About St. Louis
Located along the Mississippi River, St. Louis is commonly referred to as the “Gateway of the West.” In fact, one of the city’s most well-known landmarks is the Gateway Arch, a national historic monument dedicated to St. Louis’ role in westward expansion.
With a population of just over 300,000, St. Louis is the second-largest city in Missouri. It offers all the conveniences of a big city, including a lively downtown core and an array of venues of all different sizes and settings, with lots of laid-back midwest charm.
St. Louis has long been a popular touring destination for musicians of all types, from Zac Brown Band to AC/DC, The Grateful Dead, and beyond. The city was one of the indigenous blues cities and the legacy of blues music in St. Louis is still alive and well. From the local concert venues to the National Blues Museum, St. Louis hasn’t forgotten its musical roots.
Concert Options in St. Louis
Putting together a St. Louis concert venue is a big deal. From the logistics to the audience experience, there are a lot of elements to consider. St. Louis is home to many entertainment industry professionals who are prepared to help you pull off an event to remember.
- Security
Whether you’re hosting a concert in an intimate club, someone’s home, or an arena, having a security team on site will help keep the venue and the attendees safe. A local St. Louis security company will help you staff the event to ensure concert guests know where to go and don’t get out of hand.
- Photography
A concert is a once in a lifetime event and a skilled concert photographer can capture the most pivotal moments and immortalize them on film. Whether you need photos for press, editorial, or your own personal collection, there are many talented St. Louis photographers who will happily help you capture the event.
- Promoter
Every concert needs a crowd of dedicated fans! Plan to work with a St. Louis promoter to fill the seats in your concert venue. Local promoters know the entertainment industry of the city inside and out and they know exactly how to get the word out about your event to attract all of your current and future fans.
- Transportation
Between pre-show prep, performing, and meeting fans after the event, the last thing you should be worrying about is logistics. Hire a local St. Louis transportation service to get you to and from your concert venue so you can focus on the finer details of the event.
- Equipment Rentals
Whether you need instruments, sound gear, lighting equipment, or something else, local St. Louis equipment shops are prepared to outfit you with whatever you need to put on a stellar performance. If you have broken gear, forgot to pack something, or want to add an item to your setup, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Concert Companies in St. Louis
Whether you’re performing in an intimate barroom or an arena, you’re likely to require some outside assistance. These St. Louis companies are just a few examples of the service providers out there ready to help you put on the best performance possible.
- GCI Security
GCI Security has been serving the St. Louis area for over 30 years. They will create a custom quote and plan to fit whatever your security needs may be. GCI staff is professionally trained and security guards may be armed or unarmed. They work with local police enforcement to ensure any security concerns are resolved promptly.
- Zire Photography
This St. Louis photography company specializes in photographing concerts and performances. They provide everything from editorial shots to portraits, documentary photography, event coverage, and video.
- Excel Transportation
This private car service has been operating in St. Louis for over 25 years. Excel Transportation is dedicated to professionalism and efficiency. They have a variety of vehicle sizes and can accommodate groups of any size.
Pros and Cons of Concerts in St. Louis
Before you book a concert venue in St. Louis, make sure that you’re aware of the pros and cons of this city. While St. Louis is a wonderful city overall, booking a venue in the wrong neighborhood or failing to account for seasonal weather could create an uncomfortable concert experience for your fans.
Advantages
- Low cost of living
St. Louis is known for its affordability, meaning you can host an event here without breaking the bank.
- Lots to do
With so many compelling attractions, from historical sites and museums to outdoor adventures, St. Louis is an appealing destination and one your fans may be willing to travel to.
- Friendly locals
St. Louis locals have lots of midwest charm, making it an enjoyable place for anyone to visit or do business.
- Thriving music scene
St. Louis has a large underground music scene proving that locals are keen to attend concerts.
- Diverse venues
Indoor, outdoor, big, small, St. Louis has venues fit for every type of show.
Disadvantages
- Crime
Some parts of St. Louis have issues related to gang violence, so it’s essential to choose your St. Louis concert venue carefully.
- Summers are sweltering
Outdoor concerts are super fun, but the sweltering summer weather in St. Louis could make outdoor events unpleasant for fans.
- Car-centered
While traffic isn’t bad, St. Louis is sprawling, and the best way to get around is with a private vehicle. Make sure your concert venue has guest parking.
- Competitive
St. Louis has no shortage of events happening at any given time, it could be tough to get fans to pay attention to yours!
- Not a buzzy city
While guests may be willing to travel long distances for a show in a city like Chicago or Nashville, St. Louis doesn’t have the same appeal as an overall destination.
Famous Locations in St. Louis
- Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is one of the most recognizable landmarks in St. Louis. It was built as a tribute to St. Louis’s important role in the westward expansion of the US and is now a National Park. Visitors can ascend to the arch’s viewing platform to take in the views over the city. If you’re in St. Louis for a concert, don’t miss the chance to take in this notable landmark while you’re in town!
- Missouri Botanical Garden
This stunning garden spans nearly 80 acres and is the oldest botanical garden in the United States. It also happens to be a National Historic Landmark. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature escape or want to learn about the different themed gardens, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a lovely place to visit.
- Market Street
Market Street is St. Louis’s main street and leads to Busch Stadium, one of the largest venues in the city. The street is lined with cafes, boutiques, and some of the city’s most well-known buildings. Some of these notable buildings include live music venues, which played an important role in St. Louis’s music history. Whether you’re just passing time before a show or want to soak up some of St. Louis’ history, don’t miss the opportunity to stroll along Market Street.