Each year, the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis produces professional Shakespeare theater, outdoors in Forest Park, free and for a diverse audience. Free shows are usually put on in the late spring and early summer. An excellent way to spend a summer evening in St. Louis. In addition it provides education through schools and community outreach.
The Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA), Formally known as The Shakespeare Theatre Association of America, was established to provide a forum for the artistic and managerial leadership of theatres whose central activity is the production of Shakespeare's plays; to discuss issues and share methods of work, resources, and information; and to act as an advocate for Shakespearean productions throughout the world. The name was changed in January 2011 to reflect the increasingly international reach of Shakespeare and the Shakespeare Theatre Association.
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Recognized as one of the top five zoos in the nation. The zoo has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. There are several centers for in depth exploration and learning.
SLAM
It's one of the leading comprehensive art museums in the nation. It hosts visiting displays which in the past have included such exhibits as the Angels of the Vatican and the Royal Tombs of Ur. Admission to main ticketed exhibits are free on Fridays.
One of the nation's largest city parks, with 1,293 acres, is open to the public for golf, tennis, baseball, bicycling, boating, fishing, handball, ice skating, in-line skating, jogging, cricket, rugby and more. The park is also home to the St. Louis Science Center, the art museum, the zoo, and a history museum, all with free admission. Forest Park is really at the heart of St. Louis. It was also the site of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase World's Fair, which lays claim to serving the first hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream cones. You cannot visit St. Louis without hearing about, driving by, or exploring Forest Park.
Features a life size replica of Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. Permanent exhibits include the 1904 Worlds Fair which celebrates the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition held in St. Louis; Collected, an ever evolving exhibit showcasing the holdings of the Missouri Historical Society; and St. Louis Sound Reprise which shares St. Louis' history in the evolution of music.
America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater. A popular summer attraction show casing a variety of musicals throughout June, July and August. Tickets range from $6 to $50 or so, but the top several rows are always free. Come early (and bring binoculars) to the top entrance if you want to see a show for free.
Originally opened in 1922, Hi-Pointe is one of the oldest movie theaters in St. Louis. This one screen theater specializes in showing classic films and new independent releases. See website for showtimes and prices.