Music festival season in St. Louis kicks off in mid-June and runs through mid-October, giving St. Louis music lovers a hefty dose of artist discovery, high-energy concert experiences, and community engagement.

This year, more than 20 music festivals are filling nearby neighborhoods or taking over Missouri and Illinois towns with musical vibes throughout the summer and fall. From niche-based events like the metaphysical New Earth Fest or Frizz Fest, a natural beauty celebration with a dab of musical fusion, to St. Louis’ biggest melodic jubilees, Evolution Fest and Music at the Intersection, there’s a little something for everyone.

With entertainment like Patti LaBelle, Sublime, Bob Dylan, Lil Jon and more headed to town, it's time to figure out which shows will land on your festival season bucket list. Here’s a breakdown of all the options.

Held weekly at the garden’s Cohen Amphitheater, the Whitaker Music Festival offers open-air concert experiences every Wednesday evening. Running from the end of spring until mid-summer, this free festival invites music lovers of all ages to enjoy vibrant sounds amongst the flowers and foliage. Enjoy live performances from acts like the Steve Ewing Band, Saint Chuck, Dawn Weber and Good Company and more. This music festival is picnic-friendly, so don’t forget to bring treats to snack on during the show.

• When: 8 p.m. June 20
• Where: Dolce Event Center, 1405 Pine Street, Suite A
• How much: $15
• More info: eventbrite.com

For an evening-length, niche-based festival experience, check out the Hip Hop vs Country Music Festival. The event features performances from St. Louis-based acts like Zeus Rebel Waters and Traci Vande, who will go head-to-head against rap and country music bangers.

• When: 6 p.m. June 27
• Where: Alton Amphitheater, 1 Riverfront Dr., Alton, Illinois
• How much: $55-$75
• More info: tixr.com

The Mississippi River Festival is back for its second year of festivities along the riverbank. Although this is year two at the Alton Amphitheater, this festival dates back to 1969, when iconic acts like Bob Dylan, the Who, the Grateful Dead and more graced stages at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois. Decades later, the Mississippi River Festival found fresh footing in Alton, with Billboard chart toppers Ben Rector and Blackberry Smoke headlining this year. They are joined by Brian Owens Soul, Beth Bombara, Brent Cobb and more for a night of music and community.

• When: 4 p.m. June 28
• Where: Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 14141 Riverport Dr., Maryland Heights
• How much: $30-$488
• More info: ticketmaster.com

Now in its 10th year, the Outlaw Music Festival is taking over the stage at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre for an evening of rock ’n’ roll, country music and Americana hits. Music legends Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan headline once again with support from hitmakers like Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles and Tami Neilson. With both Nelson and Dylan releasing new music over the last two years, there's sure to be fresh records and classic hits from two of America’s favorite music greats.

• When: July 3-6
• Where: Lost Hill Lake, 2300 Mill Hill Road, Saint Clair
• How much: $61.65-$215.37
• More info: newearthmusicfest.com

The New Earth Fest is a music festival designed for ethereal dreamers looking to awaken through the sounds of nature. Located in Saint Clair, Missouri, about 45 minutes southwest of St. Louis, the festival features more than 10 music acts with performances geared towards musical healing. Beyond the concerts, enjoy drum circle sounds, song circles, aerial and fire performances and more. Lost Hill Lake is also a prime spot for camping, so gather your friends and tents for glamping after the day's festivities.

• When: July 10-13
• Where: Lost Hill Lake, 2300 Mill Hill Road, Saint Clair
• How much: Free-$229.64
• More info: pickinfestival.com

Pickin’ on Picknic celebrates 10 years of festivities this year as it brings four days of camping, music and family fun to Lost Hill Lake. Grammy Award-winning bluegrass act the Del McCoury Band headlines this year’s festival, along with more than 20 supporting acts including Eddie 9V, Split Lip Rayfield and St. Louis-based country band Hunter Peebles and the Moonlighters. With bluegrass and country music spread out across three stages, Pickin’ on Picknics is a laid back but expansive festival. Bring your four-legged-furry family members along with you and enjoy a Sunday Morning River Revival before heading back home.

• When: July 24-26
• Where: Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave.
• How much: $24.70-$48.31
• More info: ticketweb.com

Described by festival organizers as “the big top of a musical three-ring circus,” Twangfest is the ringleader of St. Louis country music festivals. Folk singer John Moreland headlines on Night 1 with the Vandoliers on Night 2 and St. Louis’ very own Mighty Pines as the festival finale. There will also be performances from Nate Bergman, singer Aida Ade, Brandi Carlile and more.

