Monday, August 31, 2009

Missouri History Museum Twilight Tuesdays--Sept 1

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your picnic basket and come hear some terrific music under a beautiful Forest Park sunset as the Missouri History Museum Twilight Tuesdays light up again! Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Make-and-take activities for children will be offered on the Museum's front lawn beginning at 6:00 p.m. Activities will be closed after intermission.

This week's concert will feature Denise Thimes, one of St Louis' most treasured jazz singers, and will run from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Be sure to get to the Dula Plaza (the north lawn) of the History Museum early to grab some space. Tip: If you don't care about seeing the band, you can hear the music from quite a ways away in Forest Park, so you can find a nice spot away from all of the people and enjoy the concert without getting stepped on!

For more information, call 314-454-3199 or 800-916-8212.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Little Sisters of the Poor Open House--Aug 30

Please come join the Little Sisters of the Poor for a special live theatrical performance of an original play on the life of Saint Jeanne Jugan called “Little Saint of the Poor”, performed by Theater of the Word, on Sunday at 2pm.

Refreshments and tours of the Home (3225 N. Florissant Ave) will follow the performance. Come learn about the wonderful ministry taking place to assist St. Louis’ elderly poor. A free will offering will be accepted.

For information or to RSVP (preferred but not necessary), please call Holly at 314-421-6022.

Family Sundays at the St Louis Art Museum--Aug 30

Come check out free Family Sundays every Sunday in August (this Sunday has storytelling) at the St Louis Art Museum. This month each Sunday will explore Plains Indian Patterns from 1 to 4pm in the Sculpture Hall.

Visit the exhibition Plains Indian Artwork from the Donald Danforth Jr. Collection and discover the patterns and symbols that Native American artists used to create colorful and useful works of art for men, women, children, and even horses. Hands-on art projects for the month will include patterned "beadwork" blanket strips, traditional toys, and more.

This Sunday the Museum welcomes storyteller Marilyn Kinsella for stories of Grandmother Spider, the Great Thunderbird, and other Plains Indian myths and legends.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Festival of Nations--Aug 29 and 30

Each August, our region’s largest multi-cultural international festival kicks off in Tower Grove Park as the Festival of Nations. More than 50 ethnic troupes offer a colorful kaleidoscope of ethnic dance, music, and fun. Free admission with food and gifts galore available for purchase--tour Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and more without leaving St. Louis!

Three different stages will provide entertainment in the form of ethnic song and dance (see the schedule of performers here). The Culture Corner will feature artists ranging from lacemaking to tinworking to sugar skulls. For dancers, check out the Village Green where performers will show off their Flamenco, belly dance, and hula skills. Events will run from 10am to 7pm on Saturday and from 10am to 6pm on Sunday.

The Festival of Nations is located in the southeast corner of Tower Grove Park, close to the intersection of Arsenal and Grand. A free shuttle will be running throughout Tower Grove so you can park in the park or on the surrounding streets. While it's a lot of fun to wander through the Festival (who knows? You might find yourself in the middle of an interactive dance lesson!), if you're looking for something specific be sure to check out the Festival map.

For more information, call 314-773-9090 or visit the International Institute website.

11th Annual LOT Music Festival--Aug 29

The LOT outdoor music festival is a treasured St. Louis tradition that started 11 years ago with one person’s dream of hanging out in a St. Louis parking lot, listening to live local bands and drinking beer. In the past 11 years the LOT has developed into something much more than that original dream. This free outdoor music festival has always been about bringing people together; this year the LOT is about engaging people of all backgrounds with fun outdoor activities, a musician garage sale, and artist exhibitions. Attendees will also recieve a coupon book from local businesses that feature discounts and deals in the St. Louis area. This event is free to attend plus you get awesome local deals!

The festivities start at 2pm for a Royale happy hour, mini craft fair, live art project, dunk tank, outdoor games and much more exciting afternoon activities. Food will be available to purchase. Bands start at 5 pm and go until the wee hours of the morning.

Bands to be featured include The Blind Eyes, Hazard to Ya Booty, The Dock Ellis Band, Soulard Blues Band, Jon Hardy and the Public, The Hibernauts, LucaBrasi, and The 75's.

All events are held in the parking lot of the Schlafly taproom downtown (Locust and 21st St).

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Jungle Boogie at the St Louis Zoo--Aug 28

"Splish splash" with the stingrays, "cha-cha" with the cheetahs, "salsa" with the sea lions or "two-step" with the tigers at Jungle Boogie, the Zoo's FREE Friday Night concert series for the whole family. This Friday night will be the rock group Tiny Cows.

