The Independent News

09/15/2026

Alton Amphitheater Announces Free Pop-Up
Concert Series with Live Music, Local Food

ALTON, Ill. - This September, the Alton Amphitheater is inviting the community to slow down, gather with friends and family, and enjoy three Friday evenings filled with live music, local food and unparalleled sunsets over the Mississippi River.
The 2026 Pop-Up Concert Series will take place Friday, September 4, September 11 and September 25 from 6-9 p.m., offering a relaxed atmosphere with regional live music, food vendors, yard games and plenty of room to spread out along Alton's scenic riverfront. Admission is free.
Created as a pilot program for the 2026 season, the series is designed to bring more people to the amphitheater outside of major festivals while exploring new ways to activate the space and expand community programming.

"The amphitheater is one of Alton's greatest public gathering places, and we want to activate it beyond our signature events," said Abby Haynes, Chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission. "The 2026 Pop-Up Concert Series is an opportunity to experiment with a different style of programming, encourage more people to enjoy the riverfront, and learn what resonates with our community as we continue growing the amphitheater's event calendar in the years ahead."

Friday, September 25 - Borderline - Country

Borderline closes the series with one of the St. Louis metro area's premier country music experiences. Performing throughout the region for more than 20 years, the band has built a social media following of more than 17,000 fans and is known for its strong live shows and broad regional appeal. Website: theborderlineband.com

Food, Drinks & Family Fun
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy an evening along the Mississippi River.
Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome during the 2026 Pop-Up Concert Series. Guests are also encouraged to support the local businesses participating in each event, with food available for purchase.
Assorted beer, Carbliss and other alcoholic beverages will also be available for purchase on site.
In addition to live music, families can enjoy casual lawn games while taking in some of the region's most spectacular sunset views.
There will be no 2026 Pop-Up Concert Series event on Friday, September 18, as the community prepares for the 2026 Mississippi Earthtones Festival on Saturday, September 19, presented by Alton Main Street, the Sierra Club and Jacoby Arts Center.

2026 Pop-Up Concert Series
Fridays: September 4, 11 & 25, 2026 6-9 p.m. Alton Amphitheater Riverfront Drive, Alton, Illinois. Admission: Free
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of live music, local food, cold drinks and beautiful Mississippi River sunsets.
For updates and event information, follow the Alton Amphitheater on Facebook.

09/15/2026

09/15/2026

September events around town

Zooberfest Open Weekends at St Louis is Zoo
Start autumn with a FREE, family-friendly "Prost!” at the Saint Louis Zoo! Sip beer, savor German-themed cuisine and dance to live music while enjoying all the Zoo’s open exhibits and attractions. PLUS root beer and activities for the kids!

Zootoberfest At Night also returns with Oktoberfest-ivities after dark! German-themed food, brews and tunes will take over the Zoo during this FREE extended-hours event, 5–8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11.

WHEN: Enjoy Zootoberfest during the dates and hours below:
5–8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 (Back for the second year: Zootoberfest At Night!)
10 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19
10 a.m.–4 p.m. *Sunday, Sept. 20

For guests 21 and older:
Explore 50+ local and craft brews at beer trailers throughout the Zoo.
Sip on six varieties of Zootoberfest “Stein-A-Ritas" offered at select food locations.
Enjoy discounted refills on beer and margaritas when you purchase an exclusive Zootoberfest stein.

ENTERTAINMENT: Hear live music both Zootoberfest weekends:
So Grand Polka Band (5–8 p.m. Sept. 11)
Die Spitzbuam (11 a.m.–2 p.m. Sept. 12)
The Wurst Bavarian Band (11 a.m.–2 p.m. Sept. 13)
DJ Epic (11 a.m.–2 p.m. Sept. 19)
DJ PBNJeffy (5–8 p.m. Sept. 19)
Uber Cool (11 a.m.–2 p.m. Sept. 20)

ADMISSON: All Zootoberfest events are FREE. No ticket purchase or reservation
For more information, visit stlzoo.org/zootoberfest. Follow the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and X.

