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 on-site.
 
 

Hours & Admission

Wednesdays, May 31–August 2
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 Children’s Garden remains open with free admission from 5 to 7 p.m. 
 

 

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 Tupperware)
  • 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.)

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

 

2023 Whitaker Music Festival Schedule

May 31 | The Lady J Huston Show

June 7 | Sweetie & The Toothaches

June 14 | Eldraco + Freenation

June 21 | The Mighty Pines

June 28 | Charles Glenn Group

July 5 | One Way Traffic

July 12 | Kendrick Smith Group

July 19 | Raquel & The Wildflowers

July 26 | Grooveliner

August 2 | Soulard Blues 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