Guide To Free Attractions And Promotional Offers In St Louis

St. Louis offers a variety of free attractions and promotional opportunities for residents and visitors alike. From complimentary food items at local businesses to free museum admissions and seasonal event giveaways, the city provides numerous ways to enjoy experiences without cost. This article examines the different types of freebies available in St. Louis, including Election Day promotions, free attractions, sports team giveaways, seasonal event freebies, and Veterans Day offers.

Election Day Promotions in St. Louis

During Election Day, many St. Louis businesses participate in get-out-the-vote initiatives by offering special promotions to voters. These freebies serve as both incentives for civic participation and marketing opportunities for local establishments.

Shake Shack, located in the Central West End, has implemented a national "Stand for Something Good" campaign that included offering free french fries to customers wearing "I Voted" stickers. The general manager of the St. Louis location reported that the restaurant anticipated treating approximately 800 voters to free fries by closing time. This represents a significant increase from the typical 500 orders of French fries sold on an average Tuesday. The company viewed this promotion as worthwhile despite the financial loss, as it aligned with their slogan to "encourage our guests to also stand for something good by getting out and voting."

The restaurant also made accommodations for their employees to participate in the democratic process. "We encouraged our team to vote," stated the general manager. "We worked out scheduling to make it easier for them to vote. Many members of our team have never voted before."

Other businesses across the city offered Election Day specials: - Left Bank Books on Euclid Avenue in the Central West End provided a 20 percent discount to voters - Clementine's ice cream shop in the Lafayette Square neighborhood offered specials - Multiple bars and restaurants in the Niche and Bailey's groups provided promotions

These promotions appeared to have positive effects on business. According to the Shake Shack general manager, there was an increase in traffic on Election Day, with all customers entering the restaurant displaying "I Voted" stickers.

However, some legal experts have raised concerns about such promotions. Citing federal law, some scholars suggest these freebies could potentially be considered "expenditures to influence voting" despite being distributed after votes have been cast. This legal consideration may influence how businesses structure future Election Day promotions.

Free Attractions and Experiences

St. Louis boasts an impressive array of free attractions that make it an appealing destination for budget-conscious travelers and families. These free attractions span cultural, historical, and recreational experiences.

The Museum of Westward Expansion, located at the Gateway Arch, offers free admission to visitors. This museum provides educational content about the Lewis and Clark expedition and the exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. While the Arch itself requires payment for access to the observation deck (with tickets limited and often selling out by mid-day), the accompanying museum presents an accessible way to learn about significant American history.

The Old Courthouse stands as another free historical attraction, where visitors can learn about the Dred Scott trial and the history of slavery. This educational site provides valuable context about significant legal and social developments in American history.

For those seeking outdoor experiences, Citygarden sculpture park offers a free space for relaxation and appreciation of art. Visitors have enjoyed picnics in this calming urban environment, demonstrating how free attractions can enhance the quality of life in the city.

Forest Park represents perhaps the most significant collection of free attractions in St. Louis. This expansive park hosts multiple institutions that do not charge admission: - The St. Louis Art Museum - The St. Louis Science Center - The St. Louis Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo holds particular distinction as one of only three free zoos in the country, alongside the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago and the National Zoo in Washington D.C. This makes it a notable attraction for families and animal enthusiasts. The combination of free admission and engaging exhibits has made the zoo a favorite among visitors, especially on pleasant spring days when both animals and visitors are more active.

These free attractions contribute to St. Louis's reputation as an accessible destination where visitors can experience culture, history, and nature without financial barriers.

Sports Team Giveaways

The St. Louis Cardinals baseball team offers promotional giveaways to fans attending games, though these opportunities come with specific policies and limitations.

According to the Cardinals' official giveaway policy, all promotional items are distributed on the specified game day when the gates open. The distribution operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with each ticketed guest within any specified age limit receiving one giveaway item while supplies last. This means that fans who arrive early have the best chance of obtaining the promotional items.