5 p.m. - Outdoor Herpetarium keeper chat
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Children's activities
5:30 p.m. - Flamingo keeper chat
6 p.m. - Penguin enrichment
6:30 p.m. - Sea lion feeding
6:30 to 7 p.m. - Children's entertainment

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Money Smart--Aug 27

The St Louis Public Library and U.S. Bank are teaming up to bring you a series of classes to help get you started on the path to financial freedom!

Money Matters: Pay Yourself First will teach you how to prepare and follow a personal spending plan and how that plan feeds goal savings.

How to Choose and Keep a Checking Account teaches you how to choose and use a checking account and credit card responsibly.

To Your Credit: Borrowing Basics teaches you how to build and repair your credit history.

Home Ownership: Buying Your First Home shows you the difference between renting or owning and the advantages and disadvantages of different mortgage options.

Home Ownership will be held on August 27 at 7pm at the Schlafly branch of the St Louis Public Library.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Missouri History Museum Twilight Tuesday--Aug 25

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your picnic basket and come hear some terrific music under a beautiful Forest Park sunset as the Missouri History Museum Twilight Tuesdays light up again! Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Make-and-take activities for children will be offered on the Museum's front lawn beginning at 6:00 p.m. Activities will be closed after intermission.

This week's concert will feature Gumbohead and their Louisiana dance music and will run from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Be sure to get to the Dula Plaza (the north lawn) of the History Museum early to grab some space. Tip: If you don't care about seeing the band, you can hear the music from quite a ways away in Forest Park, so you can find a nice spot away from all of the people and enjoy the concert without getting stepped on!

For more information, call 314-454-3199 or 800-916-8212.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Bissell House Craft Fair--Aug 23 and 24

The house of Daniel Bissell, military commander of the Upper Louisiana Territory, was built in 1812 and now displays artifacts and other decorative arts and furnishing from the 19th century. The Bissell House will be hosting a Craft Fair from 10am-4pm on Sunday and Monday, Aug 23 and 24. The Bissell House is no longer open to the public except for special events, so this is a great opportunity to see a bit of history.

The Bissell House is located at 10225 Bellefontaine Road, Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO. For more information, please call 314-544-6224.

Family Sundays at the St Louis Art Museum--Aug 23

Come check out free Family Sundays every Sunday in August (the last Sunday of the month has storytelling) at the St Louis Art Museum. This month each Sunday will explore Plains Indian Patterns from 1 to 4pm in the Sculpture Hall.

Visit the exhibition Plains Indian Artwork from the Donald Danforth Jr. Collection and discover the patterns and symbols that Native American artists used to create colorful and useful works of art for men, women, children, and even horses. Hands-on art projects for the month will include patterned "beadwork" blanket strips, traditional toys, and more.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Soooo! St Louis Summerfest--Aug 22

From the 314hits website:

It's going down tommorrow Saturday August 22nd the Soooo! St. Louis Summer Fest invades downtown STL. It's St. Louis's biggest free concert of the summer. We have several artist, comedians and poets performing. Plus this event is entirely free. The Soooo! St. Louis Summer Fest starts at noon and ends at five pm and is located at the Old Post Office Plaza on 9th and Locust. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Third Friday at Third Degree Glass--Aug 21

August steams with free entertainment at Third Degree Glass Factory. See glass blowers turn glowing gobs to gorgeous glass. Union Avenue Opera performers give sneak peek preview of Lakme by Delibes at 7:00 p.m. At 8:00 p.m. get down with your bad self when Funky Butt Brass Band brings toe-tapping, rump-shaking mix of traditional jazz, slinky funk and authentic New Orleans-style brass band music. Third Degree East Gallery will show two new exhibits.

Third Fridays are free and family-friendly and run from 6-9pm.

If you are willing to spend some money, you can get your hands-on glass fix: make a paperweight - only $30, a glass tile keepsake for $20, or glass beads for $20. A cash bar will be available.

For more info check out the Third Degree website or call 314-367-4527.

Jungle Boogie at the St Louis Zoo--Aug 21

"Splish splash" with the stingrays, "cha-cha" with the cheetahs, "salsa" with the sea lions or "two-step" with the tigers at Jungle Boogie, the Zoo's FREE Friday Night concert series for the whole family. This Friday night will be the rock group Indecisive Band.

