Festivals & Fireworks to Celebrate July 4th in St. Louis
It's time to celebrate Independence Day in St. Louis and our nation's 250th birthday! Check out these family-friendly celebrations that include carnivals, fantastic fireworks, drone shows, parades and lots more.
Celebrate 250 in St. Louis
Head to the Gateway Arch for the annual Celebrate St. Louis, this year renamed to Celebrate 250 to commemorate our nation's 250th birthday. The annual celebration at the Arch is being held July 3 and 4 and features a parade, Purina Incredible Dog Shows, live musical performances, interactive exhibits, Innovation Village, and fireworks and drone shows both nights framed by the Gateway Arch. Celebrate 250 is free. Gates open Friday, July 3 at 4 p.m. and on Saturday, July 3 at 2 p.m.
A parade is set for Saturday, July 4 at 4 p.m. beginning at Market and Broadway. Afternoon activities include Purina Incredible Dog Shows at 2:45, 5:15 and 6:40 p.m., food and drink vendors, an antique car show, F-15 simulators, and more. In the evenings, musical entertainers include Kenny Loggins, Miranda Lambert, Ludacris, Stephen Marley, and Zedd, among others. After dark, the drone shows begin at 9:40 p.m., followed by fireworks both nights.
Learn more at celebratestlouis.org.
Celebrate St. Louis
4th of July Family Parade in the Central West End
Kids are invited to decorate their bikes for a bike decorating contest and families are encouraged to dress up in festive red, white and blue for the Central West End's July 4th Family Parade. There will be lots of fun along the way, including face painters, snow cones, jugglers and balloon artists, and, at the end. The parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4th at McPherson and Euclid Avenues and ends at Maryland Plaza. The festivities are free and all are welcome. More information: cwescene.com
Electric Sky at City Museum
Join the party at City Museum on July 4th for the all-ages Electric Sky celebration with a 360º view of fireworks all across the St. Louis skyline. Bring the family for the fireworks spectacular and to enjoy the rooftop attractions including the Ferris wheel, slides, climbers and more. There will also be face painting, balloon artists, games, dance vibes with music by 314DJ, and food & drinks available for purchase. Guests can bring their own chairs. There will also be an exclusive performance by Ready Go Dog Show with a meet & greet. Electric Sky is happening 7-11 p.m. on July 4.
More information is available at citymuseum.org.
Webster Groves Community Days and Fourth of July Celebration
Year after year, Webster Groves Community Days continues to be one of the most popular community celebrations in the area. Events include a reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 1 at 6 p.m. in front of Webster Groves City Hall with live music by the Webster Groves High School Band.
A 4th of July Carnival, hosted by the Webster Groves Lions Club, takes place on the grounds of the Eden Theological Seminary at Lockwood and Bompart July 1-3 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day and July 4 from 2-8 p.m.
One of the region's most popular July 4th parades begins at 10 a.m., at Lockwood and Mason. Floats travel a two-mile route to Memorial Park near Elm and Glendale. To top off the multi-day celebration, a spectacular fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. at Memorial Field. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit webstergrovesmo.org.
Blast Bash with Fireworks at Westport Plaza
Celebrate America's 250th birthday at the Blast Bash at Westport Plaza, featuring fireworks, family activities, live music, and more. The Blast Bash is happening July 3 from 5-10 p.m. and July 4 from 4-10 p.m. Fireworks will fill the sky over Westport Plaza beginning at 9:30 p.m. each night presented by the City of Maryland Heights. The Blast Bash is free and open to all. Activities will take place at the Westport Plaza outdoor event venue. Learn more at westportstl.com
Have a Blast Bash at Westport Plaza
Kirkwood Freedom Festival & Fireworks
The annual Kirkwood Community Freedom Festival & Fireworks celebrates Independence Day with musical entertainment, food trucks and fireworks! The festival is held in Kirkwood Park. Food trucks open at 5 p.m. with live music beginning at 7 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for dusk (approximately 9:20 p.m.). The Fourth of July Freedom Festival is held on July 4th, and is free and open to the public. The rain date is July 5. For more information, visit kirkwoodmo.org.
