SUMMER SOCIALS @ CWE Church

A casual way to spend time together this summer

Whether you’ve been at Central West End Church for years or you’re new and just want to explore some iconic St. Louis activities, these gatherings are meant to be easygoing and welcoming. Bring friends or come solo, to one event or all of them!

Note: Please check this page regularly for important event updates. As each event approaches, we’ll post the latest details here, including meetup information, weather updates, and any rain plans or schedule changes.

Next Up

Whitaker Music Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden (Steve Ewing Band)

Wednesday, June 24th

Meetup: 6pm

Music begins: 7pm

The Plan

We will gather at the Amphitheater at Missouri Botanical Garden at 6pm (see map below). To get there, enter through the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center and follow the main path to the right, past the Climatron and the Children’s Garden. The garden has free admission starting at 5:30pm.

Parking is free in the lots surrounding the Visitor Center but will likely fill up quickly. Street parking is also available.

Be sure to check back here for weather updates the day of the event. See full details of the festival here.

What to Bring

  • Your own dinner, beverages, snacks. Food and drink is also available for purchase. (Note: Glass containers are not allowed)

  • Personal blanket, folding chair, or pillow (We’ll have tarps/picnic blankets saving our seating)

  • Your kids! This is a family-friendly event

Finding the Group

Bekah Dumm (443.686.0770) and Kathleen Brinson (843.333.8298) will arrive early to save spots. We will post our location here the day of the event. Feel free to call or text Bekah or Kathleen if needed!

No RSVPs needed for this event. Just show up!

Upcoming Summer Events

*This space will be updated with more information as each event approaches.

Carnival & Fireworks in Webster Groves

Saturday, July 4

BBQ at Margaret and Ed Killeen’s home: 5pm

Fireworks at Eden Seminary begin: 9:15pm

The Killeens are opening their house for a casual barbecue, and then we’ll all drive over to the Eden Seminary grounds to watch the Webster firework show. Come for just the BBQ, or just the fireworks, or stay for both! Consider enjoying the Webster Groves carnival on your own beforehand. Hot dogs and brats (or similar) provided; bring your own sides and drinks.

RSVP HERE.

Post Worship Service Cookout

Sunday, July 19th

12:00pm-1:30pm

Stick around after the worship service for lunch provided by the church. We will have hot dogs, brats, watermelon, chips, and drinks! This is a great opportunity to continue our pursuit of renewal by deepening our friendships. Please RSVP HERE.

The MUNY - Newsies

Tuesday, July 21

Meetup starts: 6pm (bring dinner to picnic in line)

Free seats open: 7pm

Show begins: 8:15pm

Watch this Broadway touring show from the free seats at the MUNY. We’ll picnic together while waiting in line for the free seats to open. No RSVPs needed.

Helpful Tips

  • Arrive as close to 6pm as possible if you want to sit together

  • Bring your own picnic dinner and drinks; the MUNY also allows you to bring snacks for the show

  • Lightweight folding chairs help if you have one

Food Truck Friday - Tower Grove Park

Friday, August 7th

Meetup starts: 5pm

Event ends: 8pm

An easy drop-in event with lots of exciting food options, space to spread out, and live music. Make sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair. No RSVPs needed.

Stiller Return Potluck

Sunday, August 16th

Right after the worship service (12pm-1:30pm)

A casual post-church meal to welcome Eric and Jenny back from their sabbatical!

Please RSVP HERE.

Picnic on Art Hill + Free Friday at SLAM

Friday, August 28th

Meetup starts: 5pm

Pack a picnic and enjoy the evening together before exploring St. Louis Art Museum during Free Friday. Make sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair. No RSVPs needed.

SLSO Forest Park Concert

Wednesday, September 16th

Meetup starts: 6pm

Music begins: 7pm

Enjoy the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in this annual tradition. Bring a blanket or chairs and dinner to enjoy while listening to music. Food and drink also available for purchase. No RSVPs needed.

Past Summer Events

Shakespeare in the Park - Saturday, June 6th