5 p.m. - Outdoor Herpetarium keeper chat
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Children's activities
5:30 p.m. - Flamingo keeper chat
6 p.m. - Penguin enrichment
6:30 p.m. - Sea lion feeding
6:30 to 7 p.m. - Children's entertainment

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Money Smart--Aug 20

The St Louis Public Library and U.S. Bank are teaming up to bring you a series of classes to help get you started on the path to financial freedom!

Money Matters: Pay Yourself First will teach you how to prepare and follow a personal spending plan and how that plan feeds goal savings.

How to Choose and Keep a Checking Account teaches you how to choose and use a checking account and credit card responsibly.

To Your Credit: Borrowing Basics teaches you how to build and repair your credit history.

Home Ownership: Buying Your First Home shows you the difference between renting or owning and the advantages and disadvantages of different mortgage options.

To Your Credit will be held on August 20 at 7pm at the Schlafly branch of the St Louis Public Library.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Children's Concert Series--Aug 19

Wednesday mornings during the summer the Piper Palm House hosts children's concerts at 9:30 AM. All concerts are free and open to the public and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info call 314-771-4424.

The Piper Palm House is located on the north side of Tower Grove Park, close to the park entrance at Magnolia and Tower Grove Avenue.

8/19 - “The Bull and the Bee”

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Family Sundays at the St Louis Art Museum--Aug 16

Come check out free Family Sundays every Sunday in August (the last Sunday of the month has storytelling) at the St Louis Art Museum. This month each Sunday will explore Plains Indian Patterns from 1 to 4pm in the Sculpture Hall.

Visit the exhibition Plains Indian Artwork from the Donald Danforth Jr. Collection and discover the patterns and symbols that Native American artists used to create colorful and useful works of art for men, women, children, and even horses. Hands-on art projects for the month will include patterned "beadwork" blanket strips, traditional toys, and more.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Skating at Hardee's IcePlex--Aug 15

Celebrate 100 Years of Disney on Ice at Hardee's IcePlex with a free public ice skating session from noon to 3pm on Saturday! Skate rental is free at Hardee's IcePlex so this is a great opportunity to take the whole family ice skating.

Wear a Disney Costume and you are entered to win a $125-valued Bronze Birthday Party. In addition, other great raffle items and food specials will be available!

For directions or more info, please see the Hardee's IcePlex website.

Thanks, Jeri!

Tower Grove Movie Nights--Aug 15

Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, & bring the kids for a free fun movie in Tower Grove Park.
This week is "National Treasure" and it will be shown at Whitaker Theater at the Pool Pavilion. All of the movies start at dusk-around 8:30 PM.

Get Fit for School--Aug 15

St. Luke's Hospital is sponsoring a free event for parents & kids to get school off to a healthy, safe and fashionable start. Enjoy kids' activities & information booths with St. Luke's experts and safety professionals at Chesterfield Mall on Saturday from 2-4pm.

Topics include Back to School, Back to Bedtime (sleep health); Calling the "shots" for you & your family (immunizations); Life is Not a Spectator Sport - staying active; Navigating the Lunch Line; Control Asthma Now; Staying Safe while Home Alone; Urgent Care vs. ER.

There will be free tote bag decorating for the first 200 families, prize drawings and special offers from mall retailers. No registration is required, but for more information please call 314-542-4848.

Tower Grove Farmers' Market--Aug 15

I don't highlight all of the Farmers' Markets in St Louis (there are many!) but I do want to highlight Tower Grove Farmers' Market because they offer live music and FREE yoga!

Yoga classes at Tower Grove Farmers' Market start at 9am and last for one hour. The classes are led by Keith Mitchell. Bring your own mat or towel and enjoy yoga under the shade trees in the cool of the morning.

GO FISH! Basic Fishing I--Aug 15

If you have a child aged 8-15, bring him or her out to Forest Park for a free fishing lesson from 9-11am on Saturday.

Basic Fishing I combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers basic fishing techniques and skills. Participants must be between the ages of 8 and 15, no exceptions. Fishing equipment, volunteers and bait are provided. All programs begin promptly at the specified times, no late arrivals will be accepted. Participants must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

For reservation, please call (636) 441-4554 by August 14, 2009.

Basic Fishing I is the first of seven different GO FISH! programs. For more information on GO FISH! visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Jungle Boogie at the St Louis Zoo--Aug 14

"Splish splash" with the stingrays, "cha-cha" with the cheetahs, "salsa" with the sea lions or "two-step" with the tigers at Jungle Boogie, the Zoo's FREE Friday Night concert series for the whole family. This Friday night will be rock group Usual Suspects.

