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St. Louis outdoors and after dark: Niki, movies, monster trucks and more

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: July 20, 2008 - In St. Louis, thermometers soar to legendary heights during afternoon hours. But after sunset, breezes blow away sweat and pave the way to outdoor fun. As long as you lave yourself with bug spray, we invite you to enjoy the St. Louis Beacon's guide to cheap outdoor evening fun.

One comes on Wednesdays as the Garden presents the Whitaker Music Festival with such artists as Anita Rosamond and Alvin Jett. The entire schedule for it and other summer concert series is available by clicking here.

The other opportunity -- complete with a dinner menu --  is on Thursdays with Niki Nights.

When: The exhibit runs  April 27, through October 31. Niki nights are on Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. through September
Where: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 shaw Boulevard
What's special: Special menu features the "Niki Red Cocktail" and "Niki Cookies".
Cost: General garden admission is $8, $4 St. Louis City and County residents. Children 12 and under are free. May through September, the Garden will offer Niki Nights on Thursdays, which cost $7 for adults, $5 for garden members and $3 for children 12 and under.
Contact: 314-577-9400 or 1-800-642-8842
More:Check out theGarden’sWebsiteandNikiCharitable Art Foundation.

Cinemania

Where: A lot on Washington Avenue, between Grand Boulevard. and Spring Avenue, across from the Pulitzer Museum and next to the Bruno David Gallery.

When: Saturdays through July 26 at 9 p.m.

What: Bring lawn chairs and blankets to enhance your weekend with a free movie screening, brought to you by Grand Center in collaboration with Cinema St. Louis. On the 26th, watch Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor sing in Moulin Rouge (2001).

How Much: Free

More information: www.grandcenter.org

If this sounds good:  Frontyard features is helping to put on neighborhood film throughout the area. Click here for a schedule.

The Muny

What: The nation's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater will showcase "Miss Saigon," a performance about a love that blossoms over a violent backdrop during the 1975 Vietnam occupation. "Miss Saigon," which is for mature audiences, stars Francis Jue as The Engineer, Ma-Anne Dionisio as Kim and Eric Kunze as Chris.

Where: 200 Theatre Drive, Forest Park.

When: July 21-27 at 8:15 p.m.

How Much: Tickets range from $9-$64 -- and don't forget the free seats, if you get there early enough.

More information: www.muny.org

If this sounds good:  And if you need air conditioning, check out lots of musical theater going on in St. Louis from Seussical to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to Honk! and more.

Passport Dinners on the Plaza

Where: Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park

When: July 24-31, 6-9 p.m.

What: Indulge your stomach and inner jet-setter. Feast al fresco on a buffet from Butler's Pantry, that features selections from international cuisine.

How much: $28 per person

More information: Click here

If this sounds good: You have no excuses, from St. Charles to Belleville, from Hannibal to Ste. Genevieve, al fresco dining is easy to find, though not many will have this panache.

Monster Truck Challenge

Where: Gateway International Raceway, Madison

When: July 26. Races begin at 7 p.m. Arrive at 5 for a pre-race concert, and 6 for an autograph session.

What: If you're feeling adventurous, head to the raceway to see 12 famous monster trucks, including Jim Kohler's Avenger and Jimmy Creten's CSK Bounty Hunter. The champion of 2007's challenge Mark Hall will be cruising in his Raminator to keep his winner status on the "largest racing course ever constructed in the St. Louis area."

How Much: $20 for general admission; $10 for children below 12

More information: Click here

If this sounds good: Check out some of the offerings at the Missouri State Fair Aug. 7-17; or the Illinois State Fair  Aug. 8-17

Joy Resmovits, a junior at Barnard College, is an intern at the Beacon.