Summer can be both a blessing and a curse. The best part is having so much free time; however, it can sometimes be difficult to find fun things to do, especially on a budget. If you are lucky enough to live in the St. Louis area, there are plenty of festivals and events that are completely free and you'll be sure to enjoy. Here is a list of seven free summer events in the St. Louis area:

1. Shakespeare Festival St. Louis

"A Midsummer's Night's Dream" will be performed nightly at eight p.m. in Forest Park (except for Tuesdays) until June 26. All performances are free admission.

2. First Fridays in Grand Center

Every first Friday of the month, museums and galleries in Grand Center, St. Louis' premier neighborhood for culture and entertainment, are free and open until nine p.m.

3. Art Hill Film Series

This year's Art Hill Film Series is Our American Spirit, showing "Top Gun" (July 8), "Rocky" (July 15), "E.T." (July 22) and "Forrest Gump" (July 29). All film showings are free.

4. Missouri Botanical Garden's Whitaker Music Festival

Every Wednesday evening from June until August, there are free performances from several bands varying in genre. Guests are welcome to bring their own seating, as well as their own food and drink.

5. Fair St. Louis

There are activities in Forest Park from dawn until dusk through July 2-4, including concert performances from Sammy Hagar and Flo Rida. All activities and performances are community-funded and free.

6. Chesterfield Amphitheater Free Movies Under The Stars

Guests are welcome to bring their own blankets or lawn seating as well as food and drink to watch a movie on a giant inflatable screen outside. Showings include "The Good Dinosaur" (June 10), "Minions" (June 24) and "Inside Out" (July 22).

7. Carondelet Summer Concerts in the Park

Beginning with the first Sunday in June and ending in mid-August, concerts are held in Carondelet Park from six to eight p.m. A variety of music, as well as other activities, are offered during concert intermissions.