Grab your lawn chairs and sunscreen—the summer event engine is running at full throttle. This weekend brings a massive shift into outdoor theater, fresh art openings, and deep-dive community markets that showcase exactly what makes our local blocks thrive. Whether you’re looking to catch world-class acrobats under a massive big-top tent in Grand Center, lay out a picnic blanket for free Shakespeare in Forest Park, or hunt for handmade goods along the park paths, we’ve got your schedule locked down.
Here is your master copy-and-paste breakdown of what’s happening from Friday morning until the sun goes down on Sunday.
🗓️ Friday, June 12
Circus Flora: Flying High (Pride Night): The city’s premier theater-under-a-big-top delivers its breathtaking modern circus and theatrical storytelling performance in the heart of Grand Center, featuring a special celebratory focus tonight.
Shakespeare in the Park: The Tempest: Head out to Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park for a magical, spellbinding production under the stars. Free admission; bring a blanket and arrive early. Grounds open at 5:30 PM, show starts at 8:15 PM.
Public Gallery Opening: Picturing Independence at SLAM: Celebrate the launch of this brand-new, multi-century collection exhibition. Explore the gallery with curator talks and live music tracks from old-time string band The Mound City Slickers in Sculpture Hall starting at 6:00 PM.
SLAM Cinema presents Space Is the Place: Stick around the art museum grounds right after the gallery opening for a special 6:30 PM outdoor screening event celebrating community, avant-garde jazz, and film.
Free Fridays: Ancient Splendor: Soak in the incredible marble sculptures, frescoes, and glass work of the Ancient Splendor: Roman Art in the Time of Trajan exhibition without paying a dime. The gallery stays open late with final entries accepted up to 8:00 PM.
Albion Theatre presents The Wasp: Looking for an intense psychological thriller? Head down to the Kranzberg Arts Center for opening weekend of this brilliant, edge-of-your-seat contemporary play by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm starting at 7:30 PM.
Ptah Williams: A Tribute to Herbie Hancock: Spend an intimate jazz evening at The Dark Room at The Grandel in Grand Center. Renowned pianist Ptah Williams takes the stage at 8:00 PM to honor a modern master.
New Line Theatre: We Will Rock You: Head over to the Marcelle Theater for a high-octane performance of the hit rock musical built entirely around the classic discography of Queen. Show hits the stage at 8:00 PM.
🗓️ Saturday, June 13
Tower Grove Farmers' Market: Fill up your canvas tote bags along the historic stone pavilion pathways. From 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, shop dozens of local regional farms, bakeries, coffee roasters, and community makers.
Fabulous Fox Theatre Walking Tours: Ever wanted to peer behind the curtain of Midtown's crown jewel? The Fox is opening its doors for historic morning walking tours departing at 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM from the Curtain Call Lounge.
Circus Flora Saturday Sprint: If you missed the weekday runs, catch the acrobats under the sawdust ring for either a high-energy noon performance or the traditional 4:00 PM late afternoon showcase.
Shakespeare in the Park (Weekend Session): Pack up your favorite local cheeses, snacks, and a cooler for another beautiful evening of live, open-air theater performance of The Tempest kicking off at 8:15 PM in Forest Park.
An Evening with Jeffrey Osborne: Head down to The Sheldon Concert Hall at 7:00 PM for a night of classic R&B, soul, and timeless hits performed inside one of the finest acoustic spaces in the country.
Saint Louis Ballet presents Encore: Catch a gorgeous mix of contemporary choreography and classical technique as the regional ballet company takes over the stage at 7:00 PM.
The Battle for Slumfest: Witness a masterclass in local hip-hop culture at The Dark Room at The Grandel. The final countdown features intense emcee battles, live lyricists, and showcase music starting at 9:00 PM.
🗓️ Sunday, June 14
Circus Flora Final Weekend Matinee: The big top lights up for another two-show Sunday sprint. Catch the incredible feats of balance and aerial grace at either 12:00 PM or 4:00 PM.
The Tempest Evening Closing Track: Take advantage of the perfect evening weather forecast to catch this specific, highly acclaimed outdoor run before the production packs up the island set next week. Show begins promptly at 8:15 PM.
Self-Guided Sculpture Stroll at Laumeier: Stroll the wooded trails and open meadows of the south county park to check out towering permanent outdoor installations—perfect for a relaxed Sunday walk. Open from 8:00 AM to sunset.
💡 Quick Note on Parking: Planning to hit the Forest Park events this weekend? Parking slots near the Saint Louis Art Museum and Shakespeare Glen will fill up incredibly fast by 6:30 PM. Ride your bike, carpool, or map out an early spot along Fine Arts Drive to avoid the loop traffic.