Top 10 Fourth of July Festivals for St. Louis Families

With the 4^th of July falling on a Saturday this year, there’s never been a better time to celebrate our nation’s birthday in style. St. Louis is home to a wide variety of kid-friendly parades, festivals and community events, so there will be lots for local families to do around town over this popular holiday weekend.

Wondering where to find carnival rides, outdoor concerts, nightly fireworks displays and more this 4^th of July? Here are our top 10 picks for family-friendly 4^th of July events throughout the St. Louis area.    

1. Fair St. Louis. After a hugely successful move from the Gateway Arch Grounds to Forest Park last year, the 35^th annual Fair St. Louis will return to Art Hill for 2015. The three-day celebration of our nation’s independence takes place Thursday, July 2 through Saturday, July 4, and will feature a full lineup of free concerts, shows, exhibitions and family entertainment, as well as some of the most majestic nightly fireworks displays you’ll find anywhere in St. Louis.

Over 250,000 people attended Fair St. Louis in 2014, so if you want to brave the crowds, be sure to plan ahead. Visit www.fairsaintlouis.org for all the event information you will need.

2. St. Charles Riverfest. A grand three-day celebration of all things red, white and blue is also taking place on the St. Charles side of the river in Frontier Park from July 2-4. Riverfest 2015 includes all sorts of 4^th of July festivities, from a parade and a carnival to live music, crafts and vendors. See fireworks along the banks of the Missouri River on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4 at 9:20 p.m.

3. Heritage and Freedom Fest in O’Fallon. The city of O’Fallon, Mo. throws a fantastic, family-friendly birthday celebration at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex. Thrilling carnival rides, live entertainment by popular country artists and rock bands and dazzling displays of fireworks are all part of the 4^th of July fun at the Heritage and Freedom Fest July 2-4. Take advantage of free Kids’ Zone activities on July 3 and 4, or enjoy unlimited carnival rides with the purchase of a $20 wristband on Family Night on July 2.   

4. Mississippi River Fireworks in Alton. See a spectacular fireworks display, set against the backdrop of the Clark Bridge and the Mississippi River, on the Alton Riverfront on Friday, July 3. Festivities – which include live entertainment and concessions – begin at 5 p.m. in the Alton Riverfront Park, with fireworks beginning at 9:15 p.m. Click here for more details.   

5. Webster Groves Community Days. Year after year, Webster Groves Community Days continues to be one of the most popular community celebrations in the area. The four-day event takes place from Wednesday, July 1 through Saturday, July 4 this year, and will feature the traditional carnival, barbecue, parade and fireworks that crowds have come to love.    

6. Ferguson 4^th of July Festival. A full day of 4^th of July events is scheduled in Ferguson’s January-Wabash Park. The parade begins at 10 a.m., followed by unique vendors, games and fun activities throughout the day. A 9:15 p.m. fireworks display in the park concludes the evening.

7. JB Blast. Spend the evening of Friday, July 3 listening to music under the stars at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater in Jefferson Barracks Park. The free concert by the USAF Band of Mid-America is followed by a brilliant fireworks display, and concessions will be available. Call (314) 615-4386 for more information.

8. Chesterfield’s 4^th of July Fireworks Celebration. The party begins at 7 p.m. in Chesterfield on the 4^th of July, with a free concert plus food, beverages and a Kids’ Zone in the west parking lot near Dillard’s and Macy’s at Chesterfield Mall.  Arrive early to see BMX stunt riders, stilt walkers and gymnastic performances or just go for the fireworks show that begins at 9:30 p.m. Either way, bring your own lawn chairs (and refreshments if you like).  

9. Independence Day in Columbia, IL. The party starts early on Saturday, July 4 in Columbia, IL with a 9 a.m. breakfast at Legion Hall followed by an 11 a.m. opening of the grounds at American Legion Memorial Park. The Independence Day celebration features food, beer and other refreshments, as well as bingo, a washer tournament and other entertainment throughout the day. Fireworks begin at dusk; call (618) 281-5556 for more details.

10. Community Fireworks. Many local communities host their own fireworks displays, so even if you prefer to skip the bigger carnivals and crowds, it’s likely that you can still see some pretty impressive fireworks. Cities like Kirkwood, Ellisville and Eureka all host their own shows every year, making it easy to celebrate the holiday with friends and family – even if you prefer to stay close to home while doing so.