Yes, St. Louis summers can be hot and even scorching. We also host some of the most beautiful outdoor events throughout the year. A float trip is a great option. These are the top events this summer, and how you can enjoy them. –Rosalind Earhart
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World Naked Bike Rides is a must-see summer event.
There is no reason to take off all your clothes and ride around the Grove. However, the annual World Naked Bike Ride will be held on Saturday, July 30. This event can help those who are shy feel more at home in a crowd.
You can also stay dressed! According to the event website, you can “bare as much as you want.” Some choose to dress up in costumes, body paints, or colorful chonies. You are responsible for your safety. However, many people go all-out because of the legal restrictions in St. Louis.
Over a mile of celebrations and an after-party, thousands attend.
The World Naked Bike Ride starts in the Grove ( Manchester Avenue, Sarah, and Talmage), wnbrstl.org The event begins at 4 p.m. and includes a costume contest. The ride begins at 6 p.m. and street celebrations continue until 11 p.m. Devin Thomas O’Shea
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The Muny presents two new shows this summer: The Color Purple, and Sweeney Todd.
Cannibalism and sharp objects are my favorite things. Sweney Todd: The Demon Barber at Fleet Street takes us into the strange life of a barber who is determined to exact revenge on a wrongfully convicted man and transports him for life to America so that he can sleep with his wife. His landlord devises a plan to murder him that involves magic meat pies and a very mysterious ingredient.
The Color Purple marks the long-awaited debut of the Muny. In 2006, the original Broadway production received 11 Tony Award nominations and was awarded two Tonys. Based on Alice Walker’s book, the show follows Celie, who is subject to abuse by her father and husband, before finding a new way of life.
Sweeney Todd is performed at the Muny ( 1 Theatre Drive, 314-361-1900 muny.org), from Saturday, July 16 through Friday, July 22. The Color Purple is performed from Wednesday, August 3 through Tuesday, August 9. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $14 to $115. Tickets are free. –Devin Thomas O’Shea
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Are you looking for a capstone project for the summer of 2022? Music at Intersection will be a packed concert that celebrates St. Louis’ cultural, artistic, and musical heritage. There is nothing better than the aroma of food trucks and the sound of music wafting through the air? No, there’s not.
The Intersection will close several blocks in the Grand Center Arts District to allow for music. This is a two-day event. Erykah Badu headlines Saturday’s concert. Other acts include Murphy Lee, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Kyjuan Of St. Lunatics.
Sunday, September 11th, Gary Clark Jr. headlines. Chris Hansen, executive Director of Kranzberg Arts Foundation, says that in addition to blues, jazz, and heritage genres which are the mainstays of our lineup last season, we also have national and local acts across every genre from hip-hop, R&B, indie rock, soul, and funk. “Between acts attendees can roam the festival’s new outdoor footprint, enjoy local food offerings and unique amusements as well as shop with local vendors. A ticket may be purchased with a favorite artist like Buddy Guy, Erykah Badu, or The Urge in it, but they get access to an amazing, dynamic urban music experience. We hope they enjoy it all.
You can buy a ticket for one day or get a deal for a weekend pass. VIP access to Sophie’s Artist Lounge is available to the highest rollers.
Hansen states, “Every year, we aim to make the festival more accessible, varied, and multi-dimensional.” Along with the Regional Arts Center, the Steward Family Foundation, and Kranzberg Arts Foundation, the Kranzberg Arts Foundation is a major sponsor. Tickets for Intersection music range from $79 to $650. –Devin Thomas O’Shea
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Get your license and get on the road to Dancefestopia.
Are you looking for a road trip idea? According to edm.com, Kansas City’s Dancefestopia festival is one of the top five festivals for new festival-goers. Take a trip west along Highway 70 to see the state of Missouri. This six-day festival features 150 musicians and five stages that pump beats all day. Deadmau5 is the final night.
Camping is possible with a pass. There are many ticket options, including special three-day packs. Get an aerial view of the show Fly along the Flying Monkey Zipline, or climb the rock wall. Want to dance and take in the beauty of Emerald Pond? You can rent a canoe, or join one of the many pool parties that take place all festival.
Dancefestopia promises bangers and trance music, rave bunnies as well as fashion, pyrotechnics, and fashion. Don’t be ripped off in parking lots — bring your glow sticks and remember how to hydrate. You should drink half a bottle of H20 for every beat drop.
From Monday, September 6 through Sunday, September 11, Dancefestopia will be at the Wildwood Outdoor Education Center ( 7095 West 399th Street La Cygne, Kansas 913-735-0801, dancingfestopia.com). Tickets start at $199. –Devin Thomas O’Shea
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Pride has taken over St. Louis for four decades in June. Every year thousands attend PrideFest, and the Grand Pride Parade, with the Arch as a backdrop (300,000. in 2018!). Enjoy a party with your neighbors, friends, favorite drag stars, LGBTQIA friendly businesses, and rainbow community groups, among other things.
Sunday, June 26th at 11 am in the Grand Pride Parade The parade will run down Market Street from 10th Street to Market, ending at 18th Street. PrideFest takes place in downtown St. Louis, on Tucker Boulevard between Market Street and Olive Streets. PrideFest features local, regional, and national performers as well as hundreds of vendors. For more information, visit pridestl.org –Devin Thomas O’Shea
