Today The MX District on Washington Avenue in Downtown St. Louis will be flooded with more than 1,000 St. Louisans. STL Summer Fest, a (free!) fun-in-the-sun block party and bazaar returns to the streets as part of ALIVE’s mission to feature local makers and celebrate our city. Read on for why you should add this local shopper’s dream to your weekend agenda. –

[media-credit name=”Alive Magazine” align=”aligncenter” width=”600″][/media-credit]

See more at: http://www.alivemag.com/blog/index.php/2015/07/stl-summer-fest-takes-over-downtown-st-louis/#sthash.F1wjqLSk.dpuf

The post STL Summerfest Is In Full Swing first appeared on STL Homelife.

Summer is here, and so is Muny Season! One of the “Must Do’s” one every St. Louisans summer list should be to attend a show at The Muny! This summer, their line-up is sure to attract some very large crowds.

June 15 – 21

One of history’s greatest and most popular musicals, Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Ladyopens The Muny’s 97^th summer season. This all-time Muny favorite has some of the most enchanting Broadway songs ever written. You’ll delight in “On The Street Where You Live,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?,” “The Rain in Spain,” and “I Could Have Danced All Night.” A witty and moving story of the sexes in their fiercest and funniest battle, My Fair Lady is the best of classic Broadway.

June 23 – 30

Winner of eight Tony® Awards including the 2003 Tony® for Best Musical,Hairspray brings its infectious beat and hilarious fun to the Muny for 8 performances. Set in the changing times of 1960s Baltimore, Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on the Corny Collins Show AND creating a perfect integrated world! Does she have the moves and the courage? Based on the 1988 John Waters Film of the same name, Hairsprayfeatures incredible dance numbers and a blazing set of pop tunes including “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop The Beat!”

July 6 – 12

Happy holidays – all of them! Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn comes to joyous and extravagant life on the Muny stage. A Muny premiere, this will be only the second production in the world of this new musical based upon the beloved 1942 film. With thrilling dance numbers and lively comedy, this wonderful new show features Irving Berlin classics like “Easter Parade,” “Steppin’ Out With My Baby,” “Shakin’ The Blues Away,” “Be Careful, It’s My Heart,” and more!

July 13 – 19

The story of beloved American rock ‘n’ roll icon Buddy Holly explodes onto The Muny stage in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. Buddy Holly created the sounds and styles that made American rock ‘n’ roll, and this fantastic show features songs you’ve loved for decades: “That’ll Be The Day,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Peggy Sue,” and “Johnny B. Goode!” Another Muny premiere, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story is an all-American summer night’s energy boost!

View The Full The Muny 2015 Summer Line Up

The post The Muny Summer 2015 Line Up first appeared on STL Homelife.

Winter is a trying time in St. Louis. December’s gray, gloomy days turn into frigid, unforgiving nights as our collective Vitamin D deficiency threatens to turn us into a horde of pallid, paunchy zombies. We hole up in our homes, only occasionally risking the elements to trek out for the necessary provisions.

As April approaches, we wake from our slumber and reemerge to renewing spring rains. The vibrant, verdant city we’d all but forgotten comes back into focus, and we begin to reacquaint ourselves with the outside world.

By summer, those strong enough to have endured the Midwestern winter are rewarded with a packed roster of arts and entertainment events — a schedule that can go toe-to-toe with just about any city in the country.

Here are our picks for the ten best free events in St. Louis this summer.

1. Whitaker Music Festival
www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/things-to-do/events/signature-events/whitaker-music-festival.aspx

Now in its 22nd year, the Whitaker Music Festival brings St. Louisans free admission to the gorgeous grounds of the Missouri Botanical Garden along with performances from some of the city’s most popular musical acts, including Tommy Halloran’s Guerrilla Swing, the Erin Bode Group and Magnolia Summer. Beginning in late May and continuing through the end of July, admission to the garden is free every Wednesday from 5 until 9 p.m., and music starts at 7:30 p.m.

2. Shakespeare Festival St. Louis
www.sfstl.com

In addition to the festival’s centerpiece production in Forest Park — this year, the genre-straddling Antony and Cleopatra, running now through June 14 — Shakespeare Festival St. Louis presents a slew of free events all over the city. Among others, Camp Shakespeare provides several full-day workshops for students at Crossroads College Preparatory School, and the monthly Shakespeare Festival Reads is a collaborative reading group hosted by Left Bank Books.

3. Jungle Boogie Friday Night Concert Series
www.stlzoo.org/events/calendarofevents/jungleboogie

In addition to being one of only a handful of zoos around the nation with free general admission year-round, the Saint Louis Zoo also also presents a free, family-friendly summer concert series every Friday from May 22 to August 28. The concerts take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Schnuck Family Plaza near the zoo’s center. Along with the musical entertainment, the zoo’s exhibits remain open for an additional two hours during the concerts, so you can visit your favorite animals until 7 p.m.
4. Wednesday Lunch Free Concert Series
www.stlouis-mo.gov/events/eventdetails.cfm?Event_ID=9715

In contrast to the wealth of other free events held on evenings and weekends around town, the Wednesday Lunch Free Concert Series presents downtown residents and commuters a bit of midweek, daytime entertainment. Held from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Citygarden throughout June, July and August, the series’ musical offerings will range from the electro-soul of DJ Nune to the old-time fiddle of Root Diggers, and Acoustik Element’s Latin guitar and percussion.

