Edition: Kickin’ It in St. Louis
Quintessential St. Louis
Author: Elizabeth A. Ortmann
Fire up your summer with live music and fireworks at Fair St. Louis and Live on the Levee, or cool down at one of the new museum exhibits.
Let Freedom Ring
In 1981, an Independence Day diversion was created for St. Louisans. Now a city tradition, Fair St. Louis (314-434-3434) is a 2-day vent, July 3rd and 4th, that joins live music, educational activities, food, and fireworks for a celebration over 25,000 people enjoy every year. Though the impressive fireworks display alone is worth the trip, many are drawn to the festival for the national musical acts; this year's lineup includes Cyndi Lauper and The Goo Goo Dolls.
Editor's Tip: Stake out your space early for prime firework watching on the Gateway Arch grounds. Make sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair for added comfort.
Rockin' on the Riverfront
Continue the energy and excitement of July 4th with LIVE on the Levee (314-434-3434). Every Friday and Saturday night of the summer you can groove along to local and national musical acts like Los Lonely Boys and Emmy Lou Harris while they perform right on the riverfront. An amazing fireworks display follows each concert.
Exhibits Take Flight
As native St. Louisans know, summer in this city can get brutal. So take a break from the heat inside one of the special exhibits at local museums. At the Missouri History Museum (Forest Park, 314-746-5499) visitors can learn how everything from airplanes to hot air balloons have affected St. Louis. Historic photos and personal stories of soaring over the city are on display at “Flight City: St. Louis Takes to the Air.” At the Saint Louis Science Center's(5050 Oakland Ave., 314-289-4444) “Marvel Comics: The Exhibition,” experience how superheroes like the X-Men and Spiderman's powers relate to science. And discover 19th Century France through the art of Napolean Bonaparte with “Symbols of Power: Napolean and the Art of the Empire Style, 1800-1815” at the Saint Louis Art Museum (Forest Park, 314-721- 0072). Over 140 works will be on display including furniture, jewelry, and several royal objects never exhibited outside of France.
Fair St. Louis & Live on the Levee
707 North First Street, Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO 63102
The picturesque landscape, the imposing river, and the astounding architecture of the St. Louis Riverfront create the perfect setting for large gatherings and events. Every Fourth of July weekend, Fair St. Louis invades the Arch grounds and makes for a great party. Later in July is the month-long get-together, Live on the Levee, in which great musicians, great food, and great fun all come together on the Riverfront. For more information on events held on Arch grounds, visit www.gatewayarch.com.
Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112
The Missouri History Museum is a thorough look at St. Louis history and culture, from the time it was just a village up until its present day glory.
Saint Louis Science Center & Planetarium
5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
The Saint Louis Science Center is a hands-on educational paradise that is both fun and free!
St. Louis Art Museum
1 Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
Originally constructed as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1904 World's Fair, the Saint Louis Art Museum's elegant stone exterior has and always will bear the motto “Dedicated to Art and Free to All.”