St. Charles Riverfest
Riverfest 2026 features fireworks over the river, a carnival, live music, craft and food vendors, and lots of fun kids' activities. The celebration is held in Frontier Park. Admission is free. St. Charles Riverfest is held July 3 and 4, with a Riverfet Parade on July 4 at 10 a.m., and festivities beginning at noon on each day of the festival. A drone show is scheduled for July 3 at 9:20 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for July 4 at 9:20 p.m. For more information and a full schedule, visit stcharlescitymo.gov.
Chesterfield's 4th of July Celebration with Fireworks
The party begins at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) in Chesterfield on the 4th of July, with a petting zoo, pony rides, a Kids Zone with inflatables & slides, performers, fireworks and lots more at the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex. Live music begins at 7, featuring Fat Pocket. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs and refreshments (no firepits, glass or tobacco products allowed). Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local food trucks from 6:30 to 9 p.m. This event is free. At the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex. For more information, go to chesterfield.mo.us
Chesterfield's July 4th Celebration
Ferguson Fourth of July Parade
Ferguson hosts its annual 4th of July Parade on July 4, starting at the Ferguson Fire Department at 10 a.m. Gather along the parade route along Florissant Road. The parade ends at January-Wabash Memorial Park. Evening festivities will not be held this year. For more information, visit fergusoncity.com.
Godfrey Family Fun Fest with Fireworks
Blast off your Independence Day at the Godfrey Family Fun Fest with face painting, inflatables, food trucks, a watermelon eating contest, and fireworks for the whole family in Glazebrook Park. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Stick around for fireworks beginning at approximately 9:15. All activities are free. Find more information at visitgodfrey.com
Heritage and Freedom Festival
The city of O’Fallon, Mo., throws a fantastic, family-friendly celebration at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex over the 4th of July holiday weekend. Carnival rides, live entertainment by popular country artists and rock bands, a parade, and dazzling displays of fireworks are all part of the 4th of July fun at the Heritage and Freedom Fest July 1-4. The carnival kicks off on July 1 at 4 p.m. July 2 is Family Night. The Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade is on July 4 at 9:30 a.m. along Main Street. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 4. Get details at: heritageandfreedomfest.com
Manchester 4th of July Celebration
Come to Schroeder Park in Manchester for the city's annual 4th of July celebration. The free festival includes live music from Butch Wax and the Hollywoods followed by fireworks. Bring your own chairs or blankets for seating during the fireworks. Some food and beverages will be available to purchase at the park. 6 to 9 p.m. on July 4 at Schroeder Park in Manchester. Learn more at manchestermo.gov.
Fourth of July Festival and Parade in Wentzville
Kick off the 4th of July with a parade, then continue the celebration throughout the day with swimming, live music, inflatables and a fireworks show. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Wentzville Ice Arena. After the parade, the celebration continues in Progress Park, where there will be free swimming at Progress Pool (tickets or resident cards only). All are invited to the fireworks show at Rotary Park, which will start at 9:30 p.m.
For more information, visit wentzvillemo.org.
Grafton Independence Day Fireworks
Head to Lighthouse Park in Grafton, Illinois for a spectacular fireworks display over the Mississippi River. The fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. and all are welcome. Learn more at riversandroutes.com.
Independence Day Celebration at Bluebird Park in Ellisville
Join the fun in Bluebird Park in Ellisville on July 4th. Enjoy live music from the Well Hungarians, barbecue and drink vendors from 7-9:15 p.m. A fireworks display begins at approximately 9:15 p.m. Learn more at ellisville.mo.us
3rd of July Fireworks at Twin Oaks Park
Enjoy a 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on July 3 in Twin Oaks Park. This annual, very popular fireworks show includes musical entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m. Guests are welcome to set up lawn chairs and blankets. The fireworks show is free and begins at approximately 9 p.m. at Twin Oaks Park near Highway 141 and Big Bend. For more information visit cityoftwinoaks.com.
Fireworks Over O'Fallon (Illinois)
Gather at the O'Fallon, Illinois Family Sports Park on July 3rd to enjoy a parade at 9 a.m. featuring more than 50 entries, a day full of live entertainment, and a stunning fireworks display at approximately 8 p.m. Guests can bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the show. Visit ofallon.org for more information.
To find even more family fun, visit our Things To Do calendar and get our daily Family Fun newsletter.
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