Picnic on the Riverfront

Thursday, June 2, 2016
This event has already passed.

Celebrate the reopening of the new riverfront beneath the Gateway Arch at Picnic on the Riverfront, St. Louis' largest-ever community picnic.

During the event on Thursday, June 2, picnickers can experience the first stage of the Arch ground’s historic transformation project, which will make it easier and safer to access and visit the landmark, its museum and its attractions. The renovation includes new biking and pedestrian paths separate from the roadway, all-new lighting, and new amenities, such as benches, power outlets and a street-level stage – all while preserving the area’s historic elements. The majority of the landscaping will be finished in the fall, with the rest of the renovation project to be completed in 2017.

“Picnic on the Riverfront” features a variety of family-friendly events after the public grounds ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m., including an interfaith blessing, music from pianist Ethan Leinwand as well as Good 4 the Soul, kids’ educational activities, and a fireworks display at 8:30. Bring your own picnic basket or build your meal from a number of St. Louis’s favorite food trucks before taking a walk or bike trip around the new grounds.

Learn more in our feature story or at cityarchriver.org

 

Our Daily Things to Do email is the easiest way to plan your day.
Follow Us
 
Things to Do

St. Charles Riverfest
Friday, July 3, 2026
Saturday, July 4, 2026

Riverfest 2026 features fireworks over the river, a carnival, live music, craft and food vendors, and lots of fun kids activities.

View this event »
Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.
Popular Stories

Dinoroarus Comes Roaring Back at the Saint Louis Zoo

The Dinoroarus exhibit brings prehistoric fun back to the Saint Louis Zoo this summer with 20 lifelike dinosaur animatronics and sculptures on the Zoo's Historic Hill.

Continue reading »
Festivals & Fireworks to Celebrate July 4th in St. Louis

It's time to celebrate Independence Day in St. Louis and our nation's 250th birthday! Check out these family-friendly celebrations that include carnivals, fantastic fireworks, drone shows, parades and lots more.

Continue reading »
Travel Back in Time Every Friday at the Missouri History Museum’s Free Summer Family Fun Series

There comes a point every summer when all that “free time” isn’t so fun anymore. Your kids are bouncing off the walls, it’s too hot to hit the playground, and every activity seems to come with a big price tag. That’s when the screens come out, and parents find themselves counting down the minutes to bedtime. Thankfully, when Friday rolls around each week, your family can experience a mini summer getaway through history – no travel required. 

Continue reading »
Summer STEM Camps Create Hands-On Fun + Immersive Learning for Kids & Teens

Want your child to learn about subjects in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), and have fun doing it? Help them further understand the inner workings of what's all around them by enrolling them in a STEM-fueled summer camp. You may be surprised at the wide variety of highly-acclaimed summer camps in the St. Louis area that put new and exciting twists on STEM concepts, creating hands-on fun for kids with the benefit of introducing them to some of the latest technologies in AI, engineering, coding and more.

Continue reading »
Your Guide to Free Outdoor Family Movies this Summer

Seeing a movie at the theater is a magical experience, but when summer rolls around, it’s time to get outside and enjoy free movies under the stars! Free family movie nights abound across the St. Louis area, so grab your kids, a blanket or lawn chairs, and get ready for some cinematic fun. Here's where to find them:

 

Continue reading »
You Might Also Like...

From Our Sponsors
Follow Us