July

What: “Niki” at Missouri Botanical Garden
When: through Oct. 31
Where: St. Louis, 4344 Shaw Blvd.
Forty large, colorful mosaic and painted sculptures by pop artist Niki de Saint Phalle will be on view. Admission: $4 for St. Louis City/County residents; $8 for adults; children 12 and younger admitted free.
Info: (314) 577-9400, www.mobot.org

What: Exhibit, “Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant”
When: through Sep. 7
Where: St. Louis, Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, 5700 Lindell Blvd.
This exhibition explores the boyhoods of these famous Civil War generals. It covers their West Point careers, their early assignments, their service in the Mexican War and on the nation's frontiers, their Civil War campaigns, and their postwar contributions to national reconciliation. Tickets: $10; ages 60+ and 13-18, $8; ages 6-12, $4; younger than 6, free.
Info: (314) 746-4599, www.mohistory.org

What: National Kids Fest
When: through Aug. 10
Where: Branson, Silver Dollar City, 399 Indian Point Road
This year’s festival includes a new Ice Circus with aerialists and skating performers from around the world. VeggieTales return with a new stage show; magicians, thrilling rides and more. Tickets: $48; ages 4-11, $38; younger than 4, free. AAA members can purchase discounted tickets at AAA.com.
Info: (800) 831-4386, www.silverdollarcity.com

What: Crawford County Fair
When: July 16-19
Where: Cuba, Hood Park, 600 Thoroughbred Drive
Info: 877-212-8429, www.cubamochamber.com. The fair starts with a parade, Wednesday at 6 p.m. Fair activities include a flower show, 4-H exhibits, livestock shows, home economic displays, horse show. Performances: Thursday, truck and tractor pulls; Friday, Tracy Byrd; Saturday, Bellamy Brothers and Joe Diffey; Saturday, demolition derby. Admission $15-$25, hours 9 a.m. to midnight.

What: Show-Me State Games
When: July 18-20 and 25-27
Where: Columbia, various locations. Opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. July 18 at the Hearnes Center, 600 Stadium Blvd.
Info: 573-882-2101, www.smsg.org. An Olympic style sports festival to inspire Missourians of all ages and skill levels to develop their physical abilities. Visit the Web site for locations, schedules, entry forms and details. Free.
What: Live on the Levee
When: July 18
Where: St. Louis, downtown on the riverfront
Info: www.celebratestlouis.org. Free concerts by O.A.R. at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage. Fireworks follow the concert.

What: Live Off the Levee
When: July 18–19
Where: Downtown St. Louis
Celebrate summer with free performances and fireworks downtown in the Soldier’s Memorial area over five weekends starting with the July 4 weekend. The fun begins at 6 p.m. with the K-Town Kids Zone family activity area. Main stage concerts begin at 6 p.m. with an opening act, followed by a national act performing at approximately 8 p.m. Fireworks conclude all shows at approximately 9:15 p.m. There will also be on-site dining every Saturday night in The Sauce Cafe. For a list of scheduled performers, visit the event Web site.
Info: (314) 434-3434, or visit www.celebratestlouis.org

What: Live Off the Levee
When: July 25–26
Where: Downtown St. Louis
Celebrate summer with free performances and fireworks downtown in the Soldier’s Memorial area over five weekends starting with the July 4 weekend. The fun begins at 6 p.m. with the K-Town Kids Zone family activity area. Main stage concerts begin at 6 p.m. with an opening act, followed by a national act performing at approximately 8 p.m. Fireworks conclude all shows at approximately 9:15 p.m. There will also be on-site dining every Saturday night in The Sauce Cafe. For a list of scheduled performers, visit the event Web site.
Info: (314) 434-3434, or visit www.celebratestlouis.org

What: Live on the Levee
When: July 19
Where: St. Louis, downtown on the riverfront
Info: www.celebratestlouis.org. Free concert by War at 8 p.m. on the Budweiser Main Stage. Fireworks follow the concert. The Sauce Café will take reservations ($30 per person) for dinner seatings.

What: Platte County Fair
When: July 23-26
Where: Platte City, 15730 Fairgrounds Road
Info: 816-431-3247, www.plattecountyfair.com. Activities include a carnival, contests, petting zoo, arts and crafts, food, music and more. ; melodrama; food vendors; nightly musical entertainment; and horse and mule shows. Admission is $7, younger than 13 admitted free. Four day pass available. Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-midnight.

What: Ozark Empire Fair
When: July 25-Aug. 3
Where: Adrian, 3001 N. Grand.
Info: 417-833-2660. Rides, food, concerts and fun. Free ride day is Wednesday.
Price: $8; children, $2. Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 1 p.m.-midnight; Wednesday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Thursday through Sunday, 1 p.m.-midnight.

What: Live on the Levee
When: July 25
Where: St. Louis, downtown on the riverfront
Info: www.celebratestlouis.org. Free concert by the Black Crowes at 8 p.m., on the Budweiser Main Stage. Fireworks follow the concert.

What: Live on the Levee
When: July 26
Where: St. Louis, downtown on the riverfront
Info: www.celebratestlouis.org. Free concert by OneRepublic at 8 p.m., on the Budweiser Main Stage. Fireworks follow the concert. The Sauce Café will take reservations ($30 per person) for dinner.

