Forest Park Has Something for Everyone This September
Whether you call it the end of summer, almost fall, back-to-school time or the beginning of spooky season, September is an energizing month of activity and transition. Forest Park hosts some of St. Louis’ signature annual events, but it’s also the setting for exciting new experiences this year! See highlights below and then check out our calendar for more Park happenings in September and beyond.
Courtside Tuesdays at the Nicholas J. Booker Basketball Courts (“The Nick”)
Join us at the nick for weekly basketball on Tuesdays in September and October
Dates: Tuesdays, September 1–October 27
Time: 5–8 p.m.
Location: Nicholas J. Booker Basketball Courts (“The Nick”)
Cost: Free
Forest Park Forever will host weekly basketball at The Nick in September and October. We’ll have lawn games and complimentary snacks and sports drinks each week, and our friends at Big Game Officials will referee open play and help players build skills. DJ Gwiz will bring the music on September 29 and October 27.
Parking: Free parking is available on Grand Drive and in the Visitor Center East and West Lots, which include several accessible parking spaces.
Biking: Bike racks are available at the basketball courts and near both entrances to the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center.
Transit: The 90 Hampton bus route Grand @ History Museum stop is 0.2 miles from The Nick. The Forest Park–DeBaliviere MetroLink station is 0.2 miles from The Nick.
Twilight Thursdays Concert Series at the Missouri History Museum
Enjoy a Tribute to the O’Jays, A Luther Vandross Anthology, the Queens of Neo Soul and a Blues Bash
Dates: Thursdays, September 10, 17 and 24 and October 1
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Edward and Margaret Imo Family Plaza at the Missouri History Museum
Cost: Free
This popular, free outdoor concert series on the Imo Family Plaza brings a lineup of spectacular shows from local musicians. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack a picnic and listen to music under a beautiful Forest Park sunset. Some of the area’s best food trucks will also be on hand each week. Step inside the museum to explore the The 1904 World’s Fair and Collected, which are open until 7 p.m. on Twilight Thursdays.
Parking: Free, public parking is located throughout Forest Park, and accessible parking is located in the museum’s west lot.
Biking: Bike racks are available near the north and south entrances of the Missouri History Museum.
Transit: To take the Loop Trolley, which will have extended hours on Twilight Thursdays, park at 5875 Delmar Blvd. The Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink station is 0.2 miles from the plaza. The #90 Hampton MetroBus route runs through the Park, and the Grand @ History Museum northbound and southbound bus stops are approximately 0.2 miles from the plaza.
Shakespeare at the Saint Louis Art Museum
See an actor-centric version of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Shakespeare’s original rom-com
Date: Friday, September 4
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Grace Taylor Broughton Sculpture Garden at the Saint Louis Art Museum
Cost: Free
Best friends Valentine and Proteus swear loyalty to each other…until they both fall for the same woman. Suddenly loyalty, love and good judgment all go out the window. Complete with disguises, misunderstandings and one very scene-stealing dog, this is Shakespeare’s original rom-com about friendship, forgiveness and the hilarious messiness of growing up. This actor-centric production features a versatile cast of six, with most tackling multiple roles in one of Shakespeare’s iconic texts. Creating a rich theater of the imagination, they make Shakespeare accessible to all.
Parking: Free, public parking is located throughout Forest Park, and accessible parking is available in the east or west parking lot located on the north side of Fine Arts Drive. Paid parking, including accessible spaces, is available in the Saint Louis Art Museum’s underground parking garage on Fine Arts Drive.
Biking: Bike racks are available on the north and south sides of the Art Museum.
Transit: The Skinker MetroLink station is 0.8 miles from Art Hill. The #90 Hampton MetroBus route runs through the Park, and the Fine Arts @ Art Museum northbound and southbound bus stops are at the top of Art Hill in front of the Art Museum.
