Fireworks light up the sky behind the Gateway Arch on the Fourth of July.

Fourth of July Celebrations in St. Louis

Tuesday May 23, 2023

By Rachel Huffman

There’s no place like St. Louis on the Fourth of July. Whether you want to party with a partner, friends or family, we’ve got brilliant celebrations with a variety of vibes taking place across the region.

Cue the fireworks.

July 4

Marching through the streets of downtown St. Louis in the shadow of the nation’s tallest monument, the Gateway Arch, America’s Birthday Parade features elaborate floats, choreographed dances and live performances by marching bands. The signature summer event is a celebration of our people, our community, our city and our country – from sea to shining sea. Dressed in your best red, white and blue, join the festivities surrounding the 140th America’s Birthday Parade, which will proceed west along Market Street beginning at 10 a.m.

July 4

Grab a front-row seat to St. Louis’ most spectacular fireworks display. The annual Fireworks Cruise celebrates Independence Day with food, drinks and riverboat fun for the whole family. Aboard the Becky Thatcher, you’ll enjoy the sounds of a Dixieland band and unparalleled views of downtown St. Louis. Then, you’ll dock beneath the Gateway Arch, where you can watch the night sky light up with impressive pyrotechnics. Want to keep your feet on solid ground? You can watch the fireworks from Gateway Arch National Park, as well.

June 30

Returning to Jefferson Barracks Park, JB Blast is the biggest Fourth of July celebration in St. Louis County. The free, family-friendly event boasts food trucks, live entertainment and, of course, a fireworks show. Bring your blankets, picnic baskets and coolers, and get there early to secure your spot at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater. Gates open at 5 p.m., live music begins at 7 p.m. and fireworks are ignited at 9:15 p.m.

July 1 to 4

On July 1 and 2, a carnival kicks off the Heritage & Freedom Fest in O’Fallon, Missouri. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rides, games and traditional foods such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy and popcorn. The Heritage & Freedom Fest prides itself on bringing national recording artists to the St. Louis area for free concerts, as well. This year, Chris Lane, Restless Road, Mark Perkins and Nick Gusman and The Coyotes will grace the main stage on July 3, while rock band 38 Special, along with Root Mod, Tommy DeCarlo and Dazed n Confused STL will keep the party going on July 4. In honor of the Fourth of July, O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest also includes one of the largest – and most colorful – parades in the region. The patriotic procession will begin at the corner of Main Street and Civic Pride Drive at 9:30 a.m. Then, stick around for the Jena “Dusty” Mielke Fireworks Spectacular, which enthralls spectators of all ages.

July 2 to 4

The charming atmosphere and riverfront location of Saint Charles make it an ideal place to celebrate Independence Day. Riverfest features three days of festivities – think live music, scrumptious snacks, cold drinks and spectacular fireworks. Spending the holiday with kids? Riverfest also has a carnival and other children’s activities.

July 3 and 4

The Fourth of July celebrations in Webster Groves begin with a children’s pet parade on July 3! Participants can preregister online. Dogs, cats, pigs, chickens, iguanas – if it’s your pet, it qualifies. Don’t have a pet? The adorable procession will still melt your heart. On July 4, the community event continues with another parade, beginning at Lockwood and Selma avenues at 10 a.m., and a fireworks display, beginning at 9:45 p.m. in Memorial Park.

July 4

Baseball remains America’s pastime, and we can’t think of a better way to spend the Fourth of July than at a game. Grab a hot dog and a cold beer and cheer on the Gateway Grizzlies as they face the Florence Y’alls in Sauget, Illinois, on July 4. After the game, fans will receive a fitting treat: a fireworks extravaganza!

July 4

January-Wabash Park in Ferguson, Missouri, has all the fun you need on the Fourth of July. Beginning at 10 a.m., a merry parade will make its way to the park, followed by a festival from 4 to 9 p.m. Expect live music, food trucks, family-friendly activities and fireworks at approximately 9:15 p.m.

July 4

Join the Eureka Parks and Recreation Department in an enthusiastic celebration of the 247th birthday of the U.S. On July 4, you can enjoy a rockin’ show by Steven Woolley & the Groove from 6 to 10 p.m. Grab snacks from local food vendors in between songs, and don’t miss the fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.

The countdown has begun. Do you have your red, white and blue ready?