Free activities abound during All-Star week

By Ann Rubin

KSDK -- Even if you aren't going to the game because of the prices, you can still join in on the All-Star fun for free. From concerts and parades to movies and parties, these free activities are intended for visitors and locals alike. The goal is to keep people entertained no matter what their budget.

One of the biggest events is a free concert Saturday night at 8 p.m. Last year's All-Star concert featured Bon Jovi in New York City's Central Park. This year, it's Sheryl Crow with special guest Elvis Costello. Crews are already setting up the stage beneath the Arch.

Also in the mix Saturday night, a Metromix sponsored party at Mosaic on Washington Avenue. The event is open to those 21 and up and includes free shuttle service back and forth from the free concert.

Another free activity will be Tuesday's All-Star Red Carpet Parade at 2 p.m. The players will make their way on Market from 4th up to 8th streets, then over to Busch Stadium.

"This is absolutely your chance to get up close and personal with everybody on the all star teams," said Frank Viverito of the St. Louis Commission.

And there's more. From Saturday through Tuesday, Laclede's Landing is hosting what they call "Baseball Heaven." It's a free street festival featuring music, food, and family activities.

"With entertainment every day, DJ's throughout the streets, bands on every corner," said Emily Kochan of the Laclede's Landing Merchant's Association.

If movies are more your thing, downtown has those too. Frontyard Features will have free baseball-themed films showing Sunday, Monday and Tuesday near the renovated Old Post Office. They'll also have a Wii baseball home-run contest on big inflatable screens.

"And it's going to get people just walking by they can come and play a little home-run and then watch a movie if they want to and hang out," said Martin Casas of Frontyard Features.

Also free is a Home-Run Derby watch party Monday night. It's in the All-Star Sponsorship Zone, where the old Busch Stadium once stood. You can check out the action there, also on giant inflatable screens.