Fair St. Louis’ home sweet home: downtown or riverfront
Officials behind Fair St. Louis/Live on the Levee have a huge decision on their hands.
They must figure out which locale is best for the summer events that this year brought Black Crowes, Joss Stone, and Anthony Hamilton to town.
Flooding caused the annual events to move from their usual scenic perch on the riverfront to what was meant to be a temporary location downtown at Soldier’s Memorial Plaza, turning Live On the Levee into Live Off the Levee.
Now that the dust has cleared and the water has receded, organizers are deciding whether to return to the riverfront next summer or stay downtown.
Let’s look at this for a second.
Nothing beats a Live On the Levee concert, sitting near the base of the Arch with the river serving as a backdrop to one of your favorite performers. That ambiance, complete with fireworks, is nothing short of killer. But if the performer is especially popular, Live On the Levee is a logistical nightmare in terms of parking and just getting around.
Then there’s Soldier’s Memorial Plaza. It’s home to a number of other summer events, which makes it feel less than special. But there’s room for growth, and that appeals to the organizers.
Where do you think Fair St. Louis and Live On the Levee should take place next year?
Photo: Fireworks explode over the Mississippi River July 4 during Fair St. Louis
Photo credit: Emil Rasinski


Kevin C. Johnson has covered the St. Louis' music and nightlife scene for the past decade.
P.S. — I also enjoyed the “water” movie screen that they had on the levee a few summers ago. You certainly don’t have that as an option if the show is down at S.M.
Back to the Arch. I can’t believe they would even contemplate keeping it at Veterans Memorial. I had several complaints that have already been mentioned in prior comments. But also the fact that the fireworks were off a building across the street. Then you couldn’t walk out the gate because of the fireworks. If you wanted to leave, you had to go completely out of your way. That was ridiculous. It was like I was forced to watch the fireworks. When it’s under the Arch, not only is it better sightlines, but you can move about as you please. You’re not forced to stay and watch. I would have gone to more of the shows, but was very disappointed with the setup.
I like the arch grounds location much better than Soldier’s Memorial. That said, I stopped going when they dropped the air shows. If I happen to already be downtown for a Cardinals game, I’ll stick around, but other than that, it’s not worth dealing with the crowds any more.
I enjoyed the three shows I saw at Soldier’s Memorial, I had VIP for two of the shows (Black Crowes & Rusted Root). The VIP section is much better at Soldier’s Memorial than the Arch grounds, where they stick you to the left side of the stage. But if I had to choose between the two sites, I would pick the Arch grounds. Much better atmosphere under the Arch on the banks of the Mississippi River. I think it’s one of the best venues in the country to see a concert. And from what I’ve heard, musicians get a huge thrill performing under the Arch. I also miss the helicopter rides they offer at Live On the Levee. That was a trip last summer at the Bruce Hornsby show taking a helicopter ride over the crowds under the Arch & downtown St. Louis.
From my source who works for A-B:
For all those ppl who are complaining about the 30 to 45 minute wait in line for a beer at the O.A.R. show, maybe it was because the event set an all-time record that night for beer sales with 680 cases of beer sold.
My source also informed me that if A-B/InBev doesn’t contribute to Live On the Levee next year, the event will be scaled back to three weekends only.
I hope A-B/InBev supports this outstanding event next year.
I think it needs to move back to the arch front. Also, the concerts really need to be publisized more. I knew “of the concerts”, but it seems that it wasn’t really out there for more people to find out about. St. Louis needs to stop being so affraid of crowds. It draws business for our downtown which continues to grow!!! Everyone should definately embrace the city more.
Last year my family and friends attended several shows at the arch grounds. We had no problems with parking, lines, finding a seat. The whole atmosphere was wonderful. This year I took my family to O.A.R. What a terrible experience we had at the downtown facilities! We brought chairs, but had to sit so far away from the stage that we couldn’t even see the band. And who did they hire for their sound engineers? Horrible acoustics. The lines for food and beer was so long that I didn’t even attempt after the first time. Needless to say that I never went back to another concert and will not if they hold the event downtown.
If InBev is as stingy as they’re rumored to be, then Live on the Levee is likely to be a mere shadow of its former self - fewer concerts and lesser name groups, resulting in lower attendance. What difference will it make where the concerts are held under those circumstances?
But look at the bright side - Warren Buffett gets to stay atop the world’s richest man list. Isn’t that just swell.
They have to be INSANE to even consider moving it away from the Arch grounds. The monument steps are perfect for providing the best view of the show no matter how far back you are. I went this summer and couldn’t hardly make out the stage a few times. The gorgeous backdrop with the Arch and bridges vs. bums at the Soldier’s Memorial?? This would be a testament to how aimless city promotion organizers are to screw up one of the only things they’ve gotten right the past several years.
Although I have no complaints regarding this year’s concerts, I would still like to see the city showcase the riverfront. More importantly, if this city doesn’t have other corporations willing to sponsor this great event, than how do they think they will ever bring back the rebirth of the city! We shouldn’t be so dependent on A/B. As far as I am concerned, I’m switching my choice of beers to non A/B products. They have chosen to turn their back on this great place they have called home for so many years, well I can turn my back on them as well! C’mon St. Louis corporations, step up and support this great town.
If ABIB doesn’t buck up next year, they should approach Schlafly for sponsorship! They would sell alot of beer to make up for their sponsorship investment. Besides, Schlafly makes better beers, anyway. Support local bands and brews