5 p.m. - Outdoor Herpetarium keeper chat
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Children's activities
5:30 p.m. - Flamingo keeper chat
6 p.m. - Penguin enrichment
6:30 p.m. - Sea lion feeding
6:30 to 7 p.m. - Children's entertainment

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Money Smart--Aug 13

The St Louis Public Library and U.S. Bank are teaming up to bring you a series of classes to help get you started on the path to financial freedom!

Money Matters: Pay Yourself First will teach you how to prepare and follow a personal spending plan and how that plan feeds goal savings.

How to Choose and Keep a Checking Account teaches you how to choose and use a checking account and credit card responsibly.

To Your Credit: Borrowing Basics teaches you how to build and repair your credit history.

Home Ownership: Buying Your First Home shows you the difference between renting or owning and the advantages and disadvantages of different mortgage options.

How to Choose and Keep a Checking Account will be held on August 13 at 7pm at the Schlafly branch of the St Louis Public Library.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Children's Concert Series--Aug 12

Wednesday mornings during the summer the Piper Palm House hosts children's concerts at 9:30 AM. All concerts are free and open to the public and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info call 314-771-4424.

The Piper Palm House is located on the north side of Tower Grove Park, close to the park entrance at Magnolia and Tower Grove Avenue.

8/12 - “Percussion Discussion”
8/19 - “The Bull and the Bee”

Clayton Parties in the Park--Aug 12

Parties in the Park, the original outdoor after-work party, returns to Clayton's Shaw Park in 2009 for its 26th year. Events are held on the second Wednesday of each month, May – September, from 5 – 8 p.m. It's a unique opportunity to meet new people and relax with old friends. Best of all, every Party is free and open to the public!

Note that the party is free, but no outside food or drink may be brought in. There will be food available for purchase from Maggiano's Little Italy, but no food purchase is required.

This month Party in the Park will feature Ghost in the Machine: A Tribute to The Police. Ghost in the Machine hurls you back 20 years ago to re-live the raw, electrifying, experience of seeing The Police in their prime. With extraordinary attention to detail, the band will amaze audiences; from young fans of 80s music who may not have even heard of The Police, to the most hardcore of fans. Ghost in the Machine is a true “tribute” to one of the best rock and roll bands ever. So if you like The Police, this is as close as it gets.

For more information call: (314) 726-3033 or visit the Parties in the Park website.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Family Sundays at the St Louis Art Museum--Aug 9

Come check out free Family Sundays every Sunday in August (the last Sunday of the month has storytelling) at the St Louis Art Museum. This month each Sunday will explore Plains Indian Patterns from 1 to 4pm in the Sculpture Hall.

Visit the exhibition Plains Indian Artwork from the Donald Danforth Jr. Collection and discover the patterns and symbols that Native American artists used to create colorful and useful works of art for men, women, children, and even horses. Hands-on art projects for the month will include patterned "beadwork" blanket strips, traditional toys, and more.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Twilight Under the Train Shed--Aug 7

St Louis Union Station continues their Twilight Under the Train Shed series with the '80s hit movie "Goonies". Join Mikey and the gang as they search for hidden treasure and fight off the bad guys!

The movie will start around 8:30pm on the Lake Stage. In case of rain, the movie will be shown indoors.

Jungle Boogie at the St Louis Zoo--Aug 7

"Splish splash" with the stingrays, "cha-cha" with the cheetahs, "salsa" with the sea lions or "two-step" with the tigers at Jungle Boogie, the Zoo's FREE Friday Night concert series for the whole family. This Friday night will be the blues music of Hudson and the HooDoo Cats.

5 p.m. - Outdoor Herpetarium keeper chat
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. - Children's activities
5:30 p.m. - Flamingo keeper chat
6 p.m. - Penguin enrichment
6:30 p.m. - Sea lion feeding
6:30 to 7 p.m. - Children's entertainment

G-Force--Aug 7

On Friday you can participate in a free private screening of G-Force at the Des Peres 14 Cine. The doors open at 9:15am to the first 80 people and those people will also enjoy a free lunch at the Des Peres Qdoba in honor of their new Des Peres location.

Thanks, STL Mommy!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Money Smart--Aug 6

The St Louis Public Library and U.S. Bank are teaming up to bring you a series of classes to help get you started on the path to financial freedom!

Money Matters: Pay Yourself First will teach you how to prepare and follow a personal spending plan and how that plan feeds goal savings.

How to Choose and Keep a Checking Account teaches you how to choose and use a checking account and credit card responsibly.