Route 66: The Main Street of America screening w/Q&A – September 10, 7pm

The Wildey Theater, Edwardsville, IL

https://www.cityofedwardsville.com/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/845
Film site: https://www.mainstreetofamerica.com/

This is a powerfully moving new feature-length documentary that follows the road, sharing unforgettable stories of the people and towns we meet along the way. From unexpected roadside attractions to revitalized main streets, each encounter reveals communities finding new life and purpose—making new history—proving the most meaningful journeys often unfold on the road less traveled

Trap Run 5K – September 12, 8a-Noon

Sarah & MLK, St. Louis
https://traprunstl.com/

This family-friendly event is St. Louis' first hip-hop themed 5K walk/run & festival that empowers North St. Louis neighborhoods and unifies grassroots, civic, educational, commercial and residential efforts to bridge the city's north-south divide. With a dozen DJs, this run, hosted by Northside Community Housing, Inc., offers great music and celebrates the important roles that strong communities, families, and good health play in North St. Louis.

Books & Bagels: A Brunch & Learn Series w/Gerry Mandel – September 23, 11am

Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur (Arts & Education Building)
https://www.showpass.com/books-and-bagels-mandel/

Doors Open & Light Brunch Available: 10am
Author Talk: 11am - 12pm

Enjoy the fourth and final Books and Bagels event of our 2026 season with Gerry Mandel, author of A Few Words Before I Go, which grapples with issues of memory and aging in a warm, humorous way, and takes on the task of putting a 70+ year career into words.

The Carole King & James Taylor Story – September 25, 7:30pm & 26, 2:30pm

The Wildey Theater, Edwardsville, IL

https://www.cityofedwardsville.com/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/798

https://www.cityofedwardsville.com/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/827

Following critically acclaimed sell-out runs at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Adelaide Fringe, and sold-out shows in the UK and the US including The Wildey Theatre, The Carole King & James Taylor Story returns. Taking you on an incredible journey through the careers of the six-time Grammy Award winner, twenty-time platinum hit maker Carole King, five-time Grammy Award winner, and American folk legend James Taylor, this is a show not to be missed

WSIE Music Series Event w/ Mississippi Moon – September 26, 7-9pm

Harold Square Outdoor Amphitheater, Collinsville, IL

https://www.facebook.com/events/1248870184068166

***A suggested donation of $10 per entrant to benefit WSIE 88.7 The Sound.***

Mississippi Moon is St. Louis' very own tribute to the music of the Doobie Brothers and Michael McDonald.

OCTOBER

NJT’s Just for Us – October 1-18

The J

https://jccstl.com/arts-ideas/new-jewish-theatre/current-productions/

Fall brings Alex Edelman’s Just for Us. NJT will produce their own version of Alex’s story – a hilarious and incisive one-man show that recounts the comedian’s unforgettable decision to attend a meeting of White Nationalists in Queens.

Join NJT (New Jewish Theatre) for our 2026 season of live theatre, featuring Prayer for the French Republic, God of Carnage, Job, Alex Edelman's Just for Us, and the musical She Loves Me! Tickets, Season Subscriptions, and Flex Passes are on sale now.

09/14/2026

The Rep Celebrates 60 Years
With the Timeless "Little Women"

by Pat Lindsey

Timelessness and intimacy make Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" a well-chosen opening show for The Rep's 60th Anniversary season. The endearing classic novel has been capturing readers since 1868 and the Library of Congress has deemed it one of the most important "books that shaped America." It's popularity was evident on opening night--a near sell-out.

Playwright Lauren Gunderson tells the story of how four teenage girls and their mother survive life in New England during the Civil War. Their father is fighting in the battle while the rest of his family fight poverty, disease, tragedy, and triumph. Directed by newcomer to The Rep Delaney Piggins, seven outstanding actors draw the audience into their lives for two hours and 15 minutes.

Louisa, known to her family as Lou, wants to be a writer. A publisher's tip to write what she knows inspires her to write about her beloved family. Her story begins at Christmas when her mother "Marmee" tells her "little women" not to buy any gifts for each other, because they have very little money. Marmee later asks her daughters if they would be willing to give up their breakfast to feed the neighbor's children who have nothing to eat. From that day forward, Lou begins to develop the characters for her book. While the book is in progress, Lou also writes short stories as a possible source of income. Her first big success comes when she sells two of her short stories to the local newspaper for $25 each.

Lou (Andrea San Miguel) would be classified a women's libber today. She's a pugnacious tomboy who renames herself Jo in her book. The next oldest sister is beautiful Meg (Amira Danan), who dreams of being a wife and mother. Next is delicate and musically talented Beth (Kristen Lintvedt) who loves to entertain the family with her piano playing. The youngest sister is budding artist Amy (Addison Foote), who always keeps a sketch pad with her. Laurie (Jack Lancaster) is the wealthy boy next door who becomes Jo's best friend. Adam Poss plays three characters--John, Meg's husband; Friedrich, Jo's love interest; and Mr. March, the girls' father. Marcia Pizzo is Marmee or Mrs. March, as well as Aunt March. This play is a drama and not a musical.

Andrea San Miguel never stumbles over any of her many lines of dialogue. She's feisty and determined and, at times, she reminds me of Barbra Streisand in "Funny Girl." She portrays Jo just as I always imagined her to be. Her performance is mesmerizing. Jack Lancaster's character, Laurie, is often as excitable as Jo, sometimes extremely frustrated, but usually sweet and kind. As best friends, Jo and Laurie are too much alike to ever marry.

The set, by Scenic Designer Ann Beyersdorfer, is as simple as a Civil War home should be and transformable. Costume Designer Kotryna Hilko deserves praise for her creation of the period costumes. And the wigs designed by Will Vicari notably complete the costumes.

"Little Women" has sustained the test of time because its family dynamics and life's lessons taught by the mother are still applicable today. The writing and character development are so good that the audience can't help but fall in love with the script and everyone in the cast. It is also a reminder of the sacrifices that were made during the Civil War, a war in which brothers often fought brothers, not so different from what is happening in this country today.

"Little Women" will be performed at The Rep in Webster Groves now through Sept. 27. For tickets, visit the box office by phone at 314-968-4925 or in person Wed.-Fri. 12p.m.- 5 p.m. (and two hours before each scheduled performance) or by going to www.repstl.org. It's a wonderful way to say farewell to summer and usher in The Rep's 60th year.

09/10/2026

Join us for the Knights Council 2951 Florissant Italian Festival on September 12th!

09/10/2026

CITY HONORS 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF
SEPTEMBER 11TH WITH JOINT
CEREMONY AT VFW POST 4105
Florissant Valley Memorial Post 4105, the VFW Auxiliary, the City of Florissant, and Friendsof Veterans invite the public to join them Friday, September 11, 2026, in commemoratingthe 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, honoring the 2,977 lives lost and recognizing the
courage of our first responders, veterans, firefighters, and police officers. The event is free and open to the public.
A Patriotic Run will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by a Remembrance Ceremony at 7:00 p.m. at VFW Post 4105, 410 Rue St. Francois, Florissant, MO 63031.
Special guests include Councilman Jeff Caputa, Florissant Mayor Tim Lowery, and Lt. Governor Wassinger. Representatives from local fire and police departments, veterans organizations, the American Legion, VFW 12th District, Florissant Elks Lodge, and Florissant Eagles are expected to participate.
The World Bird Sanctuary will also be present with an American Eagle as part of the evening's patriotic observance.

09/10/2026

🍂 Save the date for Hazelwood Day 2026! 🍂

Join us Saturday, September 12, at Howdershell Park for a day packed with family fun, live music, and community spirit!

🎵 Live entertainment by Diamond Empire Band and Superjam
🐴 Petting Zoo and pony rides
🎨 Face painting and balloon sculptures
🏰 Inflatables and big trucks
🚗 Car show
🎯 Bingo and horseshoes
🍴 Food trucks

Bring your family and friends for a delightful day celebrating Hazelwood and the city services that keep our community thriving. We can’t wait to see you there!

Robert Smith Lisa Matlock Hazelwood Ward 8 Hazelwood Ward 3 Neighbors Helping Neighbors Hazelwood Ward 6