Flags of Valor 25th Anniversary Memorial
Experience a sea of thousands of American flags waving on Art Hill
Dates: September 5–13
Time: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Location: Art Hill
Cost: Free
Founded in 2011 to honor and remember the heroes and victims of 9/11, America’s Heartland Remembers is a nonprofit organization that has now expanded its focus to include honoring the memories of the service members who have been lost in theater since September 11, 2001.
Since inception, the foundation has donated more than $500,000 to various military charities, including The Semper Fi & America’s Fund, Missouri Military Memorial Foundation, Greater St. Louis Honor Flight and Patriot Training Foundation. The organization also published the book “Under One Flag” in 2014. The Flags of Valor event occurs on every five-year anniversary of 9/11.
Parking: Free, public parking is located throughout Forest Park, and accessible parking is available in the east or west parking lot located on the north side of Fine Arts Drive. Paid parking, including accessible spaces, is available in the Saint Louis Art Museum’s underground parking garage on Fine Arts Drive.
Biking: Bike racks are available on the north and south sides of the Art Museum.
Transit: The Skinker MetroLink station is 0.8 miles from Art Hill. The #90 Hampton MetroBus route runs through the Park, and the Fine Arts @ Art Museum northbound and southbound bus stops are at the top of Art Hill in front of the Art Museum.
Yours Forever: Forest Park at 150 Traveling Exhibit
Check out the bite-sized version, then trek over to the Missouri History Museum to see the full Exhibit
Dates: Through Wednesday, September 9
Time: 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Location: Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center
Cost: Free
America’s best urban park turns 150 years young this year. Over the course of the last century and a half, Forest Park has hosted pivotal moments in St. Louis history: the 1904 World’s Fair, Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 speech to more than 100,000 people following his historic flight across the Atlantic, and even a surprise Janis Joplin concert in 1968. But just as important, Forest Park is the setting for countless everyday stories shared by St. Louisans: sledding down Art Hill, exploring the Balloon Glow, and visiting the zoo and museums.
Yours Forever: Forest Park at 150 explores how St. Louisans have used and adapted the park throughout its history and the moments and memories—big and small—that make it special.
Parking: Free parking is available on Grand Drive and in the Visitor Center East and West Lots, which include several accessible parking spaces.
Biking: Bike racks are available near both entrances to the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center.
Transit: The 90 Hampton bus route Grand @ History Museum stop is 0.3 miles from the Visitor Center. The Forest Park–DeBaliviere MetroLink station is 0.3 miles from the Visitor Center.
21st Annual Forest Park XC Festival
support local student-athletes as they compete in this beautiful green space
Date: Saturday, September 12
Time: 7:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Locations: Langenberg, Cricket and Lindell Fields
Cost: Free
This long-standing high school boys’ and girls’ cross country meet returns to Forest Park for the 21st year. The course begins and ends with a long 400-meter straightaway and will be mostly flat with some short, punchy hills. The redesigned course removes many turns from the previous course, so you can expect speed this year! The Forest Park XC Festival is hosted by St. Louis University High School and Big River Race Management.
Parking: Parking is available in the Visitor Center East and West Lots, Festival & Parking Plaza (Upper Muny lot) and Lower Muny Lot. Free street parking is available throughout the Park, but please obey all posted parking signs.
Biking: Bike racks are available near both entrances to the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center.
Transit: The 90 Hampton bus route Grand @ History Museum stop is 0.3 miles from the Visitor Center. The Forest Park–DeBaliviere MetroLink station is 0.3 miles from the Visitor Center.
Fall Storytime in the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape
Join us for family-friendly activities in a one-of-a-kind Outdoor Play area
Dates: Mondays, September 14–November 16 (except on October 12)
Time: 10–11 a.m.
Location: Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape, near the Meadow
Cost: Free
Join Forest Park Forever and St. Louis Public Library this fall for Storytime in Forest Park on Mondays between September 14 and November 16 (except on October 12). Bring your imagination and we’ll bring the snacks, water and picnic blankets! This event is free and open to children of all ages and their caregivers. This program is weather dependent. Please check our calendar for cancellations.
