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Visit the Evolution Festival 2023 in St. Louis

Summer 2023 in St. Louis has been a whirlwind of activity as the city warmed up to record levels and residents found ways to beat the heat. As the city cools down and transitions into autumn, outdoor events are an excellent way to enjoy the best St. Louis has to offer.

One of the premier events to cap off this summer is the Evolution Festival in 2023 at Forest Park. The festival, during the weekend of August 26-27th, will feature premier bourbon and barbeque in addition to exciting artists, including The Black Keys and Brandi Carlile.

With the cancellation of LouFest, the Evolution Festival is the premier St. Louis Festival this year and a welcome paradise of activities for music lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

What is the Evolution Festival?

The Evolution Festival is a new music festival coming to St. Louis, Missouri, in the famous Forest Park. The festival represents the evolution of music, food, and culture in St. Louis over the years and St. Louis’ reputation as the home of blues, bourbon, and backyard barbeque.

The Festival is spearheaded by Steven Schankman and Joe Litvag from Contemporary Productions and the Just Listen Company. Both individuals were born and raised in St. Louis, and they felt the lack of festivals in the area and decided to start their own.

The primary goal of the Evolution Festival is diversity, inclusion, and a representation of the best of St. Louis culture.

With headliners Black Keyes and Brandi Carlile, Evolution has a vast host of incredible artists to enjoy over the weekend, including rock, blues, country, rhthym and blues, and hip-hop genres.

In addition to live music, the event highlights the best of Missouri bourbon and barbeque, reflecting Midwestern cultural roots and the best of Missourian comfort.

Evolution Festival Location and Time

The Evolution Festival will be hosted at Forest Park, St. Louis, during the weekend of August 26-27th, 2023. The Festival will occur at the Langenberg Field and The Boat House, 5620 Grand Drive, 63112.

Free public parking is available throughout the park, with designated areas for rideshare vehicles to drop off concert-goers.

Evolution Festival Tickets

There are several ticket options available for the Festival. However, as tickets are purchased, they move into higher-paid tiers, so plan ahead and get your tickets now!

Ticket options include the following:

General Admission: General access to the main music venues, bourbon stage, and barbeque.
Silver VIP: Access to premium areas, including the Stage One VIP viewing area and specialty food and drink options.
Gold VIP: Silver VIP amenities plus a VIP parking pass and access to exclusive intimate tastings.
Platinum VIP: Gold VIP amenities plus backstage passes, exclusive bathrooms, complimentary food and drink options, and a special commemorative gift.

What Music Artists Are Featured at Evolution Festival?

The Evolution Festival will feature a diverse blend of musical artists across the rock, blues, rhthym and blues, and hip-hop genres. Audiences of all ages will find an artist they adore, and with the many options available, likely discover a new favorite.

Some of the top-performing artists at this year’s Evolution Festival include:

Saturday, August 26th

The Black Keys
Cautious Clay
Brittany Howard
Nikki Lane

Sunday, August 27th

Brandi Carlile
Ice Cube
Yard Eagle
Michigander

It True That the Festival Features Premium Bourbon and Barbeque?

One of the defining features of the Evolution Festival is the inclusion of food and drinks with the live music available. These added vendors provide the feel of a backyard barbeque with the bonus of some of your favorite artists.

This year, the bourbon experience will showcase bourbon brands, distillers, and connoisseurs to aficionados and curious drinkers alike to evoke the spirit of live music and delightful drinks. Some of the notable partners this year include:

Extra Brooks Bourbon
Wild Turkey Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon

Additionally, St. Louis will prove to visitors that it is the barbeque capital of the world with food curated by Sugar Fire Smokehouse. Plus, among other notable guests, there will be vegan options by Vegan Deli & Butcher.

Plan to Stay at Lehmann House During Your Next Festival Trip to St. Louis

While the summer heat is dying down, it’s the best time to venture outdoors and visit the Evolution Music Festival in Forest Park during the weekend of August 26-27th.

When planning your festival visit, be sure to check out Lehmann House Bed and Breakfast. We’re just minutes from Forest Park, and "in the center of things to do" in St. Louis.

Check out OUR ROOMS, choose your favorite and BOOK ONLINE or CONTACT US if you have any questions or like us to help you book your stay.

Written by Creative Copywriter Chris Davies