Lionel Richie coming to The Muny this summer – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
St. Louis – Forest Park’s open-air stage has long echoed with Broadway melodies each summer, but the tradition of star-powered finale concerts adds an extra layer of magic. The Muny announced that Lionel Richie will take the stage on August 29, 2026, for a one-night-only performance to cap its 108th season. This event continues a resurgence that has drawn massive crowds since returning in 2024.[1][2]
A Cherished Finale Makes a Comeback
The Muny’s summer concert finale had been absent for more than three decades before its revival two years ago. John Legend opened the series in 2024 alongside the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, followed by Diana Ross and Jon Batiste in 2025. Past luminaries who graced the stage include Whitney Houston, Patti LaBelle, Sting, Barry Manilow, Bob Dylan, and the Allman Brothers Band.[1]
Muny President and CEO Kwofe Coleman expressed enthusiasm for the latest addition. “Since the return of Muny concerts two years ago, we’ve been blessed with unforgettable performances on the Muny stage to close each summer,” Coleman said. “We’re thrilled to give our community another reason to come together and make lasting Muny memories – this time with the legendary Lionel Richie.” The nonprofit venue, known as America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, seats nearly 11,000 and offers free seats at the rear through a digital lottery.[1]
Lionel Richie’s Enduring Legacy
Lionel Richie built his career over five decades, first with the Commodores and later as a solo powerhouse. He has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide and earned an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and four Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for Can’t Slow Down. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, Richie also received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2017 and served as a judge on ABC’s American Idol for nine seasons.[1]
Expect classics like “Hello,” “All Night Long (All Night),” “Say You, Say Me,” and “Endless Love” during the show. Richie wraps up his tour with Earth, Wind & Fire on August 14 before heading to St. Louis. His recent projects include the New York Times bestselling memoir Truly and executive producing the documentary The Greatest Night in Pop, which became 2024’s most-watched music documentary.[1]
Event Details and Logistics
Gates open at 6 p.m. on the Muny campus, with the theater following at 7 p.m. and the concert starting at 8 p.m. Free parking fills lots around the venue, and rideshare options drop off at Pagoda Circle and Theatre Drive. Security includes metal detectors at entry points, and bags receive inspection; prohibited items range from weapons to outside alcohol and lawn chairs.[2]
Concessions offer wine, beer, snacks, and Muny favorites on a cashless basis. Picnics are welcome on the grounds beforehand. Accessibility features cover wheelchair assistance, ASL interpretation, and assistive listening devices. In case of rain or other issues, the one-night event could reschedule, with notifications and refunds handled through the point of purchase.[2]
Securing Your Spot: Tickets and Access
Tickets range from $75 to $300, with VIP upgrades for priority parking at $150 or a private preshow cocktail party at $200. An exclusive presale for Muny subscribers and guarantors begins at 9 a.m. CT on May 11, 2026, via email details. General public sales start May 18 at 9 a.m. CT, available only through MetroTix.[1][2]
Nearly 1,500 free seats go through an online lottery, open now at muny.org/richie. Winners, limited to two tickets each, learn by May 15; one entry per person applies. The concert stands apart from season subscriptions, requiring separate purchase.[1]
The Broader 108th Season Canvas
The Muny’s core season spans June 15 to August 23, 2026, with seven productions blending classics and premieres. Highlights include Hairspray to kick off, Shrek The Musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, Disney’s Newsies, the Muny debut of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations, Meet Me in St. Louis, and Something Rotten! as the theatrical closer.[3][1]
Single tickets, starting at $20, and season packages from $126 go on sale May 18. Richie’s appearance extends the summer’s energy into late August, promising a fittingly grand sendoff under Forest Park’s stars. For many, it will mark another chapter in the venue’s century-plus legacy of communal joy through music and performance.[4]
