15 Can’t-Miss Summer Festivals & Events in St. Louis

Summer in St. Louis is packed with fun and family-friendly festivals featuring 4th of July Celebrations, Music Festivals, INDYCAR and more.  Check out some of the season's biggest festivals and events for having the best summer ever in St. Louis.

PrideFest | June 29 - 30

Come one, come all to Pride STL’s PrideFest, one of the most-attended LGBTQIA + Community events in the Midwest region. The festival will include the Grand Pride Parade and live entertainment from national, regional and local entertainers in the newly renovated Soldiers’ Memorial Park. This year’s theme is “Millions of Moments.”

Fair Saint Louis | July 3 - 6

Fair Saint Louis is back July 4-6 for America’s Biggest Birthday Party under the Gateway Arch. This annual three-day Independence Day festival is full of headlining musical acts, air shows, free family fun and fantastic fireworks. Also, you won’t want to miss it when America’s Birthday Parade kicks off on Market Street in downtown St. Louis on July 4th.

Let Them Eat Art | July 12

Let Them Eat Art is Maplewood’s whimsical tribute to Bastille Day held each year.  The event features live art demonstrations by regional artists, live music, and food & drink by Maplewood’s award-winning food purveyors. Let Them Eat Art is not an art fair; it’s a celebration of making art and enjoying art in the shops and on the streets of Historic Downtown Maplewood.

St. Louis Craft Beer Week | July 26 - August 3

It's time to celebrate St. Louis' favorite adult beverage during St. Louis' Craft Beer Week featuring programs ranging from panels with brewers to pairings.

Open Highway Music Festival | July 31st - August 4

Enjoy 5 nights of roots rock and beyond at one of St. Louis’ best live music venues. Musical acts include North Mississippi Allstars, Justin Townes Earl, Hayes Carll, Jade Bird, John Moreland, Caroline Spence, Tonina, Sleepy Rubies, River Kittens, Blue Lotus Revue, Cara Louise and more.

Blues at the Arch | August 2, 9, 16 & 23

Blues at the Arch returns for its 3rd year! The partnership between the Gateway Arch Park Foundation and the National Blues Museum brings renowned blues artists to the Arch grounds for free concerts in August.

Grub & Groove | August 10

Visit Francis Park for Grub & Groove, a free event presented by Alliance Credit Union full of fun for the entire family. Eat food from 13 local restaurant vendors, visit the 4 Hands Brewing Company Draft Experience, play in the Spectrum Brands Kids Zone, or just enjoy the afternoon listening to local musicians.

2019 St. Louis Fringe Festival | August 13 - 18

The festival, which connects “uncensored, unjuried performing arts with accessible and affordable performances for audiences,” is back at it for the eighth year with a new, as-yet-unnamed play by Shannon Geier of the Because...Why Not? Theatre Company. Other late-night local acts include Lola Van Ella and Kristen Goodman and their Big Gay* Soirée.

St. Louis World's Fare Heritage Festival | August 16 - 18

This heritage festival celebrates St. Louis culture all weekend long in Forest Park for the 6th year in a row. Enjoy live music, games, local food, beer, a ferris wheel, kids activities, yard games, history, beer garden, food truck row and much more.

Festival of Nations | August 24 - 25

Journey to Tower Grove Park for St. Louis' annual multicultural celebration, Festival of Nations.  From Spanish flamenco to a Vietnamese lion dance, from thundering drums to Irish harp, the festival celebrates many diverse cultures with over 40 ethnic food booths, dancing, music, arts and gifts from around the world.

INDYCAR Series Bommarito Automotive Group 500 | August 24

The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 returns to Gateway Motorsports Park, just five minutes from downtown St. Louis.

Big Muddy Blues Festival | August 30 - September 1

If you like the blues, head to the Laclede's Landing for the Big Muddy Blues Festival over Labor Day weekend. It is the region’s largest blues music event featuring a local line up of over 50 musical acts representing a wide range of blues music including, Delta, Country, R & B, Soul, Rock and more.

Japanese Festival | August 31 - September 2

Celebrating the history, culture, and people of Japan, the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the largest and oldest festivals of its kind in the United States.

Saint Louis Art Fair | September 6 - 8

Admire the works of art by nearly 200 visual artists from across the nation at the Annual Saint Louis Art Fair in downtown Clayton. In addition to the art, there are three stages of entertainment, educational hands-on activities for children and culinary treats.

St. Louis Greek Festival | August 30 - September 2

Gyros, pastitsio, spanakopita, baklava. . . there’s no better way to spend Labor Day weekend this side of Mykonos than at the 102nd Annual St. Louis Greek Festival at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis’ Central West End. Come and experience a taste of Greece, Live Music, Church Tours & Books, Greek Folk Dancing, and Gift Shop.