Annual Forest Park Concert

Wed, Sep 16 at 7:00pm
Art Hill in Forest Park

Celebrate the start of the SLSO’s 2026/27 season with friends and family at this beloved St. Louis tradition.

Please note: Fireworks will conclude the concert. Keep dogs securely leashed, as loud noises may startle them.

Getting to the Forest Park Concert

We recommend arriving as early as possible to find parking and your preferred seating.

Please note: Westbound Fine Arts drive will be closed to regular traffic

Concert Program

Stéphane Denève, conductor
Members of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus | Erin Freeman, director
Members of the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus | Kevin McBeth, director

John Stafford Smith “The Star-Spangled Banner”
Rosamund Johnson / arr. Holland “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Ottorino Respighi The Pines of the Villa Borghese from The Pines of Rome
Ludwig van Beethoven Allegro from Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral”
Aaron Copland Simple Gifts from Old American Songs
Carl Orff  O Fortuna from Carmina Burana
George Gershwin Oh Lawd, I’m on My Way from Porgy and Bess
Leonard Bernstein “Mambo” from West Side Story
Various / arr. Hayman/Kessler Armed Forces Salute
John Williams March of the Resistance from Star Wars: The Force Awakens
John Williams Battle of the Heroes from Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
John Williams Throne Room and End Title from Star Wars Suite
John Philip Sousa The Stars and Stripes Forever

Food, Drinks & Merchandise

Cold drinks will be available for purchase at the top of the hill on the plaza, and a complimentary water station is located on the grass nearby. All beverage sales are cashless.

SLSO merchandise will be available for purchase at the Symphony Volunteer Association tent on the east side of the statue.

Browse our lineup of food trucks below. These 20+ trucks will be located at the top of the hill in the parking lot east of Art Hill.

Food Truck Vendors

Angie Burger

The Best Wurst

Blues Fired Pizza

Cajun Seduction

Fire & Ice Cream Truck

Go Gyro Go

Grace Chicken & Fish

Hog Call BBQ

Honey Bee Tea

The MOObile

The Popcorn Bar

Scoops of Joy

Takozz

Widdy’s Cheesesteaks

Wok-O Taco

Dulce Pop STL

The Wingfather

Bougie Bites

Family Fun Zone

Arrive early to enjoy family-friendly activities at the top of Art Hill near the statue. Activities include:

  • Rhythm Station
  • Bubble Station
  • Parachute Dancing
  • Conducting students of the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra
  • …and so much more

Activities begin at 6:00pm and can be enjoyed up to the beginning of the concert. Also, be the first to pick up your Kids Club card, a membership for kids ages 5–14 to earn special prizes by attending concerts.

Patrons sitting and watching performance at Forest Park Concert

Young Friends Meetup

Meet up with Young Friends in a special seating section and enjoy the concert with refreshments and the company of fellow arts lovers. Anyone ages 21–45 is welcome to join.

Bike Bus

Beat the traffic and ride your bike to Forest Park!

Join the bike bus and ride with a group to and from the concert. Several routes and timed stops are planned across the city.

Illustration of a violin

Stay tuned for more information

Watch this space to receive additional information on parking, vendors, and more! RSVP to get updates leading up to the concert.