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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.
 

Hours and Admission

Wednesdays, May 28–July 30, 2025
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.

Please note that portions of Garden grounds, including the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden*, are closed for the duration of Whitaker Music Festival evenings. 

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

*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 26). 

 

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
  • Knives of any kind
  • Grills or open flames
  • Pets (service animals are welcome)
  • Smoking, tobacco products and devices, electronic smoking devices, or vaping of any kind
  • 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 report any issues regarding behavior by visitors, parking questions, or evening event issues to Security staff or call (314) 577-0212.

Please review our full guidelines for visiting the Garden

 

2025 Whitaker Music Festival Schedule

May 28 | Vince Martin Band

June 4 | Manos PanAmerica

June 11 | 5 Star Roscoe

June 18 | Steve Ewing Band

June 25 | Funky Butt Brass Band

July 2 | Saint Chuck

July 9 | Jig Jam 

July 16 | Dawn Weber & Good Company

July 23 | Tele-Starr

July 30 | Karla Harris Quintet





 

 

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
 

 

Location & Parking

The Missouri Botanical Garden is easily accessible from the St. Louis metro area and conveniently located near Interstate 44.

Please respect our neighbors

Please respect our neighbors and refrain from parking on residential streets or private lots. Vehicles parked on private lots are subject to towing at the vehicle owners' expense.