Your Curated Weekend Guide to St. Louis | July 31 – August 2, 2026
Summer across St. Louis is operating at maximum vibrance as we roll into the first weekend of August! From the iconic Motown harmonies filling the night air in Forest Park to bustling Saturday mornings beneath the historic oak canopy of Tower Grove, our city's creative spirit is on full display. Pack your sunglasses, grab an iced coffee, and dive into your scannable rundown of the best ways to experience our community over the next three days.
Friday, July 31
Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations
Day/Time: Friday, July 31 at 8:15 PM
Venue: The Muny, Forest Park
What to Expect: Experience the soul-stirring harmonies and smooth choreography of Motown royalty under the Forest Park stars. This smash-hit musical tracks the journey of five guys from Detroit who broke records and shaped music history.
Link: Reserve your seats directly on The Muny Portal.
Stone Sea Special Viewing & SLAM Free Fridays
Day/Time: Friday, July 31 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Museum open until 9:00 PM)
Venue: Saint Louis Art Museum, Forest Park
What to Expect: Walk through Andy Goldsworthy’s breathtaking, large-scale outdoor sculpture Stone Sea during a rare, open access session. Afterwards, head inside to explore classical masterpieces in the air-conditioned main galleries.
Link: View gallery details via the Saint Louis Art Museum Portal.
The Lamar Harris Sextet Live
Day/Time: Friday, July 31 at 8:00 PM
Venue: The Dark Room at The Grandel, Grand Center Arts District
What to Expect: Settle in for an evening of inventive contemporary jazz paired with artisanal small plates and craft cocktails. Tucked inside Grand Center, it offers one of the crispest, most intimate soundscapes in the city.
Link: Check performance times on the Kranzberg Arts Foundation Directory.
Midnight Screenings at Hi-Pointe Theatre
Day/Time: Friday, July 31 at 7:30 PM
Venue: Hi-Pointe Theatre, Richmond Heights
What to Expect: Catch indie film releases and restored cinematic classics on the big screen at St. Louis’s oldest continuously operating cinema venue. Grab freshly buttered popcorn and settle into classic movie house charm.
Link: Explore current showtimes at Cinema St. Louis.
Saturday, August 1
Tower Grove Farmers’ Market
Day/Time: Saturday, August 1 from 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Venue: Tower Grove Park (West End), Tower Grove South
What to Expect: St. Louis’s signature Saturday morning tradition. Stroll past dozens of local produce growers, small-batch bakers, craft coffee roasters, and live buskers performing along the parkway.
Link: Discover weekly vendors at the Tower Grove Farmers' Market Guide.
Ain't Too Proud (Saturday Evening Show)
Day/Time: Saturday, August 1 at 8:15 PM
Venue: The Muny, Forest Park
What to Expect: Catch the weekend’s featured performance of Ain't Too Proud as high-energy choreography and iconic hits like "My Girl" light up the outdoor stage. Arrive early to enjoy picnic grounds and live pre-show entertainment in the plaza.
Link: Secure tickets through MetroTix.
Open Studio Saturdays at Craft Alliance
Day/Time: Saturday, August 1 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Venue: Craft Alliance, Delmar Loop
What to Expect: Watch master glassblowers, woodworkers, and textile artists demonstrate their craft live in studio spaces. A wonderful opportunity to support local studio creators and learn about hands-on workshop classes.
Link: Learn more on the Craft Alliance Community Page.
Historic Soulard Market Morning Stroll
Day/Time: Saturday, August 1 from 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Venue: Soulard Farmers Market, Soulard
What to Expect: Soak up the energy of the country's oldest public market west of the Mississippi River. Browse stalls packed with fresh produce, baked treats, and street food while enjoying live music along the plaza.
Link: Plan your visit at Soulard Market.
Sunday, August 2
Ain't Too Proud (Series Finale)
Day/Time: Sunday, August 2 at 8:15 PM
Venue: The Muny, Forest Park
What to Expect: Close out your weekend with the grand finale performance of The Temptations' musical journey. Unbeatable Motown energy makes this a perfect Sunday night outing before the new workweek resets.
Link: Reserve remaining seats at The Muny.
Cherokee Street Sunday Art & Coffee Walk
Day/Time: Sunday, August 2 from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Cherokee Street Historic District, Benton Park / Gravois Park
What to Expect: Explore independent print shops, vintage clothing boutiques, and community art galleries along Cherokee Street, stopping into neighborhood taquerias and cafes along the strip.
Link: Explore the corridor via Cherokee Street News & Events.
Piper Palm House Acoustic Sessions
Day/Time: Sunday, August 2 at 5:00 PM
Venue: Piper Palm House, Tower Grove Park
What to Expect: An intimate evening of chamber music and acoustic sets hosted inside the historic Victorian conservatory. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the sunset acoustics spilling onto the surrounding lawns.
Link: View schedule details on Tower Grove Park Events.
Sunday Gallery Sessions at CAM
Day/Time: Sunday, August 2 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM), Grand Center
What to Expect: Spend a peaceful Sunday afternoon taking in cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions in a stunning architectural venue. Docents are on hand to offer insights into current gallery installations.
Link: Plan your visit at CAM St. Louis.
Local Lens Spotlight
Catching an evening set at The Dark Room or spending Sunday afternoon gallery-hopping through CAM? Take a five-minute stroll down the block to The Fountain on Locust in Midtown. Housed inside a restored Automotive Row showroom featuring hand-painted Art Deco murals, it holds the title of the most-photographed restaurant in St. Louis. Stop by for retro ice cream martinis, house-made ice cream sundaes, or craft cocktails after an evening of live music and gallery visits.