On this day, 145 years ago – nearly three decades before the 1904 World’s Fair – 50,000 people gathered at Forest Park for the dedication and opening day ceremony. Annually the Park attracts 13 million visitors and is the 6th most-visited U.S. urban park. The arts are part of what makes Forest Park an incredible asset to our community. See how you can celebrate the park with the arts this weekend and beyond.

Catch a pop-up concert from St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

On Saturday, June 26, help Forest Park celebrate 145-years with pop-up concerts from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO). Four On the Go concerts are taking place throughout the day at various locations. SLSO ensembles will be joined by ensembles from the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.

Find the full SLSO On the Go schedule for June 26 at slso.org/onthego.

Visit the Saint Louis Art Museum

Originally opened as the Palace of Fine Arts as part of the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition in 1904, the Saint Louis Art Museum is one of the few structures still standing since the World’s Fair. Other structures still present from the fair include the Apotheosis of St. Louis”, the statue of French King Louis IX, seen in front of the museum and the Flight Cage, which can be seen at the Saint Louis Zoo.

The Saint Louis Art Museum’s collection holds original masterpieces by renowned artists from around the world. The galleries are continually being installed with newly acquired works of art as well as rotating works from the Museum’s collection.

Learn more about Saint Louis Art Museum and the current exhibitions on view at slam.org.

Make plans to attend an upcoming arts performance

Forest Park is home to Shakespeare Glen where St. Louis Shakespeare Festival has performed for two decades. Their current production of “King Lear” starring André De Shields closes this weekend, but there will be many chances to see live performances this summer in the Park.

America Ballet Theatre will arrive in St. Louis on Wednesday, July 14 as part of their eight U.S. city tour. A group of St. Louis arts leaders including Susan Sherman, former America Ballet Theatre (ABT) board member, Center of Creative Arts (COCA) and St. Louis Shakespeare Festival will present “ABT Across America” for two performances at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on July 14 outdoors at Shakespeare Glen. Performances are free and open to the public, no reservations are required.

Learn more at stlshakes.org/abt.

The Muny is another cultural institution that calls the Park home. Their five-show season begins July 26 with Smokey Joe’s Café. The outdoor theatre will open at full capacity, utilizing each of its nearly 11,000 seats, including the 1,500 free seats offered nightly on a first come, first served basis.

Learn more about The Muny’s 103rd season at muny.org.

Happy birthday Forest Park! Thanks for the many arts memories! As a way to celebrate the Park's milestone, Forest Park Forever is encouraging community members to share their own birthday message to Forest Park on social media by using the hashtag #HappyBirthdayForestPark.