Summer time heat reaches an all-time high in August as the hottest concert and shows make their way to ӣƵ. Comedians D.L. Hughley and Shane Gillis are headed to the city with stories and laughs. Rock ‘n’ roll royalty Alice Cooper and Rod Stewart are bringing nostalgic vibes to the stage as rap group Clipse and millennial rock band Linkin Park perform in ӣƵ for the first time in years.
D.L. Hughley
DL Hughley
- When: 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Aug. 1-3
- Where: City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way
- How much: $45-$65
- More info:
One of the original Kings of Comedy, DL Hughley is heading back to ӣƵ for three nights of stories and laughs. His career began as the original host of BET’s “ComicView” in 1992, catapulting the Virginia native into a life of humor on the big screen, the small screen and the stage. Since starring alongside Steve Harvey, Bernie Mac and ӣƵan Cedric the Entertainer in Spike Lee’s “The Original Kings of Comedy,” Hughley has amassed national listenership through his syndicated radio show, starred in the ABC and UPN series “The Hughleys,” and produced 11 stand-up specials. The comedian recently went viral after calling out those celebrating the verdict in the P. Diddy trial, calling them “morally bankrupt.”
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K. Michelle
K. Michelle
- When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7
- Where: The Factory, 17105 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield
- How much: $63.70-$92.40
- More info:
Singer K. Michelle made her big mark as the rambunctious R&B diva with a story to tell. She was unafraid to shake the table on hit reality television shows like “Love and Hip-Hop.” However, the talented vocalist’s journey started in country music. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, K. Michelle received a scholarship to college for yodeling before traveling down the path to being an R&B superstar. After snagging multiple hits and platinum-selling records on the pop and R&B charts, K. Michelle released her most recent album, “I’M THE PROBLEM,” in 2023. Expect to hear R&B hits like “V.S.O.P” and “Love ‘Em All” as well as songs from her country music catalog like “Tennessee.”
Jeezy
Jeezy ‘TM: 101 20th Anniversary Live’ with Color of Noize Orchestra
- When: 8 p.m. Aug. 8
- Where: Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St.
- How much: $127-$406.95
- More info:
Trap rap superstar Jeezy is headed to the Stifel Theatre for a special celebration of the 20th anniversary of his album “Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation.” Following its release in 2005, the album helped set the tone for trap rap, a subgenre of hip-hop that emerged in Atlanta and highlighted drug solicitation and violence happening in urban neighborhoods. Alongside fellow ATLiens like T.I. and Gucci Mane, Jeezy helped give a voice to the trap. He celebrates the album’s groundbreaking release with accompaniment from the Color of Noize Orchestra. Expect to hear album hits like “Soul Survivor,” “Trap or Die” and “Let’s Get It/Sky’s the Limit.”
Shane Gillis at the ESPY Awards
Shane Gillis
- When: 8 p.m. Aug. 9
- Where: Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave.
- How much: $59.60-$114.30
- More info:
During a time when comedians keep it safe to avoid cancel culture, Shane Gillis isn’t afraid to push the envelope. The Pennsylvania funny guy recently made waves at the EPSY’s after poking fun at everyone from former soccer player Megan Rapinoe to President Donald Trump. Gillis keeps up with what’s happening in the world, and he’s turning the bleakness of reality into a knee-slapping good time.
Jeff Tweedy of the band Wilco
Wilco
- When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12
- Where: The Factory, 17105 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield
- How much: $64.70-$169.90
- More info:
When alternative rock band Wilco hit the scene in 1994, the Chicago-based group brought a fresh, unapologetic wave to the genre. Taking inspiration from music acts like the Beatles and Television, the band went on to release 13 studio albums. Band members won two Grammy Awards, sold over 670,000 copies of their “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” album and released their latest LP, “Cousin,” in 2023. Expect to hear songs like “How to Fight Loneliness,” “You and I” and “Impossible Germany.”
Lil John
Tacos and Tequila Festival
- When: 2 p.m. Aug. 16
- Where: CarShield Field, 900 TR Hughes Blvd., O’Fallon
- How much: $79-$2,673.75
- More info:
There’s no better place to enjoy hip-hop and tequila this summer than the Tacos and Tequila Festival. This festival isn’t new. However, this is its first time stopping in ӣƵ after successful events in Kansas City, Dallas and other cities. In addition to an endless supply of tacos and agave-fueled tequila shots, this festival offers shows from hip-hop legends like T.I., Lil Jon, Trick Daddy, ӣƵ rap icon Chingy. This is a great time to dust off your nino-pop and monastery dance moves for a night of ‘90s and 2000s rap realness.
Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart
- When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15
- Where: Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 14141 Riverport Drive, Maryland Heights
- How much: $30-$741.15
- More info:
Known for his raspy voice and edgy songwriting, Sir Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling music acts in history. His music has stood the test of time for more than six decades, with songs like “Maggie May” and “You Wear It Well” topping the charts around the world. Stewart had to cancel some of his U.S. performances earlier this year due to illness. However, the British crooner is still bringing his “One Last Time” tour to ӣƵ for a night of hit records. Expect to hear songs like “Forever Young” and “You’re in My Heart.”
