Seasonal & Holidays
6 Things To Do In University City This Spring: Markets, Festivals & Local Events
From a brand partner: Add these community happenings to your calendar in the weeks ahead.
Longer days and warmer weather mean it’s a great time to get outside and see what’s happening around University City. Throughout the season, local markets, festivals and community events offer plenty of opportunities to explore, connect and enjoy the best of spring.
Below are several happenings to check out this season. Before heading out, it’s always a good idea to confirm hours, weather plans and ticket details with event organizers.
1. U City Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, beginning April 11, 2026; Thursdays, 4:00 to 7:00 PM, beginning May 7, 2026
Where: Heman Park, 7210 Olive Blvd, St Louis, MO
Find out what's happening in University Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The U City Farmers Market in Heman Park is a lively community gathering place offering fresh local produce, artisanal foods and handcrafted goods from regional vendors. With live music, cooking demos and family-friendly activities, it provides a welcoming space to shop, connect and enjoy seasonal offerings. Check the website for more information.
Find out what's happening in University Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2. Heman Park Swimming Pool
When: Opens for the season on May 23, 2026. Daily hours vary.
Where: 7210 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Late spring days in University City can be pretty warm, so cool off at the town’s beloved Heman Park Swimming Pool! Enjoy open swim, aquatic classes, swim lessons and more. Daily rates and unlimited Summer Fun Passes are available. If you’re a current Summer Fun Pass, Centennial Commons, SilverSneakers or RenewActive member, you also get access to the VIP pool opening party a day before the official starts (Friday, May 22, at 5:00 PM). See the pool’s website for more information and special resident rates.
More info: ucitymo.org/101/Heman-Park-Swimming-Pool
3. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’s 51st Festival Season
When: Select dates from May 23 to June 28, 2026
Where: Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Rd, St. Louis, MO
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis returns for its 51st festival season with a dynamic lineup of classic and contemporary operas performed by acclaimed artists. Running from May 23 to June 28, the season features four productions accompanied by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, offering a range of stories from comedy to drama. See the Theatre’s website for the full performance schedule and ticket information.
More info: opera-stl.org
4. ‘The Tempest’ by The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
When: Select dates from May 27 to June 21, 2026
Where: Shakespeare Glen in Forest Park, 6604 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO
The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival presents “The Tempest” in Forest Park, bringing this magical tale of betrayal, love and forgiveness to life under the spring St. Louis sky. Held on select dates from May 27 to June 21, this free outdoor performance offers an immersive theater experience in the natural setting of Shakespeare Glen.
More info: stlshakes.org/production/the-tempest-2
5. U City Summer Band Concert Series
When: Select Tuesdays in June and July 2026, 7:00 PM
Where: Heman Park, 1028 Midland Blvd, University City, MO (Midland-Shaftesbury entrance)
Now in its 30th season, the U City Summer Band has entertained generations of local audiences with free, family-friendly concerts in Heman Park. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy popular music, jazz, show tunes, marching band classics and more every Tuesday evening in June and July (no show on June 30). See the website for weekly concert themes.
More info: ucsummerband.org
6. Downtown Summer Nights
When: Thursday and Saturday nights, 5:00 to 8:00 PM, beginning June 26, 2026
Where: Kiener Plaza, 500 Chestnut St, St. Louis, MO
Downtown Summer Nights brings weekly evening events to Kiener Plaza with a mix of live music, outdoor movies and local food in a lively downtown setting. Held on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the season, the series offers a fun way to enjoy summer nights in St. Louis. The full schedule of events will be announced closer to the season.
More info: stlsummernights.com