 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. This year’s free Parks & Recreation Month activities include:

• 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

Children’s Performance Series (STL), Friday, July 24 from 10-11AM at Tower Grove Park Stupp Center, 4256 Magnolia Ave, St Louis, MO, 63110. Children and families will enjoy performances from storytellers, musicians, dancers, and more as they clap along and learn a few moves. On July 24, join Music Therapy St. Louis for engaging and interactive musical activities with singing, movement, instrument play, and creative fun for all ages and abilities. Registration is not required. In the case of inclement weather, please consult the event page. Mark your calendars for more of these events on July 31 and August 7. Information

Summer Family Fun at the Missouri History Museum (STL), Fridays, July 24 &  31 from 10am-1pm at the History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. Enjoy a variety of family activities, including crafts, performances, storytelling, scavenger hunts, and more. The Summer Family Fun series is great for children ages 2–12. On July 24, discover the beauty of Vietnamese culture in St. Louis. On July 31, Celebrate Summer with songs, stories, and activities all about having fun in the sun. Information

RC Jet Fly-In (SCC), Saturday, July 25 from 9 AM–2 PM at Spirit of STL Airport, 111 Amrein Rd.Saint Charles, MO 63304 That’s right, Bart Asher has done another amazing job putting together this RC Jet Fly-In. This event has been advertised widely, is AMA sanctioned and we expect a large turn out of spectators and pilots. Bart has arranged for multiple prizes and raffles to be handed out over the day. Information

SUMMER SENDOFF (SCC), Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 1–4 p.m., at O’Day Amphitheater. Celebrate the end of summer and the start of school with a food truck picnic, inflatables, a visit from our friends at St. Charles City-County Library, and more fun activities! Event admission and parking are free. Information

Outdoor Concerts….

St Charles Area…

St. Charles Municipal Band Concert (SCC), Thursday, July 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 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. 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. More concerts weekly through September 2026. Information

Cottleville Twilight Tuesdays (SCC), Tuesday, July 21 from 6-8:30pm at Legacy Park, CWS Rotary Amphitheatre, 5490 Fifth Street, Cottleville, MO 63304 (map). Join us for “Drawl County Band” playing country favorites. More concerts on Aug 11 (tentative) Aug 25, & Sept 1. Information

O’Fallon, MO Jammin’ Summer Concert Series (SCC), Tuesdays, July 21 & 28 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. On July 14, enjoy music by Garden Party playing Oldies. On July 21. enjoy music by Zero to Ninety playing 90’s Rock. On July 28 enjoy music by Clover singing Country. 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

New Town Sunday Morning Concert (SCC), Saturday, July 25 from 10am-12 noon at the New Town Amphitheater, 3312 Rue Royale, Saint Charles, MO 63301. Come out to enjoy “Non-Stop Reggae” with special guest, Sassy Slide Dancers featuring Tia Lester. Bring your lawn chair and picnic dinner. More free concerts through September 19.Information ~  New Town Events Listing

St. Louis Area…

Grant Historic Site Concert at the Park (STL), Thursday, July 16 from 7-8pm at Grant Historic Site, 7400 Grant Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy this free concert by RiverBend a traditional five-piece bluegrass band proudly calling Missouri home and known for delivering high-energy, heartfelt performances that resonate with audiences of all ages. Bring your lawn chair and a picnic dinner. Next concert is August 20 with music by Erin Bode. Information

Faust Park Summer Concert Series (STL), Thursdays, July 16, 23, & 30 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. Event repeats weekly through August 11, 2026  Website ~ Facebook

Chesterfield Amphitheater Sounds of Summer Tribute Band Concerts (STL), Thursday, July 16 & Saturday, July 25 from 6-10pm at the Chesterfield Amphitheater, 631 Veterans Place Drive, Chesterfield, MO, 63017. On July 16, enjoy the Music of Chicago has been rescheduled after severe weather forced the cancellation of the June show. On July 25 with music by “All Together Now” Beatles Tribute Band. Admission is FREE to these concerts. More tribute concerts August 14 & 22. Information

Maryland Heights Summer Concerts (STL), Friday, July 17 from 7-9pm at Vago Park, 24 Monima Dr, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Enjoy music this month by “Trilogy” playing a variety of favorites. More concerts on Aug 14 & 28. Information

Florissant: Music Under the Stars at St Ferdinand Park (STL), Saturday, July 18 & 25 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm at St. Ferdinand Park,  Enjoy an evening listening to live music under the stars. Bring your lawn chairs or picnic blankets. A variety of food trucks will be available, but bring your own beverages. Event starts at 6 pm, music begins at 7pm. Admission to concerts is FREE. More concerts on Aug 1, 8, 15, & 22. Information