• When: 2 p.m. July 26
• Where: Alton Amphitheater, 1 Riverfront Dr., Alton, Illinois
• How much: $108.55-$268.61
• More info: eventbrite.com

The A Tilla Summer Festival is taking over Alton in July for its inaugural year. The lineup features rapper Boosie and hip-hop newcomer Big Boogie, who was recently featured on a song with St. Louis rapper Big Boss Vette. Beloved St. Louis band the Dirty Muggs will be performing along with bluesman Marquise Knox, the NGX Band and Borderline.

• When: August 1-3
• Where: Fountains Conference Center, 319 Fountains Pkwy., Fairview Heights, Illinois
• How much: $10
• More info: gatewaydulcimer.org

If you want to experience a different type of music festival, visit the Gateway Dulcimer Fest in Fairview Heights. Whereas most music festivals highlight rising artists and Top 40 hits, this one shines a spotlight on Appalachian dulcimer players. An instrument that originated in the 1800s, the Appalachian dulcimer is a string instrument born in the Appalachian Mountains. While modern string instruments like guitars and banjos were later popularized, the dulcimer remains a more obscure instrument but no less integral part of United States music history. Enjoy performances from dulcimer players from around the region with a few mandolin, penny-whistle and banjo acts.

• When: August 8-10
• Where: Gateway Arch, 100 Washington Ave.
• How much: Free
• More info: archpark.org

Blues at the Arch turns 10 this year and the festival is bigger than ever. Enjoy four nights of free, live music performances from local and national blues acts, family fun, fireworks and more. Stay tuned for an official lineup announcement.

After a five-year hiatus, the St. Louis Underground Music Festival returned in the spring with an awards show honoring St. Louis trailblazers on the local hip-hop scene. This summer, SLUM Fest returns with a full-blown music festival celebrating the city’s underground hip-hop community and reestablishing its brand presence. A lineup announcement is expected later in the summer.

• When: 4 p.m. August 9
• Where: Busch Family Brewing and Distilling, 4151 Benne Road, Defiance
• How much: $55.20
• More info: eventbrite.com

Boots are hitting the ground in August for the Busch and Boots Music Festival. This country music festival features performances by Brassfield, Tristan Roberson, the Bobby Ford Band and more. Dust off your cowboy boots and hit the festival grounds for a fiddle-ridden, funky good time.

• When: 2 p.m. August 9
• Where: Downtown Alton, 200 Piasa Street, Alton, Illinois
• How much: $39.19
• More info: eventbrite.com

Rock the Hops was one of the first music and art festivals to take over Alton, presenting more than 175 acts over the years. Designed to showcase local talent while highlighting Alton’s food and beverage scene, Rock the Hops has championed community celebration, music and creative expression since its start in 2015. Stay tuned for lineup announcements. Early bird tickets are on sale now.

• When: 2 p.m. August 16
• Where: Carshield Field, 900 TR Hughes Blvd., O’Fallon
• How much: $79-$2,673.75
• More info: tacosandtequillastl.com

There’s no better place to be to enjoy hip-hop and tequila this summer than the Tacos and Tequila Festival. This festival isn’t new. But this is its first time making a stop in St. Louis after successful events in Kansas City and Dallas. In addition to an endless supply of tacos and agave-fueled tequila shots, hip-hop legends like T.I., Lil Jon, Trick Daddy, St. Louis rap icon Chingy and more will be hitting the stage. This is a great time to dust off your nino-pop and monastery dance moves for a night of ’90s and 2000s rap realness.

• When: August 23-24
• Where: Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Dr.
• How much: Free
• More info: festofnations.com

For nearly 100 years, the Festival of Nations has brought music cultures from around the world to St. Louis for two days of entertainment, education and community. Originally started in 1934, the festival is known for its international food and cultural showcase. While the official lineup is still in the works, expect to see more than 80 countries represented on stage, a plethora of local talent and an abundance of art honoring cultures worldwide at this annual festival.

• When: August 29-31
• Where: Mural Mile Graffiti Wall, 1000 S. Wharf Street
• How much: Free
• More info: paintlouis.com

Paint Louis is one of the few music festivals that celebrates the elements of hip-hop culture, which include DJing, rapping, breakdancing and graffiti art. For the last 28 years, graffiti artists from all over the world have traveled to St. Louis to create elaborate murals along the riverfront. But the festival doesn’t stop there. Emcees and DJs also hit the stage to perform, with rapper Rakim and DJ Qbert headlining the 2024 event.

