Everything You Need to Know About Going to The Muny in St. Louis
There’s nothing quite like a summer night at The Muny. Nestled in the heart of Forest Park, The Muny is the largest and oldest outdoor musical theatre in the United States and one of St. Louis’ most beloved traditions. We’ve been season ticket holders for about a decade now and there’s just something so special about it. I am super excited for this year’s season and whether you’re a longtime fan or planning your first visit, here’s everything you need to know before heading to the theatre under the stars.
Meet me at The Muny, The Muny in Forest Park!
What Is The Muny?
Founded in 1919, The Muny welcomes thousands of theatergoers each summer for Broadway-caliber productions in a beautiful outdoor setting. The season runs from June through August and features a mix of classic musicals, family favorites and modern hits. Tickets start at just $20 (or keep reading for how to grab free seats!).
There’s not a bad seat in the house!
The Muny's 2026 Season Lineup
The 2026 season is packed with crowd-pleasing favorites and exciting premieres:
Hairspray (June 15–21)
Shrek The Musical (June 25–July 2)
Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific (July 6–12)
Disney's Newsies (July 16–22)
Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations (July 27–August 2)
Meet Me in St. Louis (August 6–13)
Something Rotten! (August 17–23)
If you're bringing kids, Shrek The Musical is the obvious family favorite, while Newsies is another great choice for older children who love music and dance.
The Famous Free Seats: How They Work
One of the coolest things about The Muny is that nearly 1,500 seats are free for every performance. In fact, providing free seats has been part of The Muny's mission since the very beginning.
Here's what you need to know:
The last nine rows of the theatre are free.
No ticket is required.
Seating is first-come, first-served.
Gates for the free seats open at 7 p.m.
Shows begin at 8:15 p.m.
The free-seat line forms at the upper entrance near Kooyumjian Family Plaza.
How Early Should You Arrive?
For most shows, arriving around 6:30–7 p.m. is typically sufficient. But if you want to picnic before or have plenty of time to grab a bite or a drink, plan accordingly!
Picnicking at The Muny is a St. Louis tradition!
Food and Drinks at The Muny
One of the best parts of a Muny night is that you're welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. You can picnic before the show at Culver Pavilion. There is also pre-show entertainment with music and activities for the kids over there as well.
The Muny also offers concession stands throughout the theatre and plaza areas. You'll find:
Hot dogs and stadium favorites
Pretzels
Popcorn
Ice cream and sweet treats
Soft drinks and bottled water
Beer, wine and cocktails for adults
There are concession locations near both the main entrance and the free-seat entrance, making it easy to grab a snack no matter where you're sitting.
Bringing Kids to The Muny:
The Muny is one of the best family experiences in St. Louis. Because it's outdoors, there's a more relaxed atmosphere than a traditional theatre, making it easier for families with young children. It does have a later start time so keep that in mind!
Tips from a mom:
Choose the right show.
Family-friendly productions like Shrek The Musical are perfect introductions to live theatre.
Bring a booster cushion or blanket.
The seats can be a little large for younger children.
Pack snacks.
An 8:15 p.m. curtain means you'll want to have plenty of snacks on hand.
Plan for a late night.
Most shows run about 2.5 to 3 hours, so don't forget pajamas for the ride home. (And don’t feel guilty if you need to leave at intermission.)
Bring bug spray.
It's Forest Park in the summer.
Dress for the weather.
Even hot days can cool off once the sun goes down. There are fans that make it really enjoyable but I always bring these fans for myself and the kids!
What About Rain?
The Muny performs rain or shine whenever possible. Since it's an outdoor theatre, checking the forecast before you leave is always a good idea. Ponchos are a smart item to keep in your bag and a towel to dry off the seats if rain is in the forecast.
Accessibility Information
The Muny offers a variety of accessibility services including:
Assistive listening devices
Closed captioning on select performances
Wheelchair assistance
Accessible seating options
These services are available at no additional cost to guests.
The Muny is a family tradition for us!
Insider Tips for Your First Visit
Arrive early and explore Forest Park before the show.
Take advantage of the free seats at least once, it's a true St. Louis experience.
Bring binoculars if you're sitting farther back.
Consider weeknight performances if you're looking for smaller crowds.
Tell me, what’s your favorite show you’ve seen at The Muny?