WHAT: This fall, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial hosts new and returning events for all ages, including a live concert featuring members of the St. Louis Symphony and special commemorative festivities in celebration of the Gateway Arch’s 50^th anniversary. All events are free for visitors.

“We are thrilled to welcome the public to the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse for a great lineup of exciting fall events,” said Rick Ziino, Interpretive Specialist, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. “We hope visitors will join us for a special St. Louis Symphony lunchtime concert at the Old Courthouse, a local book signing, and, of course, the celebrations surrounding the 50^th anniversary of the completion of the Gateway Arch.”

STL Landmarks Series Symphony Concert: Fri., Oct. 9; 12-1 pm at the Old Courthouse
St. Louis Symphony ensemble the Strings of Arda is joined by violist Kathleen Mattis for this free chamber music performance in the Old Courthouse Rotunda. The group will perform Missouri Nights, an original composition by Christian Woehr. Attendees are welcome to bring a bag lunch to enjoy while they listen.

Gateway to the Stars: Ghosts of the Arch Grounds: Fri., Oct. 23; 6-8:30 pm at the Gateway Arch
Meet at the South Leg of the Arch for a ranger-led twilight talk discussing important St. Louis figures such as Eero Saarinen, decisive city events such as the Great St. Louis Fire, and the transformation of the Arch Grounds from a French-style colonial village to its present-day status as a national park. Immediately following the tour, the St. Louis Astronomical Society will lead free telescope viewing in the Old Cathedral parking lot.

“Downtown St. Louis” Book Signing: Sat., Oct. 24; 10 am-2 pm at the Old Courthouse
Authors NiNi Harris and Don Korte will sign copies of their new book “Downtown St. Louis,” in the Old Courthouse Rotunda. The book, which documents the evolution of downtown, is available for purchase in the Old Courthouse gift shop.

Arch 50 Fest: Sat., Oct. 24; 10:30 am-8:30 pm at Kiener Plaza
The St. Louis community and all visitors are invited to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the completion of the Gateway Arch with a special celebration at Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis. The event will include food and drink vendors, children’s activities, and live music throughout the day, and culminate with a world-class fireworks display showcasing the Arch. This free event is sponsored and funded by the CityArchRiver Foundation and Great Rivers Greenway.

50^th Anniversary Recognition Ceremony & Birthday Party: Wed., Oct. 28; 11 am at the Old Courthouse
The National Park Service hosts a special recognition ceremony commemorating the 50^th anniversary of the Arch’s completion. The ceremony—taking place on the Fourth Street side of the Old Courthouse—features remarks from Tom Bradley, park superintendent; live patriotic music by the Airlifter Brass Quintet of the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America; bell ringing ceremony led by the St. Louis Fire Department; a special flag-raising event with local Boy and Girl Scouts, the Manchester Elks, and two now-grown Boy Scouts who were part of the Arch’s original flag raising event in 1965. Immediately following the ceremony, local cupcake trucks will distribute free, 50^th-anniversary themed cupcakes to visitors.

All day on October 28, Journey to the Top tram ride tickets will be sold at the original price of $1. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Old Courthouse, online at http://ticketsforthearch.com or by calling 877-982-1410. Visitors to the top will receive a “Top of the Arch” lapel button modeled after the one that was originally distributed when the trams opened in 1967, and an “I Went to the Top” certificate, similar to one that was handed out to riders in the 1960s.

Due to Arch construction, the annual “Meet the Builders” free public event will be held at the Missouri History Museum this year. More information at www.mohistory.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.gatewayarch.com, www.nps.gov/jeff, or www.facebook.com/gatewayarchNPS; or call 877-982-1410.