I’m convinced that the 1904 World’s Fair brain trust knew that its greatest contribution to the future would be the ideal place to sled down on cafeteria trays in the winter. With Art Hill, its (free) amazing 100-year-old zoo, (free) fantastic art museum, (also free) engaging history museum, running and cycling tracks and sprawling lawns, Forest Park is the most awesome backyard any college student could ask for. And for two days this summer, it becomes more awesome than usual.

On August 28 and 29, Forest Park will host LouFest (sadly, not so free), an environmentally-friendly music festival featuring the likes of Titus Andronicus, the Fruit Bats, Built to Spill, Jeff Tweedy, Broken Social Scene, She & Him and other pop, rock, country and folk bands. This concert is the perfect way to end Orientation, start the school year and acclimate to the humid, stagnant, oppressive weather that is St. Louis in the summer. For more information, including the complete line up and tickets, check out: loufest.com