The policy includes several important restrictions: - Guests with multiple tickets must exit and reenter the ballpark to receive multiple giveaway items - Children under the age of three require a ticket to receive a promotion item, with no exceptions to this policy - Giveaway dates, items, and quantities are subject to change - The availability of giveaway items cannot be guaranteed due to potential shipping delays, postponement or cancellation of games, or other causes

In cases where a giveaway item is not available when the gates open for the applicable game, the Cardinals reserve the right to determine and announce a make-good policy for eligible ticketholders. This policy may include an alternative giveaway item or voucher, at the team's discretion.

The Cardinals emphasize that all giveaways require a valid ticket for admission, including children's giveaways for those aged three and under. This policy ensures that only fans who have purchased tickets to the game can receive promotional items.

For those interested in obtaining these giveaways, the team advises checking the promotions schedule in advance and arriving early on game days to maximize the chances of receiving the items.

Seasonal Event Freebies

St. Louis hosts seasonal events that include various free activities and promotional opportunities for attendees. These events often combine charitable causes with community entertainment.

The Winterfest celebration, held annually in late November, offers several free activities for participants and spectators. The centerpiece of the event is the Winterfest 5K and accompanying 1-mile Fun Run/Walk, which begins at Kiener Plaza. This race provides participants with an opportunity to experience Gateway Arch National Park in a unique way, with a route that offers views of Kiener Plaza, the Old Courthouse, and the beautiful grounds of the national park.

The event includes several free components: - Free ice skating, courtesy of Ameren Missouri - After Run Celebration featuring a live DJ, yard games, and giveaways - Morning stretch session before the race begins

The Winterfest 5K distinguishes itself as the only official race through Gateway Arch National Park and the only one that supports the park directly. Proceeds from the event benefit the Gateway Arch Park Foundation's mission of conservation, preservation, education, and community programs at and around the national park.

The event schedule typically includes: - 6:00 AM: Registration Opens - 7:15 AM: Morning Stretch - 7:30 AM: Race Begins - 8:00 AM-10 AM: Chris's Cakes St. Louis (available for purchase) - 8:00 AM-8 PM: Free Ice Skating - 8:05 AM: Awards Ceremony - 8:30 AM-Noon: After Run Celebration

These seasonal events provide opportunities for community engagement, physical activity, and entertainment, all while offering free components that make them accessible to a broad audience.

Veterans Day Offers

In recognition of military service, numerous businesses in the St. Louis area and nationwide offer special promotions and freebies to veterans and active-duty service members on Veterans Day. These offers provide a way for the community to honor those who have served while giving veterans an opportunity to enjoy complimentary products and services.

The following businesses have offered Veterans Day promotions:

• Applebee's: Service members can receive a free entrée from the Veterans Day Menu, which also includes a $5 gift card
• Chipotle: Veterans can get a two-protein entrée for the price of one, a particularly appealing offer for fitness and nutrition-conscious veterans
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Veterans receive a free regular-sized drink, with the deal extending to their spouses
• Red Robin: With a military ID presentation, individuals can receive a complimentary Red's Big Tavern Burger with a choice of bottomless side
• Starbucks: Offers military service members, veterans, and military spouses a free tall hot or iced coffee

These offers demonstrate how businesses show appreciation for military service through tangible benefits. Veterans and service members typically need to provide proof of service (such as a military ID or veteran status documentation) to receive these promotions. Some offers extend to spouses, recognizing the shared sacrifice of military families.

Veterans Day freebies represent one category of promotional offers that specifically target and honor a particular group, acknowledging their service to the country while providing businesses with opportunities to demonstrate community support.

Conclusion

St. Louis offers a diverse range of freebies and promotional opportunities that appeal to different interests and demographics. From Election Day promotions that encourage civic participation to free cultural attractions and seasonal events, the city provides numerous ways to enjoy experiences without cost. Sports teams like the Cardinals enhance the game-day experience with promotional giveaways, while businesses show appreciation for veterans through Veterans Day offers.

These free attractions and promotions contribute to St. Louis's appeal as an accessible destination where visitors can experience culture, entertainment, and community events without significant financial barriers. For residents and tourists alike, these opportunities provide value beyond their monetary worth, fostering community engagement and creating memorable experiences.

Sources

1. St. Louis Businesses Woo Voters with Freebies on Election Day
2. St. Louis Full Fun Freebies
3. Cardinals Promotions
4. Winterfest
5. Fonzie's Freebies Picks for Veterans Day