The SLSO’s Insider Guide to the Forest Park Concert

By Maddie Hurst

For 58 years, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has welcomed thousands of St. Louisans to Forest Park for its annual free community concert. The evening gives audiences a glimpse into the upcoming season’s programming, and the festive evening includes food vendors, education activities for families and children, and a fireworks display that lights up the night sky over the Grand Basin.

The concert in Forest Park returns on September 16, 2026, with music by Ludwig van Beethoven, George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, plus patriotic tunes and film music from the Star Wars saga. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning to a favorite tradition, there are many ways to experience this iconic St. Louis tradition. To help audiences make the most of their Forest Park journey from start to finish, SLSO staff members have shared some of their best recommendations to make the most of the evenint.

Here’s the SLSO’s insider guide to the Forest Park concert.

A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring a comfortable evening on Art Hill.

“Don’t forget the essentials: bug spray, sunscreen, a light jacket, an umbrella,” said Rochelle Calhoun, SLSO Manager of Corporate Partnerships.

And for the post-concert, unlit walk back to your car? Calhoun recommends packing a small flashlight.

There are many ways to get to the concert. Patrons are welcome to park their vehicle within Forest Park, enjoy the nice weather by biking to the concert, take Metrolink to the Skinker or Forest Park-DeBaliviere stations, or utilize a shuttle system around the park, organized by the SLSO.

Michelle Byrd, Manager of IN UNISON Programs, recommends patrons “park closest to the entrance that puts you in the direction of your home.” This allows guests to be put on the quickest route home.

For attendees looking for an easy walk, Artistic Operations Assistant Chris Aman-McBroom suggests parking near the Missouri History Museum.

“I have found parking near the History Museum and walking has been useful since it’s mainly flat until you reach Art Hill,” he said.

If you can’t find a close spot, don’t sweat it. SLSO shuttles will pick patrons up along a designated route and drop them off at the top of Art Hill all night, ensuring all attendees make it to the concert regardless of where they park. See a shuttle map at slso.org.

For patrons who drive, note that the two parking lots at the top of Art Hill will close early in the day to save space for food trucks.

While arrival time is ultimately up to the patron, SLSO staff members have a few suggestions to help guests enjoy everything the event has to offer. 

“Arrive early and plan to stay a little later,” Digital Engagement Specialist Leanne Telger said. “There will be large crowds, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the community and take in the scenery.”

“If you can’t arrive early, don’t let that dissuade you from attending,” Public Relations Director Eric Dundon said. “The shuttle system that gets people to Art Hill from parking lots further away is efficient.”

Patrons are welcome to sit wherever they wish on the hill, on blankets, lawn chairs, or on the grass. SLSO staff, however, generally have their preferred locations.

“I usually prefer being about halfway up the hill towards the center,” Aman-McBroom said.

“If you’re not concerned with being able to see the musicians, sit off to the side or further back,” said Philanthropy Coordinator Bekah Ford. “I prefer the sound when you aren’t super close.”

The Forest Park concert is still an exciting experience, even if you can’t get there early.

The Forest Park concert allows guests to make a complete evening out of their experience, encouraging them to sample from the variety of local bites each food truck has to offer. 

“There are so many local food trucks on site at the Forest Park concert,” Dundon said. “I love getting appetizers from 3-4 food trucks. Not only does this approach support several local businesses, but it also gives me a little taste of a variety of flavors—much like what the concert does for the SLSO’s upcoming season.”

The SLSO will sell drinks, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic, at the top of the hill all evening. Patrons are also welcome to utilize the free water bottle filling station at the top of the hill if they wish to bring their own water bottle.

For many concertgoers, a highlight of the evening is the fireworks show at the conclusion of the concert.

“Staying for the fireworks is totally worth it,” Aman-McBroom said. 

Don’t want to get caught in post-concert traffic? Telger recommends taking your time.

“Stick around afterward for a drink under the stars while the crowds clear out,” she said. 

 Audiences can also wait out the traffic in other delicious ways.

“Avoid some of the post-concert traffic by bringing dessert to enjoy after the fireworks,” Ford said. “Hanging out and having a sweet treat is way better than sitting in line trying to get out of Forest Park.”

Dundon encourages audience members to make a day out of all that Forest Park has to offer.

“If you have the time, making the concert day a full Forest Park experience—visiting the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and the St. Louis Science Center—feels uniquely St. Louis, plus you will get your choice of parking,” he said.

The Forest Park concert has a variety of elements for a variety of audiences; whether it’s a cold drink, masterworks by Beethoven and Leonard Bernstsein, family activities, local eats, fireworks, or fan favorite music from Star Wars.

This celebration of St. Louis community and exceptional orchestral music takes place on September 16 at 7:00pm on Art Hill in Forest Park.

For more information and to see a complete list of music being performed, visit Forest Park – St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Maddie Hurst is the SLSO’s summer 2026 Communications and Public Relations intern.