August

What: Friday Night Concerts
Where: Kansas City, Crown Center
When: Aug. 1
Info: 816-274-8444, www.crowncenter.com. Free admission. Show starts at 8 p.m.

What: Live on the Levee
When: Aug. 1
Where: St. Louis, downtown on the riverfront
Info: www.celebratestlouis.org. Free concert Boyz II Men at 8 p.m., on the Budweiser Main Stage. Fireworks follow the concert.

What: Fayette Freeze-Off, Art and Music Festival
When: Aug. 2
Where: Fayette, 102 E. Morrison
Info: 660-248-3928, www.fayettefreezeoff.com. Ice cream aficionados enter their favorite homemade ice cream in this competition. The event includes a juried art and heritage crafters show; a music festival; an Old-Time Fiddlers Competition; a re-enacted duel; and Bloody Bill Anderson's ride down Main Street. Hours: 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Free.

What: Live on the Levee
When: Aug. 2
Where: St. Louis, downtown on the riverfront
Info: www.celebratestlouis.org. Free concert by Rusted Root at 8 p.m., on the Budweiser Main Stage. Fireworks follow the concert. The Sauce Café will take reservations ($30 per person) for dinner.

What: 40th Annual Brumley Gospel Sing
When: Aug. 6-9
Where: Lebanon, Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center, 500 E. Elm St.
Info: 417-532-4642, www.lebanonmo.org. The Brumley Sing is one of America's premier gospel music events. More than 30 groups are scheduled to perform. Admission is $15 for adults; ages 6-12, $4; younger than 6, free. Discounted multi-night passes available. Music starts at 7 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday.

What: Washington Town & Country Fair
When: Aug. 6-8
Where: Washington
Info: 636-239-2715, www.washmofair.com. Daily admission: $10, $8 for children 6-11, 5 and younger free. Multi-day tickets available. Local and national musical entertainment, rides, exhibits, food, parade and more.

What: Missouri State Fair
When: Aug. 7-17
Where: Sedalia, fairgrounds, Highway 65 and 16th Street
Info: www.mostatefair.com. Tickets are $8 general admission, single day. Children 12 and younger free. Concert and motorsport admission extra. Details on Web site.

What: Festival of Butterflies
When: Aug. 8-10 and 15-17
Where: Kingsville, Powell Gardens, 1609 N.W. Route 50
Info: 816-697-2600, www.powellgardens.org. See hundreds of live butterflies in this free-flight conservatory exhibit. Enjoy butterfly-related arts and crafts. Learn how to grow a butterfly garden. Admission: $9 for adults, $3 for children 5-12.

What: Florida Folk-Life Festival
When: Aug. 9-10
Where: Florida, Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site, 37352 Shrine Road
Info: 573-565-3449, www.mostateparks.com. This festival (formerly the Salt River Folk-Life Festival) will include entertainers, crafts and food vendors. Hours are from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.

What: Great Stone Hill Grape Stomp
When: Aug. 9
Where: Hermann, Stone Hill Winery, 1110 Stone Hill Highway
Info: 800-909-9463, www.stonehillwinery. Celebrate the beginning of the grape harvest by dipping your toes into a barrel full of juicy grapes. Registration for stomping opens at 11 a.m. Stomping begins at 1 p.m. Live music by the Boney Goat Band.

What: Music at St. Francois Winery
When: Aug. 9
Where: Park Hills, St. Francois Winery, 1669 Pine Ridge Trail
Info: 573-431-4294, www.stfrancoiswinery.com. Performance from 3–7 p.m.

What: Full Moon Float-August
When: Aug. 16
Where: St. Robert, Lay Z Day Canoe outfitters, 23417 Teak Lane
Info: 573-336-8639, www.visitpulaskicounty.org. Float the Big Piney River by the light of the full moon. Take your own beverages, flashlight and bug spray. Halfway through the float there will be a hot dog and marshmallow roast. Reservations required. Adults only. Price: $40/couple. Hours: 7 p.m.-midnight

What: Festival of Nations
When: Aug. 23-24
Where: St. Louis, Tower Grove Park, 4256 Magnolia Ave.
Info: 314-773-9090, www.iistl.org. Enjoy the beat of diverse ethnic dance troupes, global music of local and national musicians, and eat your way around the world. Hours: Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday.10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

What: The 61-Mile Yard Sale
When: Aug. 28-30
Where: Jackson to Bloomsdale along state Route 61
Info: 866-904-6161, www.61yardsale.com. You will find everything from custom choppers to custom-built outhouses, antiques to traditional yard sale items, and everything in between. Hours from 7 a.m.– 6 p.m.

What: Kansas City Irish Fest
When: Aug. 29–31
Where: Kansas City, Crown Center Square
Info: 816-997-0837, www.kcirishfest.com. Irish music, dancing and exhibits. Hours: 5–11 p.m. on Friday; 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission $10, free for children 12 and younger.

What: Santa-Cali-Gon Days
When: Aug. 29-Sep. 1
Where: Independence, 112 W. Lexington
Info: 816-252-4745. This event celebrates the starting points of the Santa Fe, the California, and the Oregon trails. Hours: Friday, noon-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Monday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

What: Music at St. Francois Winery
When: Aug. 30
Where: Park Hills, St. Francois Winery, 1669 Pine Ridge Trail
Info: 573-431-4294, www.stfrancoiswinery.com. Performance from 3–7 p.m.