People dance at Blues at the Arch.

Celebrate Summer in St. Louis

St. Louis Brings Big Summer Energy

From riverfront days to festival nights, your bucket-list summer starts in St. Louis. Set at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, the region shows up in its distinctive neighborhoods, where iconic landmarks and hidden gems reveal rich history, living culture and irresistible flavor.

Home to more free attractions and events than any U.S. city outside the nation’s capital, St. Louis makes it easy to explore on any budget. From ball games and bar patios to artsy experiences and outdoor adventures, summer plans come effortlessly and stay endlessly exciting.

Whatever you want your summer to be, St. Louis delivers without the hassle.

Ultimate Summer Checklist

Imagine the roar of the crowd after a Cardinals win. Picture a lazy day on the river, cold beer in hand. See yourself near the stage where your favorite artist plays. This is summer in St. Louis. Peruse our must-dos for the dog days, including expert advice from local creatives, and start planning your weekend getaway today.

Friends float down the Meramec River in a raft, which is a rite of passage during summer in St Louis.

Postcard-Worthy Stops

From the tallest human-made monument in the Western Hemisphere to the largest chess piece in the entire world, St. Louis is packed with Instagrammable locations, where you won’t be able to stop snapping. Here, colorful murals, evocative sculptures, lush parks, wild animals and over-the-top treats await. Is your camera ready?

Free Summer Fun

We know that travel can get expensive, but a trip to the Gateway City won’t break the bank. From world-renowned museums to all-ages activities, St. Louis has endless options for free summer fun. Where will you go first?

A mother and her young son make balls float in the air at the Saint Louis Science Center.

Route 66 Centennial

Whether you’re chasing the warm glow of vintage neon, capturing the perfect shot of polished chrome or savoring the timeless flavor of roadside eateries, St. Louis is a must-stop on your centennial road trip. Find your rhythm, follow the route and experience the spirit of the Mother Road firsthand.

Through the cars in the parking lot, the Crestwood Bowl neon sign glows along Route 66.

America250 Celebrations

Front-row fireworks beneath the Gateway Arch. Immersive journeys through America’s past. Lively neighborhood festivals that showcase Midwestern spirit. There’s no better place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than St. Louis. Be part of a once-in-a-generation moment where Americana charm meets modern entertainment.

Fireworks explode above the Gateway Arch in St Louis.

STL Game Day

Named the “Ultimate Sports City” by ESPN The Magazine, St. Louis gives fans something to cheer about all year long. This summer, score tickets to see the St. Louis Battlehawks (UFL), St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) and St. Louis CITY SC (MLS) in action. Hosting major events that appeal to a wide range of racing interests, World Wide Technology Raceway also heats up this season.

At a St. Louis CITY SC home game, a banner reads,

’Cue the Good Times

Nothing beats saucy barbecue on a summer day. While St. Louis-style ribs dominate the local barbecue scene, you can also feast on juicy pulled pork, grass-fed beef brisket, crunchy burnt ends and iconic pork steaks alongside tantalizing sides at area restaurants.

Sugarfire Smoke House has curated the barbecue menu at Evolution Festival.

I Scream, You Scream

July – in case you didn’t know – is National Ice Cream Month, and what better destination to indulge in a 31-day ice cream celebration than St. Louis? After all, this is the place that perfected the waffle cone.

If you're looking for the best sweet treats from St. Louis, stop by Clementine's Naughty and Nice Creamery.

Hottest Patio Hangouts

We’re serving vibes in St. Louis, and throughout our most unique neighborhoods, you’ll find plenty of patios that set the tone. From Downtown St. Louis to Webster Groves and Soulard to Chesterfield, these outdoor oases offer dining under sun and stars.

The biergarten at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company in Midtown buzzes with people and twinkle lights.
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