Assuming you wont be at home singing 'Auld Lang Syne' by yourself watching the ball drop on television, it'd be interesting to see where everyone plans to be when ringing in the New Year.

Some go to friends' parties, others hit up bars for some live, local music, while others are out clubbing. While it seems everyone is penny-pinching lately, do your fellow St. Louisans a favor and let us in on your cheap choice for celebrating New Year's this 2009/2010 season.

It’s time again for the 3 day long festivities of local music, food, entertainment, vendors, service providers, and artists. The US Bank sponsored Taste of Saint Louis begins October 2nd and carries on through the 4th  at Soldier’s Memorial. Come down town to this seasonal event for some tasty ribs, beer and other local cuisine while watching some of the most entertaining bands in the area compete in the Bud Light Tasty Band Competition. Entry is free, just bring cash for grub, booze, and some to donate to the Taste For Wishes (a partner in the Make-A-Wish foundation). Good food, good entertainment, and good giving - all in 1 place!

Flowers, Food & FREE entertainment, could an evening get much better? Missouri Botanical Gardens doesn’t think so, that’s why they’ve orchestrated the Whitaker Music Festival through out July & August. Depending on which specified date on their calendar (*see their website for more details), you could get in free between 9am-5pm or your entry may be free after 5pm. Want to try some local brisket sandwiches? Bring some cash, as food is available for purchase on site. Strapped for cash or looking for a cheap, but still romantic, date? Pack a picnic and bring a cooler – you’re allowed to bring in food after certain times.  The entertainment varies depending on the date, for example, on July 29th the entertainment is provided by Ralph Butler, but the quality is sure to never lack.

Another round of "free" concerts is comin up under the arch this July 17th, with a nice variety in the lineup.  Though last years location had to be moved a couple blocks due to the floods, this year it's expected to be back at the Riverfront. 

The main shows are scheduled to start around 8pm on the Budweiser stage, with a local band heading off at around 6pm, each Friday and Saturday from July 17th through August 1st.   Here's the lineup:

 

Looking for something to do on the upcoming 3 day weekend? Want some fun in the sun while listening to music and satisfying your hunger cravings all in one? If you answered yes to both questions you need to be downtown this weekend at the Soldier’s Memorial  (on Chestnut Street) for all of your entertainment pleasures.  There will be a variety of ribs and other tasty foods,  local and some out of town vendors, and of course music.

Are you a sucker for old school cars? If so, you should be at the Life Christian Center (off Hwy 30 in Fenton) on the first Friday of every month. The variety will change up as it will last through October:  some cars are local and some come from as far away as California. My advice is to go as early as possible (from 5:30pm-9pm) while it is still daylight and not as crowded. Last Friday seemed to have a trend of Corvettes, but it will change through out the spring, summer and fall varying from an over abundance of Mustangs or Cobras.

Hot Cars, live music, drifting, and drag racing.  Ya dig it?  Brought to you buy Monster Energy Drink, another season of Midnight Madness is coming up east of the river this year at Gateway International Raceway.

Live music, including rock-n-roll and rap performers, is provided by MyRiverFrontRadio.com.   $10 gets you into the party, and for the racers out there, $20 gets you in on the drifting action all night long.  Party starts at 8pm, racing starts at 9pm, and the MADNESS doesn't end until 3am!

Didn't get enough of him during the airing of his 9-year hit Sitcom on NBC?  Here's your chance to see the comedian in action; some real stand-up comedy.  Join Jerry as he jokes about life's typical daily nuances, February 7 at The Fox Theatre.

 

Tickets are available now at MetroTix.com for $51 - $81 

UPDATE: This show is SOLD OUT

 

Car buffs, come one, come all!  The 2009 St. Louis Auto Show is right around the corner.  With more than 600 cars, trucks, suvs, and concepts from 30+ manufacturers, you won't want to miss this year's show at, you guessed it, America's Center and Dome.  There will be several giveaways and promotions, including the chance to win a 2009 Dodge Ram 1500, a vacation for two to Riviera Maya, and more...

The "Queen of Mean", Lisa Lampanelli, is coming to the The Pageant Friday, February 20.  Lisa is known for her insulting, raunchy comedy, as well as the many celebrity "roasts" she has performed over the years.  If you like racial, sexual, and other obscene types of comedy, be sure to check her out.

Tickets for the show are available now for  $35.50 at TicketMaster.com.   Doors open at 7pm and the act starts at 8.  Must be 18+ to attend.

 

 

Mardi Gras 2009 will be here before ya know it, and Pop's Nightclub has a present for us. 

St. Louis is home to the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the whole nation, but if you don't come across enough beads during the Soulard parade, check out Pop's Nightclub in Sauget, IL this Saturday, February 21, and celebrate through the night at the Girls Gone Wild Mardi Gras party. It starts at 8pm, and there will be a prize of $1000 for the "wildest girl".  Must be 21 to get in!

Git-R-Done!  See Larry the Cable Guy live this January 17, 2009 at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. 

There will be two shows on this date, at 5pm and 8pm, and ticket prices range from $85 to $230.  Buy yours now at Stubhub.