Fair Saint Louis, aka “America’s Biggest Birthday Party,” is less than a month away (July 4, 5, 6), and it’s time to start figuring out a game plan for the free, family-friendly fest at Gateway Arch National Park. With so much to see. it might be hard to do it all. Consider the below your official guide to the fair, and remember, the Edward Jones fireworks show begins every night at 9:35 p.m.
For country music fans:
Country legends like Randy Houser, singer of “How Country Feels," and Brett Young, the artist who sings “Here Tonight,” will be performing in the park on the night of July 4. Houser will kick off the show at 6:30 p.m. followed by Young’s performance at 8:15 p.m.
For airplane nuts:
There will be a Boeing Air Show every day of the fair, with demonstrators like the Boeing V-22 Osprey and the Northrop Grumman A-10 Thunderbolt II flying high over the Mississippi River. There will also be aerial performances from Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, the United States Army Golden Knights, and many more. There will be two shows on July 4 and 6, at 12:30 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. Catch another show on July 5 at 5 p.m.
For rock fans:
Formed in the 1980s with chart-topping hits like "Do You Realize??" The Flaming Lips will close out the fair on the night of July 6 at 8:15 p.m., followed by the last round of fireworks. Just before, Vertical Horizon will perform, at 6:30 p.m.
For the patriots:
For those currently serving, veterans, or otherwise, there will be a Salute to the Troops on July 6 at 4:30 p.m. to honor the 300 servicemen and -women from the Missouri National Guard.
For R&B fans:
At 6:30 p.m., Johnny Gill from the R&B group New Edition will be doing renditions of bops like "My, My, My" and "There U Go." Keith Sweat will be performing hits like “Twisted” and "Nobody on Friday" on July 5 at 8:15 p.m.
For those who are just in it for the free candy:
St. Louis’ 137th America’s Birthday Parade, formerly known as the VP Parade, will take place on July 4 at 9:30 a.m. with a “We the People!” theme. Fourteen marching bands, 21 floats, and tons of helium-filled character balloons will set off from 20th and Market streets in Downtown St. Louis, then head east on Market and end on Market and Broadway. The parade will also feature special performances and will be broadcast live on KMOV TV.
For families:
The Purina Festival Zone is back this year. Take part in face-painting, make your own slime, or just sit back and watch the high-flying Purina Pro Plan Performance Team, a group of highly athletic trained dogs, for an acrobatic flying disc routine.
For those who like free stuff:
The Interactive Zone, located on Leonor K. Sullivan Street, between the Arch steps and the Mississippi River, will have loads of free stuff from brands ranging from 5-Hour Energy to Purina. Just make sure to bring a bag for all of your swag.
