Navigating the Evolution Festival’s Third Rendition

St. Louis’ largest music festival will take place in Forest Park on Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28. Whether you’re attending the festival or visiting the Park, this guide will help you prepare for the festivities and associated road closures.

Follow Evolution Festival social media for real-time updates and alerts.

Please note that Forest Park is still recovering from the May 16 tornado, and construction work continues at the Glade. Steinberg Rink and the parking lot are closed.

Evolution Festival Details

  • Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28

  • Gates open at 1 p.m. both days.

  • Performances are expected to end around 11 p.m. each night.

Road Closures

Government Drive and access to the Boathouse to the Saint Louis Zoo will remain open during this year’s festival. The Boathouse and Big Muddy Adventures rentals will operate during their normal business hours throughout festival setup and the weekend events.

Monday, September 22, at 7 a.m. – Tuesday, September 30, at 5 p.m.

  • Cricket Drive—between Grand Drive and Pagoda Circle—will be closed.

  • Pagoda Circle—between Cricket Drive and Government Drive—will be closed.  

Wednesday, September 24, at 7 a.m. – Monday, September 29, at 5 p.m.

  • Lagoon Drive—between Fine Arts Drive and Grand Drive—will be closed.

MetroBus Reroute

From Wednesday, September 24, at 7 a.m., until Monday, September 29, at 5 p.m., the 90 Hampton MetroBus will be rerouted around Forest Park. Refer to Metro’s rider alerts for more information.

Getting Here and Navigating the Park

Driving

Refer to the map and information above and the Evolution Festival website for important driving and parking information, including road closures and recommended Park entry points.

Parking

Park visitors and festival attendees with a current disabled placard or license plate will have access to the Visitor Center east and west lots. For those attending the festival, parking passes are available to purchase through Evolution Festival. Free street parking is available throughout the Park, but thousands of attendees are expected, so expect congestion. Please consider using alternative transportation options (see below).

Biking

There are several permanent bike racks throughout the Park, and additional racks will be added at both festival entrances at Grand Drive and Pagoda Circle. Bikes also are allowed on MetroBus and MetroLink!

Riding MetroLink

The Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink station is 0.4 miles from the festival site on Langenberg Field, and the Skinker MetroLink station is 1.1 miles away.  Download and purchase tickets on Transit, the official app of Metro Transit.

Riding MetroBus

The 90 Hampton bus route stops at the Forest Park Transit Center (near the Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink station; 0.4 miles from the festival site). The bus will be rerouted around the Park to avoid road closures, and the Forest Park Transit Center stop is the closest to the event. Please refer to Metro’s rider alerts and plan accordingly.  

Download and purchase tickets Transit, the official app of Metro Transit.

Ridesharing

The designated, secure rideshare drop-off and pickup location is located along Grand Drive between the Union Boulevard entrance to the Park and Cricket Drive (see blue arrows on the map above).

Support Forest Park Forever

As the nonprofit conservancy that maintains Forest Park in partnership with the City of St. Louis, we know large events impact the Park and cause temporary disruptions. We work closely with City partners and event holders to minimize the physical impact of these great cultural events that bring our community together. You can be part of that work by becoming a Forest Park Forever member, supporting our daily efforts to ensure Forest Park is a joyful, welcoming place for 15.5 million visits each year.

Tiffany Webb