Parking: Free parking is available on streets and in lots near the World’s Fair Pavilion.
Biking: Bike racks are located at two entrances to the Nature Playscape.
Transit: The MetroBus 90 Hampton route has northbound and southbound stops nearby at Concourse @ Washington.
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Concert on Art Hill
Stretch out on Art Hill for rousing renditions of Beethoven, Copeland, Gershwin, Williams and more
Date: Wednesday, September 16
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Art Hill
Cost: Free
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra kicks off their 2026–27 season with a free concert on Art Hill, featuring highlights from the upcoming year. Several food trucks will be on site, or you can bring your own drinks and snacks. A world-class performance and gorgeous views make this a can’t-miss tradition.
Parking: Free, public parking is located throughout Forest Park, and accessible parking is available in the east or west parking lot located on the north side of Fine Arts Drive. Paid parking, including accessible spaces, is available in the St. Louis Art Museum’s underground parking garage on Fine Arts Drive.
Biking: Bike racks are available on the north and south sides of the Art Museum.
Transit: The Skinker MetroLink station is 0.8 miles from Art Hill. The #90 Hampton MetroBus route runs through the Park, and the Fine Arts @ Art Museum northbound and southbound bus stops are at the top of Art Hill in front of the Art Museum.
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race and Glow
Experience the magic of hot air balloons—aglow and aloft—in your favorite urban park
Dates: Friday and Saturday, September 18–19
Times: Friday, 5–10 p.m.; Saturday, 1–6 p.m. (The flight window for the race is 4:30–6 p.m., depending on the weather.)
Location: Emerson Central Fields
Cost: Free
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race and Glow return to Emerson Fields to awe spectators of all ages. On Friday, wander among inflated balloons, meet the pilots and listen for the air horn that signals the synchronized firing of burners, which creates the magical “glow.” If you still haven’t gotten your fill of fun or controlled combustion, stay for the After Glow dance party and fireworks finale at 9:15. On Saturday, watch the same balloons chase the “hare” in the 54th annual race after the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team touches down on Emerson Fields. The weekend also will feature food trucks, family-friendly activities, photo opportunities and more.
Parking: Free, public parking is located throughout Forest Park.
Biking: Bike racks are available near festival entrances and throughout the Park.
Transit: The Central West End MetroLink station is 1 mile from Emerson Central Fields. The #90 Hampton MetroBus route runs through the Park, and the Concourse @ Washington northbound and southbound bus stops are approximately 0.7 miles from the fields.
Romeo & Zooliet in Shakespeare Glen
Find out how capulets and montagues navigate life in this tale of star-crossed friendship
Dates: Thursday–Sunday, September 24–October 11
Times: Vary by date
Location: Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park
Cost: Free–$150
Romeo & Zooliet is a vibrant family comedy filled with laughter, friendship and larger-than-life puppets. It’s a playful celebration of curiosity, courage and connection—perfect for audiences of all ages.
The new and improved production features dazzling animal puppetry by world-renowned Michael Curry Design, known for its work on Broadway’s The Lion King and Frozen along with Olympic and Super Bowl ceremonies. It is adapted from the award-winning graphic novel The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Romeo and Juliet by Ian Lendler.
Parking: Free, public parking is located throughout Forest Park. Accessible parking is available in the east or west parking lot located on the north side of Fine Arts Drive. Paid parking, including accessible spaces, is available in the St. Louis Art Museum’s underground parking garage on Fine Arts Drive.
Biking: Bike racks are available on the north and south sides of the Art Museum.
Transit: The Skinker MetroLink station is 0.8 miles from Art Hill. The #90 Hampton MetroBus route runs through the Park, and the Fine Arts @ Art Museum northbound and southbound bus stops are at the top of Art Hill in front of the Art Museum, 0.2 miles from Shakespeare Glen.
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 join that effort 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. There’s always work to do and many ways you can help!
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