NextStop Blog

Summer festivals are the heartbeat of the season, bringing communities together with music, food, art, and entertainment. But with packed parking lots and skyrocketing parking prices, getting to these events can feel like more of a  hassle than fun. Luckily, Metro Transit is here to save the day!

We’ve got the ultimate guide to help you plan your trip, avoid headaches, and arrive to your destination stress-free.

Here’s how to make the most of MetroBus or MetroLink while enjoying St. Louis’ top Summer festivals.

Summer Festivals and How to Get There

Stonegate Film Festival | July 25-27

• • Where: Cinema 24:1
  • How to Get There: Grab a ride on MetroBus route #2 Red or #94 Page and set your eyes on films from local artist.

Blues at The Arch Festival | Aug 8-10

• • Where: The Gateway Arch Park
  • How to Get There: Hop on the MetroLink for a short trip to Laclede’s Landing and you’ll be steps away from the music!

Taste of St. Louis | Aug 15-17

• • Where: Downtown Clayton (40 S Central Ave, 63105)
  • How to Get There: If you’re on the Blue Line MetroLink, then stop at the Clayton Station and chow down on local food spots.

Foodies Eat First Festival | Aug 16 & 17

• • Where: Downtown St. Louis (401 Pine St.)
  • How to Get There: MetroLink is your best option to get downtown to avoid parking hassles and traffic. The closest stations are Convention Center, 8^th & Pine, Stadium Station.

Festival of Nations | Aug 23 & 24

• • Where: Tower Grove Park
  • How to Get There: Get ready to immerse yourself in cultures from around the globe. A quick ride on MetroBus #8 Shaw-Cherokee, #30 Arsenal, #70 Grand, or #95 Kingshighway puts you steps away from the fun.

Japanese Festival | Aug 30- Sept 1

• • Where: Missouri Botanical Gardens
  • How to Get There: Take a ride on MetroBus #8 Shaw-Cherokee and get dropped off at the front door.

St. Louis Art Fair | Sept 5-7

• • Where: Downtown Clayton
  • How to Get There: A ride on the Blue Line MetroLink gets you to the heart of Clayton Station and snapshot of your favorite artists.

Music at the Intersection | Sept 12- 14

• • Where: Grand Center Arts District

• • How to Get There: Grab a seat on MetroBus #70 Grand, #10 Gravois-Lindell, #94 Page or #97 Delmar and arrive just in time for your favorite music act. Be mindful of bus reroutes due to event road closures throughout the area.

Great Forest Park Balloon Glow | Sept 19 -20

• • Where: Forest Park

• • How to Get There: Take the MetroLink to Central West End Transit Center. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Balloon Glow site.

Frizz Fest | Sept 19-20

• • Where: Tower Grove Park

• • How to Get There: Hop on MetroBus route #70 Grand, #8 Shaw-Cherokee, #30 Arsenal, or #95 Kingshighway and express yourself at Frizz Fest this year.

Evolution Festival | Sept 27 & 28

• • Where: Forest Park (Langenberg Field)

• • How to Get There: MetroBus #90 Hampton goes through Forest Park and gets you close to where the music starts.

No more circling blocks for a parking spot. Just hop off your bus or MetroLink and step right into the action.

Tips for Effortless Transit Planning:

• Use Transit App: Download the free TransitApp. Type in your festival location, and it’ll show you the nearest stops and departure times.
• Account for Travel Time: Transit schedules may fluctuate, especially on weekends or holidays. Give yourself extra time to get to the festival, so you don’t miss the opening act or that front-row seat at the parade.
• Bookmark Festival Details: Most festivals share detailed transportation advice on their websites, including the nearest transit stops and any special transit services they offer.
• Travel Light: Most public transit systems have rules about luggage size, and navigating a packed train with oversized gear can be a nightmare. Stick to the essentials!
• Keep It Charged: Make sure your transit app is ready to go by charging your phone before leaving home.
• Prep for the Weather: From summer heat to pop-up rainstorms, be ready with sunscreen, water, umbrella, or a foldable poncho.

Public transit is more than just a ride—it’s a stress-free way to make sure you spend your time enjoying the festival, not battling traffic.

Grab your transit pass and lawn chair, rally your festival buddies, and get ready to soak up the best of summer. See you on the ride!