What happens when you combine yoga, opera, the blues and Shakespeare? You’ve got summer in St. Louis made in the shade!
Our picks for the month of June include offerings from the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival and the National Blues Museum.
So grab the sunscreen, wear those sunnies and pack a picnic for a quintessential only-in-St. Louis experience!
WHAT: SUNRISE YOGA AND SUNRISE BOOTCAMP
WHEN: 7 a.m.; Yoga (Tuesdays through Oct. 18), Bootcamp (Thursdays through June 23)
WHERE: Kiener Plaza
Greet the day with the sun rising against the Gateway Arch during free weekly yoga and bootcamp classes hosted by the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. The 45-minute classes, led by Citra Fitness & Movement, begin at 7 a.m. on Tuesdays (yoga) and Thursdays (bootcamp), and are led by Citra Fitness & Movement.
Yoga classes are for all levels and are designed to energize and align the body and mind through movement and breath. Bootcamp classes are designed to challenge the body through a series of body-weight exercises and cardio bursts – expect a heart-pumping fun time!
Free; to register and for more information, click for yoga or bootcamp
WHAT: OPERA THEATRE’S 2022 FESTIVAL SEASON
WHEN: Performance times vary; through June 26
WHERE: Loretto-Hilton Center
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ 2022 Festival Season continues this week with the world premiere of “Awakenings” (June 9, 11, 18 and 24), the story of Dr. Oliver Sacks, whose revolutionary treatment of a mysterious sleep disorder brings his patients new life. Another production making its world premiere on the OTSL stage is “Harvey Milk,” an opera based on the true story of the groundbreaking political icon. “Harvey Milk” opens June 11, with other performances set for June 15, 17, 19, 23 and 25.
In addition, the repertory schedule through June 26 includes one of the world’s most-performed operas, Bizet’s “Carmen” (June 8, 12, 16, 22 and 25), as well as Mozart’s classical tale, “The Magic Flute” (June 8, 10, 14, 18, 22 and 26).
Complete your experience with a picnic under the tent prior to the show; or join fellow audience members and cast and crew for drinks and dessert after the show.
$15 to $135; ExperienceOpera.org
WHAT: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
WHEN: 8 p.m. nightly through June 26
WHERE: Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park
Shakespeare is back in the Glen with “Much Ado About Nothing,” one of the Bard’s most enduring comedies of love, love lost and love won back. Originally slated for summer 2020, the production by St. Louis Shakespeare Festival (directed by Festival stalwart Bruce Longworth) is worth the wait – and then some: Brilliant performances, beautiful music and a stunning multilevel set combine for an idyllic summer evening under the stars.
Seating is free on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limited number of reserved seats available each night. Bring a picnic and blanket, or enjoy food and drink offerings from Steve’s Hotdogs and STL Barkeep on site.
Free; stlshakes.org
WHAT: BLUES ON THE BLOCK
WHEN: 5 to 8:30 p.m.; June 11, 18 and 25
WHERE: National Blues Museum
The free popular outdoor concert series at the National Blues Museum is back this month, featuring two performing acts each night. Enjoy some of St. Louis’ best blues, soul and R&B artists live al fresco at Sixth Street and Washington Avenue.
Jeremy Taylor and Duwayne Burnside perform on June 11; Ms. Hy-C and Fresh Start are slated for June 18; and Voodoo Blues Band and Gene Jackson are on tap on June 25. Other acts are scheduled through August.
Bring a lawn chair and snacks. Outside alcoholic beverages are not allowed, but a bar will be available for drink purchases. Chairs will also be available to rent.
Free; nationalbluesmuseum.org