• When: September 5-7
• Where: World Wide Technology Raceway, 700 Raceway Blvd. Madison, Illinois
• How much: TBA
• More info: confluencefestival.com

Confluence Music Festival returns to the World Wide Technology Raceway, known as the place where concerts and community intersect. Now in its fourth year, Confluence has changed dates and grown bigger than ever with a headlining performance this year from the King of Crunk, Lil Jon. The rest of the lineup is still being determined. However, with past performances from artists like Nelly, Ludacris and Big and Rich, Confluence is set to kick off September festivals in the Metro East with a bang.

• When: September 12-14
• Where: Grand Center Arts District
• How much: $60-$2,500
• More info: metrotix.com

Music at the Intersection reigns as a champion of local arts while also bringing some of the industry’s biggest names to the Grand Center Arts District. American music legend Patti LaBelle headlines this year's festival alongside Oscar and Grammy Award-winning emcee Common and DJ Pete Rock. The support lineup includes performances from Lucky Daye, Leon Thomas, De La Soul and more. St. Louis-based acts dominate stages all weekend, with sets from the Funky Butt Brass Band, Blvck Spade and the Cosmos, and a special celebration of Miles Davis with Jazz St. Louis. MATI rolled out a few changes earlier this year, including extending the festival, introducing the MATI Member Movement and giving all guests VIP perks. Stay tuned for the official performance schedule.

• When: 12 p.m. September 20
• Where: Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Dr.
• How much: Free
• More info: eventbrite.com

Frizz Fest began as a celebration of the natural beauty of the Black community in the heart of the Midwest. Today, the festival has evolved to include art, vendors, food and music. Last year, the festival brought neo-soul trailblazer Marsha Ambrosius to Tower Grove Park for an afternoon of song and Black excellence. Although this year’s lineup hasn’t been announced, the festival recently hired St. Louis singer and talent booker Bianca Fitzpatrick as its artist manager. Known for producing shows at City Winery and the Dark Room, excitement looms as Fitzpatrick adds her magic to Frizz Fest’s music stage.

• When: 1 p.m. September 21
• Where: Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood
• How much: Free
• More info: porchfeststl.com

PorchFest is the ultimate community concert experience in St. Louis. Guests spend the day exploring the Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood and stumbling across live performances on front porches. This free event connects the community with music acts of all genres, most born and bred right in St. Louis. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy sounds from the new favorite band you’ll surely discover at this annual festival.

• When: September 27-28
• Where: Forest Park, 5595 Grand Dr.
• How much: $110.15-$591
• More info: frontgatetickets.com

Evolution Fest reigns as St. Louis’ biggest annual music festival with headlining performances this fall from ska punk band Sublime and music legend Lenny Kravitz. Festival organizers switched it up this year by adding Club Evolution, an elevated stage-side tent with prime views and food, and pit passes for festivalgoers looking to be up close and personal with their favorite musicians. Beyond the headliners, guests can enjoy performances from Sam Fender, TLC, Public Enemy, Pokey LaFarge, Corinne Bailey Rae and more. Festival passes are on sale now, with the performance schedule dropping this summer.

• When: 3 p.m. October 4
• Where: Grove Neighborhood, Manchester Avenue
• How much: Free
• More info: stlgrovefest.com

Right before music festival season in St. Louis concludes, Grove Fest returns to Manchester Avenue for its 20th year. This one-day festival shuts down the Grove neighborhood for a soiree of music, food, community and entrepreneurship. The performance lineup hasn’t been announced, but past headliners include BJ the Chicago Kid, Big Freedia and the Saint Boogie Brass Band. GroveFest is family-friendly until 6 p.m., with adult-only festivities kicking off in the evening. This event is also pet-friendly, so bring your furry friends along for the fun.

• When: 3 p.m. October 18
• Where: Atomic Pavilion, 4140 Manchester Ave.
• How much: TBA
• More info: ticketweb.com

Festival season in St. Louis wraps up with Pines Fest. The brainchild of beloved St. Louis band the Mighty Pines, Pines Fest brings the band to the stage along with other local acts representing the city's eclectic and diverse musical ecosystem. Stay tuned for lineup announcements as Pines Fest concludes St. Louis’ thriving music festival season with a bang.