5. Three Stooges Night at the Bottleworks
schlafly.com/events/calendar/2015/11/09/three-stooges-night

On the second Monday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m., the Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood hosts Three Stooges Night, where you can get together with like-minded folks to watch the slapstickiest of comedies playing on a vintage 16mm projector while enjoying the Bottleworks’ food and drink menus. Though the event itself is free, donations to benefit the National Children’s Cancer Society are accepted.

View Full Article on Riverfront Times: http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2015/06/10_great_free_events_in_st_louis_2015.php

The post 10 Free Events to Check Out This Summer first appeared on STL Homelife.

The Missouri River Irish Fest is scheduled to take place May 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2014 on the St. charles riverfront. St. Charles celebrates it’s Irish heritage with music, storytelling, athletics, food, traditional crafts and live Irish music in the evening.
The festival will run Friday, May 23rd from 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm, Saturday, May 24th from 9:00 am – 10:30 pm and Sunday, May 25th from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The opening ceremony will take place on saturday at 12noon with Piper dan Jackson.

Do not miss The largest FREE Irish Festival in the St. Louis area!

Visit The Missouri River Irishfest Website for more information.

The post Missouri River Irish Fest first appeared on STL Homelife.

St. Louis has amazing fairs and festivals every year. Here are three events you do not want to miss!

1. St. Louis Scottish Games and Cultural Festival
September 27 & 28 in Forest Park

• Highland dancing and athletics
• Authentic food, crafts, clothing and more
• Parade of Tartans
• Storytelling for children
• Sheepdog trials and birds of prey
• Folk music
• And much more!

2. Old Webster Jazz & Blues Festival
Saturday, September 21, 2013
• Great Music
• Face Painting
• Jugglers
• Street Entertainers

3. Historic Shaw Art Fair
Saturday, Oct 5 9:00a to 5:00p
• Local arts and crafts
• Free demonstrations
• Children’s activities
• Music
• Local food vendors

The post Three fall festivals you’re sure to love first appeared on STL Homelife.

Kevin Bacon to Perform at 2013 Soulard Mardi Gras Pet Parade

Kevin Bacon to Perform at 2013 Soulard Mardi Gras Pet Parade

Kevin Bacon and his brother are scheduled to perform at this year’s Mardi Gras Pet Parade held annually in Soulard, Missouri. The event brings in tens of thousands of parade-goers and their four-legged friends every year, but this is the first time that organizers have booked a touring act to headline the show. The Bacon Brothers, Kevin and Michael, play a mix of lively country rock and pop rock and have played with their band-mates since 1995.  The parade will kick off at 1:00 p.m. on February 3rd at the intersection of Menard and Allen Streets.  The Bacon Brothers are scheduled to perform at 2:30 p.m. near Soulard Market Park.

The event is free to the public and costume-adorned pets are welcomed!  If you would like to register your pet to walk in the Beggin’ Pet Parade,  registration is $10  with all of the proceeds benefiting the Open Door Animal Sanctuary, a local shelter featuring dogs and cats of all ages and breeds, waiting to find their forever homes.  So, if your furry friend likes to wear costumes and would like to join the estimated 1,200 other dressed-up pets expected to walk in the parade this year, you can register online.  If you register, meet up with the other parade participants at 10:00 a.m. at the corner of Menard and Allen Streets.  Pet participants are subject to the approval of Mardi Gras, Inc. and the St. Louis Department of Animal Control based on appropriateness, temperament and health.

So come out February 3rd for a day of fun and entertainment for the whole family (including our four-legged family members!)

You can see a map of the parade route here.

Link:

Kevin Bacon to Perform at 2013 Soulard Mardi Gras Pet Parade:

http://stlhomelife.com/kevin-bacon-to-perform-at-2013-soulard-mardi-gras-pet-parade/

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Who says you can’t ski in St. Louis?

Hidden Valley in St. Louis allows you tear up the slopes right here in St. Louis! Whether you want to ski, ride, or tube, Hidden Valley in St. Louis is your winter oasis! So yes! You can ski in St. Louis!

If you are looking for alittle winter fun, then you have to make your way over to Hidden Valley in St. Louis! They recently finished construction on a $2 million dollar expansion adding over 30% more skiable terrain and a new four-person chair lift.

Hidden Valley in St. Louis

Hidden Valley is open throughout the winter season, however they are dependent upon colder weather. If you are planning to ski in St. Louis you should call ahead of time to make sure that they are open. Hidden Valley in St. Louis offers very reasonable rates to those looking to enjoy the slopes!

Are you ready to ski in St. Louis!

HIDDEN VALLEY in St. Louis
17409 Hidden Valley Drive |
Wildwood MO 63025
Snow Report: 636.938.6999 | Office: 636-938-5373

Or Check out the Hidden Valley in St. Louis website here.

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Are you ready to walk on the wild side?

Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo should definitely be on your list of must do wintertime events in St. Louis! Take a walk through the Zoos wonderful holiday wonderland, full of animated light displays, seasonal sounds, and thousands and thousands of bright and colorful lights! WIld Lights at the St. Louis Zoo is for the whole family!

Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo General Info:

5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 23 to Dec. 23, 2012

• Nov. 23-25; Nov. 30-Dec. 2; Dec. 7-9; Dec. 14-16; Dec. 21-23

Nightly, Dec. 26-30, 2012

Tickets to Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo will be sold until 8:15 p.m. each night.

The amazing lighting displays are constructed of hundreds of thousands of lights and create an assortment of enchanting formations. Some of the most popular light displays of Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo include:

• Penguins in paradise
• Swan Lake
• Fantasy butterfly garden
• Snowfall Flurry Walk
• Poppin’ prairie dogs
• Gingerbread Village
• Numerous trees and plantings ablaze in lights

How Much is admission to Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo?

• $4 for Zoo members (no passes)
• $5 for general public
• Free for children under 2
• Tickets to Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo will be sold until 8:15 p.m. each night.

Parking Information:

Free Parking for the Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo is available on the South Lot on Wells Drive near US40/I-64. Enter the event through the South Entrance.

ATTENTION: The Living World North Entrance and North Parking Lot will not be open for Wild lights at the St. Louis Zoo.

Food & Shopping

• Hot chocolate, meals and snacks will be available for purchase at Lakeside Cafe.
• Shop our gift shops during Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo and receive 10% off any purchase; Zoo members receive a 20% discount.

Wild Lights at St. Louis Zoo Sponsors

• U.S. Bank
• North Star Frozen Treats
• Prairie Farms
• Build-A-Bear Workshop® at the Zoo
• Media sponsor Fresh 102.5

More info on Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo

The post Wild Lights at the St. Louis Zoo first appeared on STL Homelife.

Dogtown Parade

St. Louis hosts quite a few parades each year, with the St. Patricks Day Dogtown Parade being on of the most popular! Every March the people of St. Louis descend upon the Dogtown neighborhood to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day holiday. Dogtown is an Irish-American neighborhood that sits just south of Forest Park in south St. Louis city.

With very strong Irish roots, it is no wonder the Dogtown area has become the go-to destination each and every St. Patrcks Day. Home to many Irish bars and restaurants, Dogtown attracts an enormous crowd of spectators as well as participants in the Dogtown Parade.

Dogtown Parade

When: Every St. Patricks Day

Where: Dogtown Neighborhood: Oakland Ave and Tamm Ave

Time: Parade Starts around 10AM

The parade is a family oriented tradition of honoring St. Patrick. It takes place in the Dogtown region of St. Louis City – with the majority of the parade route being Tamm Avenue. The parade is put together by the Ancient Order of Hibernians with the help of the Shriners. The parade consists of hundreds of floats designed by local businesses, families, and organizations. In between floats you may get the chance to see the Shriners driving around in their funny small cars, doing donuts and crazy driving tricks!

So you want to enter the Dogtown Parade float?

Every year, the parade organizers receive hundreds of requests to join in the float. Click the link below to submit your request!

Dogtown Parade Float Request

Dogtown Parade

The post Dogtown Parade – St. Patricks Day first appeared on STL Homelife.

St. Louis Helicopter Rides

St. Louis Helicopter Rides

If you have ever wanted to get a birds eye view of St. Louis, you can jump on board one of the St. Louis Helicopter rides offered by Gateway Helicopter Tours. With 4 different tours to choose from, and pricing starting at $35 bucks, Gateway Helicopter gives you the chance to soar above the great City of St. Louis. After one of these amazing St. Louis helicopter rides, you will have a different perspective of St. Louis, literally! St. Louis Helicopter Rides

St. Louis Helicopter Rides Tour Options

Arch Tour:

The first St. Louis Helicopter Rides is The Arch Tour is the most affordable and shortest tours that Gateway Helicopter offers. You will enjoy a spectacular ride past the Gateway Arch! This ride is approximately 3 minutes long.

Price $35 per person

Anheuser-Busch Tour: 

Soar along the historic Mississippi River for a view of the St. Louis skyline and Downtown St. Louis that you’ll never forget. This ride is approximately 6 minutes long.

Price: $60 per person

Missouri Botanical Gardens Tour:

One of the most pleasing tours offers the chance to fly above the world-renown Missouri Botanical Gardens, then over the top of Downtown St. Louis for an amazing view of Busch Stadium, the Historical Old Courthouse, and the Gateway Arch. This ride is approximately 12 minutes long St. Louis Helicopter Rides

Price: $100 per person

Deluxe Tour:

Our final tour offers you the chance to see it all! After flying over the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and the Missouri Botanical Gardens, it’s on to Forest Park and its numerous landmarks including the Muny Opera, St. Louis Art Museums, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis City Museum, Chain of Rocks Lock and Dam, and many more breathtaking views are included! This ride is approximately 20 minutes long.

Price: $150 per person

St. Louis Helicopter Rides Flight Pattern

St. Louis Helicopter Rides

St. Louis Helicopter Rides

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