June 13, 2023

A new live music series recently popped up on the St. Louis Riverfront, delighting visitors and creating buzz among neighbors. Rockin’ The Riverfront is part of Gateway Arch Park Foundation’s (“the Foundation”) work to enhance the visitor experience and create a welcoming, vibrant environment for locals and tourists enjoying Gateway Arch National Park.

Now through July 29, every Friday from 12-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m., park guests will be treated to live performances from local bands like Kasimu Taylor, Kinfolkandthem, and Miss Jubilee. On Saturdays from 12-6 p.m., visitors take the spotlight in karaoke sessions with live DJs. 

Gateway Arch National Park visitors will also be able to play lawn games like build-an-arch, cornhole, and jenga. These family-friendly activities elevate the visitor experience and give guests  more reasons to relax, linger and enjoy the park. 

With attendance up more than 32% so far this year, Gateway Arch Park Foundation Executive Director Ryan McClure says they chose to launch the series to build on the momentum: “Downtown is experiencing a resurgence and we’re seeing the effects of the pandemic subside. Rockin’ the Riverfront is one way we are celebrating and building on that excitement. The Foundation is committed to cultural vibrancy and public engagement, and we are thrilled to have received an unexpected amount of positive feedback from park-goers.”

"Jamming down on the Riverfront has been surprisingly relaxing. We’ve found that most of the patrons are local visitors seeking the peace and beauty of Gateway Arch National Park."

Dev
Operating manager and performing member, Kinfolkandthem

St. Louis’ music scene darlings Kinfolkandthem have grown in popularity after holding weekly jam sessions and playing to sold-out crowds at local venues. The group takes the Rockin’ the Riverfront stage every Friday evening for two hours to perform for a joyful audience from all over the country.  Operating manager and performing member Dev describes a magical experience: “There are moments where helicopter rides are departing and landing while we’re right in the middle of a good run on songs like ‘The Payback’ by James Brown or our original stuff like ‘Spanish Joint,’ and it’s all a bit serene. You just have to be there.”

Dev says they can tell attendees are enjoying the good vibes, too:  “Jamming down on the Riverfront has been surprisingly relaxing. We’ve found that most of the patrons are local visitors seeking the peace and beauty of Gateway Arch National Park. Whether it’s families looking to explore, runners and bikers motivated to keep moving, or tourists with wide eyes and excited tones, it’s apparent that the sound of unexpected music by Kinfolkandthem has been warmly received and much appreciated by the people. That allows the band to relax, jam and amplify the positive energy.”

Those planning to enjoy a performance during the hot summer months should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, sun umbrellas, and water. Bathrooms are located inside the Arch Visitor Center. 

Guests can also visit the Paddlewheel Café located on the riverboat dock or the Arch Café located inside the Arch Visitor Center for food and drink options. During lunch hours, guests can stop by the new Katherine Ward Burg Garden for "Lunch on the Landing" where patrons will find food trucks and more live music and games.
 
For more information, visit archpark.org/rockin.

To support efforts along the St. Louis Riverfront like this one, consider becoming a Foundation member!