As the sun peeks from behind the Old Courthouse and the city quietly awakens, hundreds of yogis roll out their mats in Kiener Plaza, facing the Arch and Old Courthouse. Together, these neighbors, coworkers, students, and occasional visitors, move through a gentle, all-levels yoga flow that brings moments of stillness, clarity, and connection just before the business of rush hour.

This is Sunrise Yoga, and it’s become a downtown tradition. 

Hosted by Gateway Arch Park Foundation and presented by sponsor BJC HealthCare, with support from RGA, Sunrise Yoga takes place at 7 a.m. every Tuesday from May 6 to September 24. It’s free, open to all, and led by locally owned Citra Fitness & Movement, who guides participants through movements that both energize and relax.

What started as a small weekly program has grown tremendously. Now, it’s common to see 200 or more people participating every Tuesday. We see downtown regulars every week, who help us spread the word to their friends. We even see students from the County, making their way downtown start the morning in the heart of their city. Everyone is welcome, and everyone belongs.

Being at Sunrise Yoga is a tangible reminder about the magic of downtown and our public spaces. Kiener Plaza and Gateway Arch National Park aren’t just landmarks. These are places where people gather to meet your fellow St. Louisans and make memories. After the hour-long yoga class wraps, our yogis don’t just immediately leave. They hang around for a chat or swing by a nearby business for breakfast or a coffee.

These are all reasons why Sunrise Yoga is important. It fuels community. It fuels friendships. It fuels downtown progress.

And all this is possible because of you.

Sunrise Yoga is offered completely free of charge thanks to supporters of Gateway Arch Park Foundation. From our presenting sponsor BJC HealthCare and our supporting sponsor RGA to our more than 800 valuable members and donors, YOU bring free community programs like Sunrise Yoga to life for the hundreds of people who gather in Kiener Plaza every Tuesday morning.

As the official nonprofit partner of Gateway Arch National Park, we not only support historic and cultural preservation and park conservation, but also free programs like Sunrise Yoga.

If you’ve attended Sunrise Yoga and loved the experience, consider supporting the Foundation by becoming a member. Your membership helps keep programs like this accessible to everyone and helps grow them even further.

The Foundation is committed to creating meaningful, joyful moments in our city’s most iconic spaces. Our programs like Sunrise Yoga are for the St. Louis and its visitors. It’s because of our community we can do this important work. Your support ensures that these programs remain free and welcoming to all.