To Your Credit: Borrowing Basics teaches you how to build and repair your credit history.

Home Ownership: Buying Your First Home shows you the difference between renting or owning and the advantages and disadvantages of different mortgage options.

Money Matters will be held on August 6 at 7pm at the Schlafly branch of the St Louis Public Library.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Wehrenberg Family Summer Series--Aug 5 and 6

Wehrenberg Theatres are once again hosting their FREE summer movie series. There are numerous theatres throughout the St. Louis area participating and the movies vary from week to week depending on the theatre. For more information, see their website here:

Wehrenberg Family Summer Series

The movies to be shown are The Tale of Despereaux, Space Chimps, Open Season 2, Marley & Me, Madagascar 2, Kung Fu Panda, Hotel For Dogs, Coraline, Bee Movie, and Stuart Little 3.

Whitaker Music Festival--Aug 5

Birds singing in the warm, rose-scented evenings signal it’s time for the Whitaker Music Festival. Now in its 15th year, the open-air festival presents ten weeks of free Wednesday evening concerts under the stars. Enjoy the musical talents of many noted St. Louis-area performers and take advantage of the once-a-year opportunity to picnic on the Garden grounds. Click here to view this year's lineup.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic supper, baskets, or coolers. Picnic fare is also available for purchase on site, including brisket sandwiches, hot dogs, cheese and grape plates, sno-cones, chips, cookies, beer, wine, and soda. The Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden also remains open late until 7 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, with free admission after 5 p.m.The festival is funded by the Whitaker Foundation, which supports St. Louis arts and parks to promote common heritage, celebrate diversity, and encourage vitality within the community.In case of rain, check the Garden’s website at http://www.mobot.org/ or tune in to radio station WSIE, 88.7 FM, for cancellation information.

Free admission to the Garden after 5 p.m.
Music begins at 7:30 p.m.

August 5
Anita Rosamond
Jazz/pop singer and pianist

Anita was invited back this year after being rained out last year. A talented vocalist, pianist, and songwriter, she mixes together a blend of jazz, soulful R&B, and original compositions in her diverse array of musical styles. Anita is a much sought-after performer, having acclaimed performances at venues such as the Pageant, the Sheldon Concert Hall, and Jazz at the Bistro.

Children's Concert Series--Aug 5

Wednesday mornings during the summer the Piper Palm House hosts children's concerts at 9:30 AM. All concerts are free and open to the public and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more info call 314-771-4424. The Piper Palm House is located on the north side of Tower Grove Park, close to the park entrance at Magnolia and Tower Grove Avenue.

8/05 - “Peter and the Wolf”
8/12 - “Percussion Discussion”
8/19 - “The Bull and the Bee”

Monday, August 3, 2009

Regal Free Family Film Festival--Aug 4 and 5

Selected G & PG movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.

Tickets for the 2009 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at the theatre box office on the day of the show.

The only St Louis area theatre participating in the Free Family Film Festival is the one at the St Louis Mills Stadium 18 (5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd., Hazelwood, MO 63042).

08/04/2009-08/05/2009The Tale Of Despereaux (G)

Kung Fu Panda (PG)

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Rock the River--Aug 2

This Saturday the river will rock with a day-long festival featuring high-voltage music, including groups like Flyleaf, Kirk Franklin and Red, along with a challenging message from Franklin Graham. Billy Graham's Rock the River will start at 2:30pm (gates open at 1pm) on Saturday and last until 9:30pm. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the concerts from underneath the the Gateway Arch.

Family Sunday at the St Louis Art Museum--Aug 2

Come check out free Family Sundays every Sunday in August (last Sunday has storytelling) at the St Louis Art Museum. This month each Sunday will explore Plains Indian Patterns from 1 to 4pm in the Sculpture Hall.

Visit the exhibition Plains Indian Artwork from the Donald Danforth Jr. Collection and discover the patterns and symbols that Native American artists used to create colorful and useful works of art for men, women, children, and even horses. Hands-on art projects for the month will include patterned "beadwork" blanket strips, traditional toys, and more.

Compton Heights Concert Band--Aug 2 and 3

The Compton Heights Concert Band of St. Louis presents exciting, old-fashioned Sousa-style band concerts with world-class guest artists. All concerts are free and open to the public and start at 7:30pm.

Sunday concerts are performed at Francis Park (for more info, call 776-2227). Monday concerts are performed at the Music Stand in Tower Grove Park (for more info, call 771-2679).

8/02 and 03 – Fabulous Finale with Hugh Smith