Clipse
Clipse ‘Let God Sort Em Out’ tour
- When: 8 p.m. Aug. 18
- Where: The Factory, 17105 N Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield
- How much: $76.18-$220.20
- More info:
Hip-hop duo Clipse is bringing back real rap with the release of their highly anticipated album “Let God Sort Em Out.” The 13-track LP, produced by Pharrell Williams, is the first group release from brothers Pusha T and Malice since 2009. The Virginia siblings brought real lyricism and metaphorical bars, flipping rhyme patterns while featuring artists like Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator for an epic summer drop. Expect to hear songs from the “Let God Sort Em Out” album and hopefully a few Clipse classics like “Grindin” and “What Happened to that Boy.”
Linkin Park
Linkin Park ‘From Zero’ world tour
- When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23
- Where: Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave.
- How much: $58.10-$609.60
- More info:
Beloved rock band Linkin Park is back. After an extensive hiatus following the suicide of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017, the band returned in 2024 with the “From Zero” album. They came back to the spotlight with a new lead singer as vocalist Emily Armstrong took center stage on the project. Fans have long awaited Linkin Park’s return as they’ve universally mourned Bennington over the last eight years. Will Armstrong rise to the occasion as the band hits the stage in ӣƵ for the first time since 2008?
Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper
- When: 8 p.m. Aug. 23
- Where: The Factory, 17105 N Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield
- How much: $100.60-$795.90
- More info:
The Godfather of Shock Rock, Alice Cooper, is coming to the Gateway City for an evening of rock ’n’ roll. Cooper has been a renowned force in the genre for over 60 years as a solo artist and previously with his bandmates. He pioneered including horror aesthetics and sounds in heavy metal, creating generational anthems like “School’s Out.” Cooper released his eighth studio album, “The Revenge of Alice Cooper,” on July 25. The album includes former band members Michael Bruce, Neal Smith and Dennis Dunaway, marking the band’s first reunion in 51 years.
Ruth Zerface, left, and Kim Porter with the Missouri River Cloggers perform on the main stage at the Festival of Nations in 2022.
Festival of Nations
- When: Aug. 23-24
- Where: Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Dr.
- How much: Free
- More info:
For nearly 100 years, the Festival of Nations has brought music cultures from around the world to ӣƵ for two days of entertainment, education and community. Originally started in 1934, the festival combines music and culture like no other local festival. With the official lineup still in the works, expect to see more than 80 countries represented on stage, a plethora of local talent and an abundance of art from cultures across the globe.
Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty
Rob Thomas ‘The All Night Days’ tour
- When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26
- Where: Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, 14141 Riverport Drive, Maryland Heights
- How much: $30-$369.65
- More info:
Known for being the front man of the alt-rock band Matchbox Twenty, Rob Thomas has wowed listeners for decades with his vocals and songwriting. There’s a sweet calmness in his voice, and whether he’s singing with the Florida-based band or soaring as a solo act, Thomas’ music is prone to stir up some feelings. He won three Grammy Awards for his 1999 song “Smooth” with Santana. Later, he’d top the Billboard charts with tracks like “Lonely No More” and “Someday.” Expect to hear songs from Thomas’ solo catalog, as well as hit Matchbox Twenty records.
Diana Ross
Diana Ross and Jon Batiste
- When: 8 p.m. Aug. 28
- Where: The Muny, 1 Theatre Drive, Forest Park
- How much: Free-$300
- More info:
The Queen of Motown, Diana Ross, is coming to ӣƵ for a one-night-only performance. She’s joined by seven-time Grammy Award–winning singer, musician, composer and songwriter Jon Batiste as the Muny concludes its 2025 season. The historic outdoor theatre reintroduced live concerts in 2024 with a sold-out performance from EGOT winner John Legend. Per Muny tradition, the venue will also raffle off 1,500 free tickets through a digital MetroTix lottery.
Won Kim, from Chicago, Ill., sits on the ground while spray painting his mural on Aug. 31, 2024, at the Mississippi River flood wall as part of Paint Louis.
Paint Louis
- When: Aug. 29-31
- Where: Mural Mile Graffiti Wall, 1000 S. Wharf St.
- How much: Free
- More info:
Paint Louis is one of the few hip-hop music festivals that highlights the elements of the American genre. For the last 28 years, graffiti artists from all over the world have visited ӣƵ to create elaborate murals along the riverfront. But hip-hop culture doesn’t stop there. Emcees and DJs also hit the stage to perform and rock the mic, with rapper Rakim and DJ Qbert headlining the 2024 event. Paint Louis is a magical experience that celebrates the diversity and uniqueness of hip-hop culture.
John Cusack
Honorable Mentions
- El Monstero, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, $40.50-$304.40,
- Jessie Murph, 8 p.m. Aug. 6, the Factory, sold out,
- Tony Rock, 7 p.m., 9:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Aug. 8-10, Helium Comedy Club, $33.99-$45.99,
- Big Daddy Kane, 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Aug. 10, City Winery, $65-$95,
- $uicideBoy$, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, $56-$366.60,
- Shinedown, 7 p.m. Aug. 15, Enterprise Center, $56.55-$1,006.10,
- Coheed and Cambria, 7 p.m. Aug. 16, Saint Louis Music Park, $41.45-$249.10,
- John Cusack, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16, Stifel Theatre, $47.80-$236.10,
- The Offspring, 7 p.m. Aug. 17, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, $30-$426.40,
- Lyfe Jennings, 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Aug. 23, City Winery, $65-$78,
- Sierra Ferrell, 8 p.m. Aug. 26, Stifel Theatre, $61.95-$72.25,
Tom O'Keefe, booking and marketing manager at the Family Arena, breaks down some simple ways to make sure you're paying the best price for concert tickets.
