It’s known for its 630-foot arch that greets you upon entrance to its city, a site to behold. The “Gateway City” has much to offer. From festivals and fairs to amusement parks, concerts and museums, a trip to St. Louis is sure to keep you and your family busy during those dog days of summer.

Fairs and festivals

African music, dance, food and vendors fill the Forest Park Pavilion for the city’s 19th annual . Held May 29 through 31, the event features African and Afrocentric artifacts, jewelry and clothing, as well as African and musical dance groups. Culinary, basket weaving, hair braiding, and head and body wrap demonstrations also take place. The Children’s Village offers hands-on arts and crafts, storytelling, puppetry and percussion workshops. Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission. 314-935-9676. www.stlafricanartsfest.org Enjoy a variety of music under the sun at the 17th annual open air concerts, held each Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Missouri Botanical Gardens’ Amphitheater. The concerts – June 2 through August 4 – feature local artists singing music from a variety of genres, including jazz, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, orchestra, pop and

English/Spanish pop rock. Food vendors are also on hand. Free admission after 5 p.m. 800-642-8842. www.mobot.org Latino bands, folk dancers and food and drinks from Latin and South American countries provide the perfect celebration for the city’s two Hispanic festivities. The annual takes place June 26 and 27 at Knights of Columbus Park.

is held at Soldiers Memorial Park Sept. 10 through 12. In addition to musical entertainment and food vendors, each event also includes a children’s pavilion and a variety of other activities related to Latino culture. Both events are free. 314-837-6100 for more information.

The city’s diversity celebrations continue Aug. 28 and 29 with its annual . The World Music Stage features traditional dance and music from an array of cultures. More than 30 food vendors sell tasty ethnic foods, while several dozen booths sell jewelry, clothing and other goods. Cultural exhibits, demonstrations and a children’s area are also on hand. The event takes place at Tower Grove Park. Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. 314- 773-9090 www.iistl.org/festival.php Blues lovers from the Midwest and beyond converge on St. Louis’ historic Laclede’s Landing for its, where local, regional, and national artists serve up tunes that’ll make you laugh, cry and beg for more. The annual two-day live outdoor event is known to showcase some of the best blues of the Midwest. For those who love a variety of music, the festival also includes rhythm and blues, soul and gospel music. This year’s festival takes place Sept. 4 and 5 from noon to 11:30 p.m. Free. 314-241- 5875. www.lacledeslanding.com

City attractions

With more than 22,000 animals representing 810 species from around the world, it’s easy to see why more than 3 million people visited the in 2009 alone. Not only is it one of the largest zoos in the country, it has many rare and endangered species. Most of the animals roam around structures that resemble their natural habitats. Visitors receive close views of many of the animals. And the zoo, located in Forest Park, offers sea lion shows, children’s petting zoo, 3-D movies, and carousel and train rides, as well as public feedings of bears, sea lions, penguins and kangaroos. Free admission. Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 800-966- 8877. www.stlzoo.org Next stop is the the oldest botanical garden in the