One of my biggest pet peeves is people who think there is nothing to do in St. Louis. Seriously? If you don’t believe me, check out our “Things to Do” section. And not only are there a zillion events in our area, many of them are absolutely free. Summertime outdoor concerts are a perfect example. So pack your lawn chairs and chill some adult beverages — here are some of the most popular places your family can enjoy free music under the stars.

• The Missouri History Museum is getting a head start on summer with their Twilight Tuesdays Concert Series. Every week until June 7, music lovers of all ages can enjoy some great tunes on the front lawn of the Missouri History Museum. This year’s lineup includes songstress Monya, Stevie Wonder tribute band Mystic Voyage and Blues prodigy Marquise Knox. Pack a picnic or purchase food and drinks from the Museum’s restaurant, Bixby’s. Make-and-take activities for children are offered from 6 p.m. through the end of intermission.

Twilight Tuesdays are taking place every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information and a full listing of musicians, please visit the Missouri History Museum’s website or contact them at (314) 746-4599.

• One of the biggest and most popular summer concert series is the Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Now in its 18th year, the open-air fete presents ten weeks of free evening concerts among the Garden’s lush summer flora. St. Louis favorites Hudson and the Hoo Doo Cats, Billy Peek and Erin Bode are just a few of the acts performing this season. Don’t worry about the kids being bored — little ones can play on the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden for free from 5 to 7 p.m. Bring your own picnic supper, baskets and coolers or purchase brisket sandwiches, hot dogs, cheese plates, sno-cones, chips, cookies, beer, wine and soda at the concert.

The Whitaker Music Festival is taking place on Wednesday evenings from June 1 through August 3. Admittance to the festival is free after 5 p.m. For more information, please visit the Missouri Botanical Garden’s website or give them a call at (314) 577-5100.

• The St. Louis Zoo is taking advantage of daylight savings time with their Jungle Boogie Friday Night Concert Series. Every Friday evening from May 27 to September 2, the Zoo is inviting families to splish splash with the stingrays, cha-cha with the cheetahs and salsa with the sea lions to the music of Ticket to the Beatles, Bottoms Up Blues Gang, Ralph Butler Band and other great bands.

This free concert series is taking place on from 5 to 8 p.m. during North Star Summer Zoo Weekends at the Schnuck Family Plaza. Check out the Zoo’s website or give them a ring at (314) 781-0900
for a complete listing of bands or for more information.

• Many municipal area parks are also offering free summertime concerts. The Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce is putting on a dance party every Tuesday evening from June 7 through August 16 in Faust Park. St. Charles is rocking out on Tuesdays at O’Fallon Civic Park from June 7 to August 23 at the O’Fallon Jammin’ Outdoor Concert. During most second and fourth Fridays of the month until October, Ferguson is jamming at the Citywalk Concert Series in Victoria Plaza. Please check your area’s website to find out about a concert near you.

 By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting