Summer will soon be sweltering in St. Louis, which means long nights, carefree weekends and jubilant holidays packed with a variety of things to do. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant cultural festival, a heart-pounding sporting event or a slow morning at a farmer’s market, the city’s unique neighborhoods have something for every mood and occasion.
There’s no shortage of unexpected fun in July. Build out your perfect lineup by checking out some – or all – of these St. Louis events.
Mill Creek: Black Metropolis
Until July 12
Explore the history of the once-thriving Black neighborhood Mill Creek at the Missouri History Museum. Mill Creek: Black Metropolis details an integral part of St. Louis’ identity, which was a thriving epicenter for Black professionals, activism, music and culture before its destruction in 1959 due to urban renewal. Both devastating and powerful, the exhibit aims to honor the legacy of Mill Creek and its residents, while ensuring this chapter of St. Louis’ story isn’t forgotten.
2026 Funniest Person in the Midwest Competition
July 1 and 8
The 2026 Funniest Person in the Midwest Competition at Helium Comedy Club will have you laughing until your sides hurt. This year’s contest features emerging comics from St. Louis and Indianapolis, making for double the jokes. Preliminary round winners are chosen by audience votes, so bring a friend – or a few – and help determine the winner!
Celebrate St. Louis
July 3 and 4
Celebrate 250 years of American independence at the biggest birthday bash of the year. Celebrate St. Louis returns for a two-day soirée featuring fireworks, a parade, a 1,500-drone aerial show and headlining performances from Zedd, Ludacris and Miranda Lambert. Free and perfect for the entire family, Gateway Arch National Park is the place to be during the Fourth of July weekend.
Let Them Eat Art
July 10
Maplewood’s most whimsical summer event, Let Them Eat Art, celebrates more than two decades of creativity and community with a spirited tribute to Bastille Day. The 2026 iteration will feature more than 60 creatives demonstrating and selling their work while roaming performers and local bands provide entertainment for all ages. Delectable food and drink offerings from beloved Maplewood restaurants serve as fuel for the festivities, and night owls can partake in late-night shopping opportunities with exclusive LTEA specials from local retailers.
Parties on the Plaza
July 16
Soak up summertime vibes at Westport Plaza this July. This month’s Parties on the Plaza is helmed by The Mighty Pines who will be providing grass, soul and rock ‘n’ roll tunes from 5 to 9 p.m. Round out the night with a bite at Basso on the Plaza or Trainwreck Saloon, an over-the-top treat at Soda Fountain Express or a cocktail at 360 Westport.
St. Louis CITY SC vs. Sporting Kansas City
July 16
It’s time for a Show-Me State showdown! St. Louis CITY SC and Sporting Kansas City will go head-to-head in their first match of the season at Energizer Park. Crack open a cold one and sink your teeth into local fare while cheering for the home team.
MATI (formerly known as Music at the Intersection)
July 17 to 19
MATI is entering a new era. The vibrant music and culture festival, which has taken place in September for the last five years, is bringing the same electric energy and love for St. Louis’ artistic heritage to the peak of summer. This year’s festival features performances from Jon Batiste, Killer Mike and Keyon Harrold in venues across the Grand Center Arts District, including The Big Top, The Sovereign and, for the first time, The Fabulous Fox. Other highlights include a roller skating rink, art exhibits and delicious bites from St. Louis’ best eateries.
St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase
July 17 to 26
See the best of St. Louis on the big screen. The St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, presented by Cinema St. Louis, returns to Hi-Pointe Theatre for another year of full-length narrative features and documentaries that put St. Louis at the forefront. The 26th iteration of the showcase will remain true to form, featuring works written, directed, edited or produced by St. Louisans or creatives with strong local ties. Grab your popcorn and a movie-watching buddy and prepare yourself for stories that are made to inspire.
Peach Festival
July 18
Everything’s peachy in July! To celebrate the sweetest part of summer, head to Downtown Kirkwood where you can sample locally grown peaches and peach-infused treats at the Peach Festival and Sidewalk Sale. Live music will provide the soundtrack for this wholesome event, which also includes a sidewalk sale where bargain hunters will thrive.
Red Lantern City Night Market
July 19
Community, food and fun will be on full display at the fifth annual Red Lantern City Night Market in the Central West End. Located outside of Saigon Cafe, one of the event’s sponsors, this exciting event is a celebration of the vibrant Asian cultures ever-present in St. Louis. The night includes live music, activities, performances and delicious eats.
Chris Brown and Usher: The R&B Tour
July 21
Two of R&B’s biggest acts are coming together for a highly anticipated tour that’s sure to heat up the summer. The R&B Tour starring Chris Brown and Usher marks the first time in their decades-long careers that the two have co-headlined a tour together. Expectant fans can watch the dynamic entertainers perform their greatest hits and show-stopping moves at The Dome at America’s Center.
Hilary Duff
July 22
Early 2000s nostalgia rages on, and for pop-loving millennials, Hilary Duff’s music comeback is what dreams are made of. The Lizzie McGuire and A Cinderella Story actress is bringing her Lucky Me Tour to Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in support of her first studio album in more than a decade. Duff’s tour is one out of a diverse lineup rolling through the Maryland Heights music venue, including Tyler Childers (July 9), 5 Seconds of Summer (July 24) and Lil Wayne (July 30).
Art, Mimosas and Pancakes
July 25
On the heels of last year’s milestone event, Art, Mimosas and Pancakes is ringing in year 11 with another highly anticipated night of culinary and visual arts. AMP was launched by multidisciplinary artist Brock Seals as a space to create and highlight opportunities for local artists. It has since become a space where artists, creatives and art-lovers come together and celebrate St. Louis’ cultural footprint and creative community. This year’s event, held at The Hawthorn, features more than 60 visual artists, more than 20 vendors, nine live performances and, of course, gourmet pancakes.
St. Louis Public Library Quest: Route 66
Until August 15
Get your kicks at the Central Library! In celebration of the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary, the St. Louis Public Library Quest: Route 66 encourages guests to take a road trip without ever leaving the building. Start your journey at any circulation desk where you’ll pick up the official SLPL Quest brochure; then, roam among the exquisite architecture to discover hidden stops inspired by those along the renowned route. Once you’ve filled out your brochure and turned it in, you’ll be entered in an end-of-summer drawing. Perfect for lovers of literature and Route 66, this unique scavenger hunt is an interactive way to commemorate a beloved piece of American history.
The Muny
Until August 23
Summer in St. Louis means the return of outdoor theater. For 108 seasons, The Muny has brought the energy, talent and production value of Broadway to Forest Park for musical theater-lovers in the area and beyond to enjoy. July features four out of the seven slated productions, including the final two nights of Shrek (July 1 and 2), Roger and Hammerstein’s South Pacific (July 6 to 12), Disney’s Newsies (July 16 to 22) and the first four nights of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations (July 27 to August 7).
