This year is no exception! So pack up the family and head off to enjoy some cool tunes.
By Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky, Healthy Planet Arts Editor
Artwork: Glassworks by Mario Clarke
Whitaker Concert Series continues at Missouri Botanical Garden, free to the public.
Picnicking is permitted after 5:30 p.m. but the music starts at 7 p.m. This month’s lineup includes: U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America (July 1); Laka Soul (July 8); Walter Parks and The Unlawful Assembly (July 15), Nick Gusman and The Coyotes (July 22); The Bedlam Brothers (July 29, with ASL interpretation). www.mobot.org
While at the Garden, be awed by Hybycozo/Patterns in Nature: Lightform, the summer’s sculptural installations throughout the Garden. Intriguing during the day, but dazzling when illuminated during the evenings, 6-10 p.m., Thursday through Saturday. Be sure to see them twice! (if not more often) through September 26.
The Muny in Forest Park is in full swing with South Pacific (July 6-12), Newsies (July 16-22) and Ain’t Too Proud (July 27-August 2). It’s St. Louis’ summer tradition! www.muny.org
Union Avenue Opera performs Fiddler on the Roof, July 3, 5 (3 p.m. matinee), 10, 11 and L’elisir d’amore, July 24, 25, 31, August 1. All performances at 8 p.m. at Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 N. Union. Bravo! www.unionavenueopera.org
Jon Batiste takes the stage at The Fabulous Fox on July 16 to kick off Music at the Intersection. The festival then runs through July 19 featuring performances by a myriad of musicians on multiple stages. There are nightly block parties planned for Grand Center, too. www.matistl.org
Channel your inner Julie Andrews on July 17 with St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at Powell Hall for the Sound of Music Sing-a-long! Watch the film, with live score, plus lyrics projected on the screen (as if you didn’t already know all the words!). www.slso.org
At the Kemper Art Museum (on Washington University campus), experience Berlin-based artist Emeka Ogbob: The Song of the Germans. This sound installation features ten African immigrants singing the German national anthem. This is a great museum to explore on a summer day! www.kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu
The world premiere of Progress, a play by John Wolbers takes the stage July 3-12 at the Kranzberg Black Box Theatre in Grand Center, presented by Prism Theatre Company. “We are thrilled to bring together an extraordinary group of artists for the world premiere of Progress,” said Trish Brown, Prism’s Artistic Director. “We are excited to share the story with St. Louis audiences.” www.prismtheatrecompany.org
COCA presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid, live onstage at 6880 Washington for the young and young-at-heart. Performances on July 17-19 and July 24-26. Following the July 25th 2 p.m. performance, make reservations for the Princess Tea Party on July 25 that’s sure to delight with foods, crafts and fun! www.cocastl.org
The Webster Groves Nature Study Society unveils its 2025 Photography Contest winners, July 17 at the opening reception, hosted at The Green Center, 8025 Blackberry Avenue, 5-7 p.m. The exhibition remains throughout July. www.thegreencenter.org
The Sheldon Art Galleries announces its 2026 summer exhibitions, presenting works by three dynamic artists: Jen Wohlner: BINGO! and Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibitions of Alison Cofrancesco and Hannah Toepp. The galleries are free and open to the public, Wednesday-Saturday, 3648 Washington. www.thesheldon.org
Through August 26, The Luminary, at 2701 Cherokee, hosts Sam Hamilton: To Avoid Drowning, Become the Ocean. This immersive sound and light installation explores human relationship with water and voice, partially composed with vocalists at Intersect Arts Center of St. Louis. www.theluminaryarts.com
Third Degree Glass Factory’s Gallery showcases Lines by Mario Clarke of Springfield (Illinois) Arts Association, July 7- August 28. The works combine Venetian cane techniques of zanfirico and merletto with contemporary vessel and sculptural forms.
On July 17, attend the 3rd Annual DMD Block Party in the Delmar Makers District. Hop from Craft Alliance to MADE to Third Degree Glass for all kinds of special artsy activities, music and tasty treats along Delmar Blvd. from Kingshighway to Union. www.thirddegreeglassfactory.com.
Feast Your Eyes at CAM (Contemporary Art Museum) combines food and visual art with acclaimed Chef Andrew Cisneros of Brasas and jalea, July 21. Chef Cisneros serves a special 3-course dinner at 5:15 and 7:45 p.m. reserved seating with dishes inspired by the exhibition at 3750 Washington. Memorable! www.camstl.org