In years past, Fair Saint Louis has been a multi-day festival featuring concerts and other entertainment, with the city’s July 4th fireworks as a staple of the festivities. This year, however, things will look a little different. For its 42nd year, “Fair Saint Louis will primarily consist of the Fourth of July fireworks spectacular,” says Tim Meers, general chairman of Fair Saint Louis. “While Fair Saint Louis does not operate [America’s Birthday Parade], we’re working in conjunction this year to provide a full day of events between the parade and then the fireworks in the evening.”
Why the pared-down version of Fair Saint Louis this year? Meers says that while there were a few really strong years of multi-day fairs coming out of COVID-19, the team realized there was an opportunity to grow the event, involving more community and civic partners throughout the city.
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“So we’re wanting to reimagine this event to be much more inclusive in utilizing organizers throughout St. Louis to provide a more citywide event over the holiday,” Meers says. “I wish that I could divulge more details at this point, but I can’t. But we are absolutely working with multiple partners to provide and usher in a really memorable 2024 event that’s going to try to be more citywide in its scope.”
So, what can you expect from the July 4th parade and Fair Saint Louis this year? Here’s what you need to know to make the most of America’s birthday with your family.
2023 America’s Birthday Parade
Now in its 140th year, America’s Birthday Parade will march down Market Street, starting at Broadway and ending at 18th Street. The theme of the 2023 St. Louis July 4th parade is “A Better Community for All,” and it will feature dozens of floats and vehicles, marching bands, live performances, dances, and more. This year’s parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Want to enjoy the Independence Day festivities from home? You can catch the parade broadcast live on KMOV Channel 4 or watch it stream on the America’s Birthday Parade website.
What to Do Between the Parade and Fireworks
If you’re planning to see both the parade and the Fair Saint Louis fireworks in person, want to hang out downtown between the two, and don’t need to take the kiddos home for a midday nap, Meers suggests the following activities:
- Spend the afternoon visiting the animals at the Saint Louis Zoo, seeing art at the Saint Louis Art Museum, or exploring Forest Park.
- Make your way to the top of the Gateway Arch for unreal views of the city.
- Catch the free concert, featuring Steve Ewing Band and 49 Winchester, at Together Credit Union Plaza in Ballpark Village.
2023 Fair Saint Louis July 4th Fireworks
What time are the Fair Saint Louis fireworks?
The fireworks will start between 9:15–9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Meers says they don’t have a time nailed down quite yet because that depends on a few factors. “CNN is to simulcast it again this year like the last three, but they haven’t given us the time slot. So we’ll try to accommodate that a little bit,” he says. “And then the Coast Guard has to give us the final OK of when they can block off the river for that time of the shoot, but it will be between that kind of 15-minute window.”
Meers suggests visitors should plan to be downtown around 8–8:15 p.m. to park, find a spot, and settle in for the show. The St. Louis fireworks display will last around 25–30 minutes.
After the July 4th fireworks are over, Meers says they’re partnering with the city of St. Louis and the police department to work out the traffic plan to ensure visitors can leave as expeditiously as possible.
Where is the best place to see the St. Louis July 4th fireworks?
The Fair Saint Louis Fourth of July fireworks shoot off from barges on the Mississippi River. The best place to view the fireworks is on the grounds of the Gateway Arch.
Where should I park?
“Parking is very simple because you’ve got all the different stadium parking garages in and around Busch Stadium,” Meers says. “Then it’s just a couple blocks and you’re on the Arch grounds.”
What can I bring with me?
Make sure to pack camp or beach chairs and/or picnic blankets to lounge on the ground for a comfortable viewing experience. Bring snacks and drinks to enjoy before and during the fireworks display, but leave the glass containers and bottles (and alcohol) at home. Whatever you bring in, make sure to take it with you when you go—especially any trash.
Will restrooms be available during the fireworks?
Yes. There will be porta potties available for the public. The exact location will depend on the river level on July 4, but Meers says they will either be along Leonor K Sullivan Boulevard or up closer to Memorial Drive.
Can I watch the Fair Saint Louis Fourth of July fireworks on TV?
Yes! If you want to stay home, away from the crowds, you can catch the July 4th fireworks broadcast on local St. Louis channels. The televised fireworks spectacular is set to a musical soundtrack. In fact, Meers says some people who are watching the display from the Gateway Arch park even tune in to the stations on their phones to hear the music, too.
For more information, follow Fair Saint Louis on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or visit fairsaintlouis.org.
