These free concerts, plays are included in metro-east, St. Louis summer event lineup
For a fun Friday night plan or a spontaneous Saturday outing, you might consider checking out the music and performing arts scene in St. Louis and the metro-east.
The St. Louis metro area offers a wide variety of concerts and shows in the warmer seasons, and several of them are free. Here’s what to check out this spring and summer.
Muny shows
The Muny in St. Louis sells tickets for its shows, but free options are also available.
The last nine rows, or more than 1,400 seats, are always free. Free seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and gates open at 7 p.m. on show nights. You might even get lucky and receive a free upgrade to Terrace A. Ten upgrades are given at random on one night of each show’s weeklong run.
The Muny will kick off its 105th season with “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” from June 12 to 18. Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” will play from June 22 to June 30.
Live music at Eckert’s Farm
Eckert’s Belleville Farm will host several live music events this spring and summer. Some are free and some are ticketed.
Here are some of the Eckert’s Belleville concerts on the calendar:
The Old Salt Duo concert will be free and family friendly, according to Eckert’s. It will take place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. May 12. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, and concessions will be sold onsite. Leashed dogs are permitted in outdoor areas.
Uncle Albert Duo will be another free show, and it will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. May 14.
Enjoy 80s hits at the Top Gunz concert from 7 to 10 p.m. May 19. There is a $4.50 cover charge, and you can reserve your spot online.
The Soulard Blues Band will play a free concert from 7 to 10 p.m. June 9.
Check out the Skylark Brothers Band at a free show from 1 to 4 p.m. July 2.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre
Tickets for shows at The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis vary in price, but here’s how much it would cost to attend a few upcoming performances:
Bluey’s Big Play
11 a.m. June 17
Tickets start at $32.50 before fees
House of Cheer: The Level up Tour 2023
7:30 p.m. June 29
Tickets start at $45 (plus an $8 fee)
Tedeschi Trucks Band
7:30 p.m. July 22
Tickets start at $39.50 before fees
St. Louis Public Library concerts
Along with access to literature, computers, printers, telescopes and hotspots, the St. Louis Public Library also provides the chance to enjoy live music for free.
Check out these free events:
Joe Dirt and the Dirty Boys
7:30 to 9 p.m. June 15 at Buder Library
The library recommends people bring lawn chairs or blankets for this parking lot event.
Bad Habit
7:30 to 9 p.m. July 20 at Central Library
This free, all-ages show will take place on the steps outside of Central Library.
The Melvin Turnage Band
7:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 17 at Julia Davis Library
For a free performance of classic R&B and jazz, spend an evening at the Julia Davis Library parking lot.
Email mhoward@bnd.com with information about additional live music and performances in southwest Illinois and St. Louis.
