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: Shakespeare in the Park - The Tempest

Saturday, June 6th

Meetup: 6:30pm

Show begins: 8:15pm

The Plan

We’ll gather at Shakespeare’s Glen in Forest Park starting around 6:30pm to picnic and hang out before the performance begins at 8:15pm. The show will end around 10pm.

Parking is free around the Glen, but there is also a paid garage at St. Louis Art Museum. See all of the Plan Your Visit details at the event website here.

This year’s program will be The Tempest. Don’t know anything about this play? Feel free to watch this video beforehand to get familiarized.

What to Bring

  • Your own dinner, beverages, snacks (food and drink is also available for purchase)

  • Personal blanket or pillow- no chairs allowed (crazy creek camp seats are OK  (we’ll have  tarps/picnic blankets saving our seating)

  • Light jacket for later in the evening

Finding the Group

Look for Allison Lambacher (410.610.3421), Laura Rebbe (314.780.3993), or Kyle Gibbs (970.219.3448) in the free blanket area down towards the stage. They will arrive early to save spots. Feel free to call or text Allison, Laura, or Kyle if needed!

Please RSVP HERE by FRI June 5th.

Upcoming Summer Events

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

Whitaker Music Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden - Steve Ewing Band

Wednesday, June 24th

Meetup: 6pm

Music begins: 7pm

This family friendly event tends to be especially relaxed and great for conversations before the music starts. Bring a chair and your own picnic dinner and drinks (food and drink also available for purchase). Glass containers are not allowed.

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.

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.

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.

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.