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The open-air Whitaker Music Festival presents free Wednesday evening concerts under the stars every summer. To date, more than one million people have participated in this cherished St. Louis summer tradition. 

The festival is funded by the Whitaker Foundation, which supports St. Louis arts and parks to promote common heritage, celebrate diversity and encourage vitality within the community.

Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic supper, baskets or coolers. Glass is prohibited. Picnic fare, beer, wine, soda and sno-cones are also available for purchase onsite. 

View food and beverage menus >
 
 

Hours & Admission

Wednesdays, May 29–July 31
Music begins at 7 p.m.
Last entry at 8:15 p.m.

Free admission begins at 5 p.m. on each performance evening; no advance tickets or reservations are required. Enter through the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center at the Garden's entrance. All packages subject to inspection; please review the list of prohibited items below prior to arrival.

The Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden is closed on Whitaker Music Festival evenings. Evening admission to the Children's Garden (5–7 p.m.) is included with Garden admission on Thursday evenings during extended hours (5-8 p.m.; last entry at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through September 29). 

Restrooms available at the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening (lower level), Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden, Brookings Exploration Center, Spink Pavilion, and Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center.

Please note that portions of Garden grounds remain closed for the duration of Whitaker Music Festival evenings. 

 

Picnicking and Visitor Conduct

Picnicking is permitted in open areas in and around the Cohen Amphitheater on Whitaker Music Festival performance evenings; please note that some areas will remain closed throughout the duration of the evening. Visitors are invited to bring their own food and beverages or purchase items onsite. 

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Glass of any kind (including bottles and food containers)
  • Outside food or beverage prior to 5 p.m. on performance dates.
  • Weapons and firearms or fireworks of any kind
  • Grills or open flames
  • Pets (service animals are welcome)
  • Smoking, tobacco products and devices, or electronic smoking devices
  • Music (Bluetooth speakers, playing instruments, etc.)
  • Two-wheeled scooters (including "wheelie" shoes, skates, or skateboards)
  • Guests without shoes or shirts
  • Guests with clothing that may be taken as profane, vulgar, racist, sexist, or sexually suggestive
  • Balloons, open flames, sparklers
  • Large signage or banners
  • Flowers, flower petals, props, glitter, confetti, or candles
  • Tripods or monopods prohibited inside all buildings and conservatories
  • Sporting equipment (soccer balls, baseballs and gloves, footballs, hula hoops, frisbees, etc.)
  • Tents or structures

Bag checks will take place at each entry location and visitors with prohibited items will not be admitted. 

Please review our full guidelines for visiting the Garden

 

2024 Whitaker Music Festival Schedule

May 29 | Janet Evra

June 5 | Clusterpluck

June 12 | Saint Boogie Brass Brand

June 19 | The Red Jackets

June 26 | Flying House

July 3 | Saint Chuck

July 10 | Beth Bombara

July 17 | 5 Star Roscoe

July 24 | Soulard Blues Band

July 31 | Red and Black Brass Band





 

 

Perform at the Festival!

The Whitaker Music Festival has hosted dozens of St. Louis' finest musicians. You could be next! 

Apply to perform at the Whitaker Music Festival