Balling on a Budget: Summer in the City Part Deux

As promised, I have returned with a new list of more fun (free or close to free) events taking place in our fair city of St. Louis. In case you missed my last installment, here is the link. Whether you are organizing fun events for you, you friends and family, or a date, check out these options.  Feel free to comment if there’s an event that I have missed. Enjoy!

 

10^th Annual “Let Them Eat Art” (LTEA)

When: Friday July 10, 2015 6 pm to 11 pm

Where: Historic Maplewood, MO

Price: FREE

What is it: This is a street festival that features live art demonstrations, music, food, and drinks specials. This year LTEA will offer a selection of the STL 250 Cakes courtesy of the STL 250 Cakelovers who will be kicking off the festivities with a Cakewalk parade down Sutton Blvd. at 6:30 PM. Attendants can also see Dan the Pancake Man and enjoy activities with Shakespeare Festival St. Louis and CAM (Contemporary Art Museum). For more information go to: http://mo-maplewood.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=147

STL Summer Fest by Alive Magazine

When: Friday, July 10, 2015 5 pm to 10 pm

Where: Downtown St. Louis/ MX District on Washington Avenue

Price: FREE (or VIP Admission for $50)

What is it: This is a street block party that will feature over 40 local vendors, street performers, and live music. RSVP at for free general admission or RSVP for VIP admission to enjoy a private lounge in The Laurel Apartments' chic 6th floor garden, complimentary drinks, appetizers, The Laurel tours and access to an exclusive giveaway for $150 in MX restaurant gift cards! To get more information about the event and to RSVP follow this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/stl-summer-fest-tickets-16802155700.

Art Hill Movie Series

When: Fridays in July: 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31 at 6 pm

Where:  Outdoors on Art Hill in front of the St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park

Price: FREE

What is it:  This is a free film series, in which movies are shown on a big screen at the bottom of Art Hill. This year’s theme are anniversaries. On Friday July 10^th, the movie is Back to the Future which is 30 years old, July 17^th is Jaws which is 40 years old, July 24^th is Clueless which is 20 years old, and July 31^st is Sound of Music which is 50 years old. There will also be an instructor-led Art Lab held each week to help patrons tap into their creative juices. Blankets, lawnchairs, outside food and drink, and well-behaved pets on 6 ft leashes are welcome. There will also be food and drinks available through food trucks and the Art Museum’s Panorama restaurant and café. For more information: http://www.slam.org/filmseries/

Forest Park Concert

When: Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 7 pm

Where: Art Hill in Forest Park

Price: FREE

What is it: Conductor David Robertson will lead the St. Louis Symphony orchestra in an evening of classical favorites and highlights from the 2015/16 season. Some of the music to be performed during the concert include the Star Spangled Banner, Bernstein’s Candide Overture, and the Flying Theme from ET.  Blankets and outside food are allowed. The evening will be capped off with fireworks at the bottom of Art Hill. For more information: http://www.stlsymphony.org/forestpark

Parties in the Park

When:  2^nd Wednesday of the Month from 5/13/2015 through 9/9/2015, from 5 pm to 8:30 pm

Where:  Downtown Clayton on Central Avenue

Price: FREE

What is it: Parties in the Park is described as an “open-air cocktail soiree”. It is basically an upscale outdoor block party for professionals. There is food, drinks, and live concerts. Admission is free but outside food and drinks are not allowed. For more information: http://partiesinthepark.org/

3^rd Fridays at Third Degree Glass Factory

When: Every 3^rd Friday of the Month, from 6 pm to 10 pm

Where: Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108

Price: FREE admission (Fees for making piece of art/jewelry)

What is it: Every third Friday evening, the glass studio opens its doors for glassblowing and bead-making demonstrations,  instructor-led glass –craft activities, food, music, and shopping. At 6pm guests can sign up to participate for the guided activity on a first-come first-serve. Through these demos, guests can make jewelry, paperweights, tiles, and more at a fee.  Completed glass art projects will be available for pick up the following Wednesday. For more information: http://www.thirddegreeglassfactory.com/thirdfridays/

And This Just In: I just found out about Music at The Intersection, which is Grand Center Arts District’s newest summer music festival. Starting July 17, Music at The Intersection will bring together 50-plus bands in eight venues for free concerts throughout Grand Center, starting in Strauss Park. Concerts will be held on Friday evenings, July 17, August 14 and Sept. 11.

Honorable Mentions and Upcoming Events: Food Truck Friday (2^nd Friday of every month from 7/10 through 10/2), Twilight Tuesdays (coming back August 25^th), Festival of Nations (August 29^th and August 30^th)