Call it the perfect urban oasis or even the best city park in America (according to readers of USA Today), Forest Park is a treasure that every St. Louisan holds dear. The institutions that call it home (Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, The Muny, Missouri History Museum and the Saint Louis Science Center) are the biggest draw, but the park also offers respite from the daily grind with running, walking and biking trails, picnic areas and exquisite gardens.
Dedicated on June 24, 1876, the centennial of the Declaration of Independence, Forest Park captured global attention when it hosted the 1904 World’s Fair. These days, its 13,000 acres sees 13 million visitors each year, making it the sixth most visited urban park in the country.
In recent years, Forest Park has assumed another high-profile role as host of America’s Biggest Birthday Party, Fair Saint Louis. Estimates project between 250,000 and 275,000 fairgoers will descend on the park to experience live music from national acts, as well as a fairway, zip line, interactive STEAM exhibit, marketplace-style shopping and Purina dog shows, during the fair’s four-day run over the Fourth of July holiday.
FAIR SAINT LOUIS
Sunday, July 2
1 p.m. Fair Saint Louis opens
5:50 p.m. Dirty Muggs
6:30 p.m. SuperDuperKyle
8:15 p.m. Akon
9:35 p.m. Fireworks
Monday, July 3
4 p.m. Fair Saint Louis opens
4:05 p.m. National Anthem
5 p.m. Eve 6
6:45 p.m. Sister Hazel
8:30 p.m. 3 Doors Down
10 p.m. Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4
1 p.m. Fair Saint Louis opens
4:35 p.m. Matt Stillwell
5:35 p.m. Salute to the Troops/National Anthem
6:15 p.m. Dan + Shay
8 p.m. Jake Owen
9:35 p.m. Fireworks
All performances on FairSTL Stage.
For a complete schedule of events, visit fairsaintlouis.org.
IN AND AROUND FOREST PARK
Jungle Boogie
Kick off the weekend by getting wild at Jungle Boogie, the Saint Louis Zoo’s free Friday Night concert series. On Fridays, from 5 to 8 p.m. through Sept. 1, enjoy live entertainment from Funky Butt Brass Band (July 7), Three Pedros (July 14), Duhart (July 21), Midnight Piano Band (July 28) and others. All concerts are at the Schnucks Family Plaza in the middle of the zoo. Food and drink are available for purchase. Lawn chairs are encouraged to ensure seating. stlzoo.org/events
Bixby’s
Locally sourced ingredients and panoramic views of Forest Park from the second floor of the Missouri History Museum make Bixby’s a go-to destination for Sunday brunch. The establishment was recently proclaimed by Food Network as the Top Museum Restaurant in the country. Daily lunch and grab-and-go items are also available. bixbys-mohistory.com
Art Hill Film Series
Grab some popcorn and spend a St. Louis summer night on Art Hill, while enjoying Hollywood classics. This year’s Saint Louis Art Museum’s Film Series (every Friday from July 14 to Aug. 4) shines the spotlight on glitz and glamor and Oscar’s Best Dressed. On tap: “Titanic,” “Dream Girls,” “To Catch a Thief” and “The Devil Wears Prada.” Movies start at 9 p.m.; food trucks and live music begin at 6 p.m. slam.org/filmseries
The Culver Pavilion at The Muny
Step up your evening at The Muny with a pre-show buffet dinner at The Culver Pavilion. Menu offerings differ for every musical. Available seatings are at 6:30, 6:45 or 7 p.m. Reservations are required 24 hours prior to curtain time. muny.org
