The mid-July heat is in full swing, but St. Louis is countering the humidity with some of the biggest cultural milestones of the year. From the massive return of Music at the Intersection across Grand Center to a historic national landmark unveiling in Forest Park, the city's creative spirit is on full display. Pack your water bottles, lean into the summer energy, and explore the absolute best of our community over the next three days.
Friday, July 17
Music at the Intersection (MATI) Festival Openers
Day/Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: Grand Center Arts District (Five main stages including The Sovereign, The Big Top, Jazz St. Louis, and Sophie's Artist Lounge)
What to Expect: St. Louis’s premier celebration of jazz, soul, blues, and hip-hop kicks off its sixth year with an updated summer footprint. The neighborhood transforms into a fully walkable indoor-outdoor footprint featuring incredible local food trucks, artisan pop-ups, and multi-stage festival energy.
Link: Explore the schedule and artist maps via the official Music at the Intersection Festival Hub.
Disney’s Newsies at The Muny
Day/Time: 8:15 PM
Venue: The Muny (Forest Park, 1 Theatre Dr)
What to Expect: The Broadway favorite seizes the stage under the stars for its first Muny production in nine years. Expect spectacular, high-energy tap choreography, powerhouse vocals, and the incomparable magic of outdoor summer theater.
Link: Reserve your seats or check the free seat lines on The Muny Production Page.
Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill by Tesseract Theatre Company
Day/Time: 8:00 PM
Venue: The Marcelle (3310 Samuel Shepard Dr, Grand Center)
What to Expect: A raw, deeply emotional staging of the hit rock musical based on the era-defining 1995 album. Tesseract brings their signature independent edge to this intense, character-driven production inside an intimate black box space.
Link: Grab tickets directly through the Kranzberg Arts Foundation Box Office.
Live Music & Food Hall Eats
Day/Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: City Foundry STL (3730 Foundry Way, Midtown)
What to Expect: Catch an acoustic set from rising local independent artists right in the heart of the main Food Hall. Grab dinner from over 17 distinct kitchens while supporting the regional music scene under a massive industrial-chic roof.
Link: View the daily vendor directory and live stage lineups at City Foundry STL.
Saturday, July 18
Tower Grove Farmers' Market
Day/Time: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Venue: Tower Grove Park (4257 Northeast Dr, South City)
What to Expect: St. Louis's signature community gathering hub. Fill your tote bags with fresh mid-summer produce, local pastries, and fresh-pour iced coffee while enjoying live acoustic sets on the grass under a canopy of historic pavilions.
Link: Browse the weekly list of local farms and small businesses at the Tower Grove Farmers' Market.
James S. McDonnell Planetarium Grand Reopening
Day/Time: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Venue: Saint Louis Science Center (5100 Clayton Ave, Forest Park)
What to Expect: A true historic moment for local science education. The iconic mid-century hyperbola opens its doors to unveil massive infrastructure upgrades, officially debuting as the largest and most advanced hybrid planetarium in the country.
Link: Check out the opening weekend schedule and immersive space showtimes via the Saint Louis Science Center Planetarium Guide.
Archdiocese Bicentennial Thanksgiving Mass
Day/Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (4431 Lindell Blvd, Central West End)
What to Expect: A historic, city-wide milestone celebration marking 200 years of the St. Louis archdiocese. A rare opportunity to experience the breathtaking, world-renowned mosaic collection while witnessing a massive communal event.
Link: Find visitor details and history highlights on the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis official page.
The Annual Peach Festival
Day/Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Downtown Kirkwood Market (150 E Argonne Dr, Kirkwood)
What to Expect: A sweet celebration of local agricultural craftsmanship and small-town flavor. Stop by for fresh peach tastings, seasonal treats, regional makers, and live acoustic performances in the heart of historic Kirkwood.
Link: Plan your market morning details at the Downtown Kirkwood Special Events Calendar.
Sunday, July 19
MATI Headliner Showcase: Wyclef Jean, PJ Morton & Keyon Harrold
Day/Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: The Fabulous Fox Theatre (527 N Grand Blvd, Grand Center)
What to Expect: The ultimate crown jewel of the festival weekend. Moving inside the opulent Fox Theatre, this marquee event features legendary Fugees frontman Wyclef Jean, six-time Grammy winner PJ Morton, and Ferguson-born trumpeter Keyon Harrold.
Link: Secure single-day performance tickets or seat upgrades on the official Fabulous Fox Theatre Box Office.
Ancient Splendor: Roman Art in the Time of Trajan
Day/Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Saint Louis Art Museum (1 Fine Arts Dr, Forest Park)
What to Expect: Escape the afternoon heat and dive deep into classical antiquity. This world-class exhibition showcases striking imperial sculptures and artifact craftsmanship from the golden era of the Roman Empire.
Link: Book your exhibition tickets and view gallery talk schedules on the Saint Louis Art Museum Exhibition Portal.
The Midnight Company presents Wakey Wakey
Day/Time: 2:00 PM Sunday Matinee
Venue: The Chapel (6238 Alexander Dr, Clayton/Moorlands area)
What to Expect: One of the city’s finest fringe theater companies delivers an intimate, deeply poignant, and surprisingly funny production exploring life, legacy, and what it means to truly be present.
Link: Review show information and pick up tickets on The Midnight Company site.
The Boulevard Farmers' Market
Day/Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Venue: The Boulevard St. Louis (Richmond Heights)
What to Expect: A relaxed open-air layout perfect for your Sunday stroll. Grab artisan cheeses, regional baked goods, and local meats perfect for building a late-summer dinner table at home.
Link: See the full vendor rotation and seasonal highlights at The Boulevard St. Louis.
Local Lens Spotlight
Looking for the ultimate post-market fuel? Head just a few blocks down the road to Grand Pied Click to open side panel for more information on Morgan Ford Road in Tower Grove South. This neighborhood restaurant is famous for serving up an incredible, scratch-made breakfast and brunch menu. Pro tip: grab a table, order a plate of their signature pancakes or a seasonal scramble, and enjoy a relaxed morning in the heart of South City.