Image courtesy of Fair St. Louis
Time to don your red, white, and blue! Although the heat is sweltering and several fireworks displays have been cancelled due to dry conditions, there are still many opportunities to show off your patriotic spirit! Check out these St. Louis events going on this Wednesday, July 4, and this week that will leave you proud to be an American:
1. Fair St. Louis
The annual Independence Day celebration kicks off on the Fourth of July in downtown St. Louis and runs through the month; fireworks go off on the riverfront at 9:20 p.m. daily. Free. Times: 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Wed, 4–10 p.m. Fri, noon–10 p.m. Sat. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, 314-434-3434, celebratestlouis.org.
2. St. Charles Riverfest
This carnival and Fourth of July celebration includes live music, food, a parade, and fireworks at 9:20 p.m. The parade starts at 10 a.m. from Blanchette Park, 1900 W. Randolph, St. Charles. Charles Glenn and the Fabulous Motown Revue perform starting at 6 p.m. The Free. Time: 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Frontier Park, 500 S. Riverside, St. Charles, 800-366-2427, stcharlescitymo.gov.
3. Veiled Prophet Parade
It’s one of the oldest parades in the country and a long-standing St. Louis tradition, albeit perhaps a wee bit less formal than it was 100 years ago. Parade begins at Fourth Street and Washington Avenue, goes down Fourth Street to Market Street, and ends at Union Station. Free. Time: 10 a.m. Downtown St. Louis, 314-436-6500, vpparade.org.
4. Rockin' on the Landing
With its proximity to Fair St. Louis, this celebration offers great views of the downtown fireworks and features live music, food, and drinks. Top local bands, including Dr. Zhivegas, Joe Dirt, and Dirty Muggs, will perform on outdoor stages from 1 to 11 p.m. July 4, 6, and 7. Free. Laclede's Landing, lacledeslanding.com.
5. O'Fallon's Heritage & Freedom Fest
This 32-annual festival offers up national entertainment, regional bands, a carnival midway, a parade, activities for children, crafters, lots of great food and two spectacular nights of fireworks presented by OneMain Financial. Free. Times: 5 to 10 p.m. Mon, July 2. 5 to 10:15 p.m. Tues, July 3. 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wed, July 4. Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, T R Hughes, 636-379-5614, heritagefreedomfest.com.
6. Red, White & Blue Glow Party at Three Sixty
Get one of the best views of the fireworks in the city at Three Sixty, the swanky bar and lounge atop Hilton at the Ballpark. No reservations required. $10 cover charge after 8 p.m., free for Cardinals fans with July 4 ticket stub. 1 S. Broadway, 314-241-8439, 360-stl.com/fourth-july.
7. Webster Groves Community Days
This four-day Independence blowout from July 1 to July 4 features barbecues, a carnival, family day, Miss Webster Pageant, and parade. Fireworks are usually part of the celebration but have been cancelled this year due to dry conditions. Free. Times: Click HERE for full schedule. Memorial Park, South Elm and East Glendale, 314-963-5300, webstergroves.org.
8. Patriots in the Park
If you're heading to the Metro East, don't miss this party in Granite City. With last year's attendance at 30,000, this festival four-day festival from July 3-7 attracts crowds from across the area. Highlights include a carnival, food vendors, car show, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, concerts, 5K, a softball tournament, and more. $1.25 per ride at carnival. Times: Click HERE for full schedule. Wilson Park, 2900 Benton, Granite City, Ill., 618-877-3059, park.granitecity.com.
9. Alton Fireworks on the Mississippi
Clark Bridge serves as a picturesque backdrop to this spectacular fireworks display on July 3 over the Mississippi. Enjoy live music from Petty Cash Junction. Free. Times: 7 p.m. concert, 9 p.m. fireworks display. Free. Alton Riverfront Park, Alton, Ill., 618-465-6676, visitalton.com.
10. Ferguson Fourth of July Festival
For a family-friendly July 4, bring the kids for a day of fun in Ferguson. This 36th-annual festival includes Circus Harmony performers from City Museum, parade, game booths, concerts, petting zoo and pony rides from Emerson Farms, sack races, puppet shows, magic shows, and a fireworks spectacular. Free. Times: Click HERE for full schedule. January-Wabash Memorial Park, 501 North Florissant, fergusoncity.com.
Note: The following Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks have been cancelled due to high temperatures and dry conditions: Fourth of July Celebration in Ellisville, Kirkwood Freedom Festival, Chesterfield Celebration & Fireworks, Independence Day in Columbia, and Arnold July 4 Celebration. Be sure to check the status of whichever festival you plan to attend, as further cancellations are likely.
