Five Fun Things You Can Do for Free in Hannibal
Entertainment can get expensive, but if you look around, there is almost always something going on that doesn't cost a thing. Here are five fun things you can do or places you can go for free in Hannibal.
Music Under the Stars
Thursday nights in the summertime have become a night to look forward to in America's Hometown. Thanks to the Mark Twain Museum's Music Under the Stars concert series, residents and visitors have been enjoying free outdoor concerts just outside the Mark Twain Boyhood home.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Not only does the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum sponsor Music Under the Stars, but they also offer free admission to their properties to residents of Hannibal, and active-duty military members and their families. Live performances from storyteller Gladys Coggswell and Mark Twain actor Jim Waddell are also free for Hannibal residents and active-duty military members during their seasons (May - October).
Second Saturday Gallery Night
The second Saturday of each month in Hannibal is a great time to visit the city's art galleries. During Second Saturday Gallery Night, the art galleries downtown open their doors to visitors, and give them the opportunity to see the work of resident and guest artists. Many of the galleries also serve light snacks and give away prizes. Galleries that participate include Alliance Art Gallery, Gallery 310, the Hannibal Arts Council, Fresh Ayers and The Main Street Wine Stoppe.
Outdoor Festivals
Hannibal is home to several outdoor festivals, and all of them are free to attend (though, admittedly, it is hard to not buy something to eat from at least one food vendor, but it's not a requirement). The Autumn History Folklife Festival, Twain on Main and Downtown Hannibal Art Fair are all popular events with tourists that are visiting Hannibal, and with locals who like to stop by and visit with friends and acquaintances they've not seen in a while, enjoy demonstrations from artisans and craftsmen, and taken in free street performances. Recently, the new Big River Steampunk Festival also joined the lineup of fun outdoor festivals in Hannibal.
Hannibal Parks and Recreation
Hannibal Parks and Recreation sponsors a number of free activities throughout the year. Movies in the Park is a popular summertime outdoor movie series for families. Hannibal Parks and Rec also provides free fishing programs, scavenger hunts, Storybook Trail, and a variety of seasonal activities. Of course, there are also tennis courts, a disc golf course, basketball courts, and plenty of playgrounds at the parks around the city.