It’s time to don your red, white, and blue to display your patriotic pride. With Fourth of July events across the metro area, you’ll be hard-pressed not to run into a party or two. Check out the details of 10 local Independence Day celebrations, in no particular order, below, and be sure to check the status of whichever events you plan to attend—extreme weather has led to cancellations in the past.
1. Fair St. Louis
The annual Independence Day celebration kicks off on the Fourth of July in downtown St. Louis and continues throughout the weekend; fireworks go off on the riverfront at 9:20 p.m. daily. This year’s headliners are Trace Adkins, Bret Michaels, and Counting Crows. New this year is the 74th National Folk Festival Showcase, featuring musicians, dancers, and singers representing a broad array of cultural traditions. The Celebrate St. Louis Summer Concerts run throughout the month. Free. Times: 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Thu, noon–10 p.m. Fri and Sat. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, 314-434-3434, fairsaintlouis.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. Charles Glenn performs two sets at 8:10 p.m. and 9:50 p.m., along with performances by the Saint Charles Municipal Band, The Patt Holt Singers, and Pearl Handle Band. Show your Cardinals spirit with Fredbird, who will appear from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free. Time: 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Frontier Park, 500 S. Riverside, St. Charles, 800-366-2427, stcharlescitymo.gov.
3. Veiled Prophet Parade
It’s been wrapping around the streets of downtown for more than a century. The 136th annual Veiled Prophet Parade is a St. Louis tradition, with marching bands, giant floats, balloons, and of course, the Veiled Prophet’s Court of Love and Beauty. Free. 9:30 a.m. Parade begins at 14th and Olive streets, 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. Local bands, including Super Jam, Rough Ryders, Genesis Jazz Project, The Wandering Madman, the Scott Air Force Band Starlifter, and Dirty Muggs, will perform on outdoor stages from noon to 11 p.m. July 4, 5, and 6. Free. Laclede’s Landing, lacledeslanding.com.
5. O'Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest
This three-day festival offers national entertainment, regional bands, a carnival and midway, parade, activities for children, crafters, lots of great food, and two spectacular nights of fireworks. Headliners include country music stars Jack Ingram and Josh Kelley and rock bands Spin Doctors and Cowboy Mouth. Free. Times: 5–10 p.m. Tues, 5–10:15 p.m. Wed, 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Thurs. Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, 900 T R Hughes, 636-379-5614, www.heritageandfreedomfest.com.
6. Red, White & Blue Glow Party at Three Sixty
Get one of the city’s best views of the fireworks at Three Sixty, the swanky bar and lounge atop the Hilton at the Ballpark. No reservations required. $10 cover charge after 8 p.m. For a VIP spot, which starts at $250 for a table of two and goes up to $1,500 for a table of 10, contact Amber Brda at 314-641-8842. 1 S. Broadway, 314-241-8439, 360-stl.com/fourth-july.
7. Webster Groves Community Days
This family-friendly, four-day Independence blowout from July 3 through 6 features barbecues, a carnival, parade, and, of course, fireworks. Free. Times: 5–11 p.m. Wed, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Thurs, 5–11 p.m Fri, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Sat. 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 crowds in the thousands, this five-day festival from July 2 to 6 attracts revelers from across the region. Highlights include a carnival, food vendors, car show, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, concerts, a 5K, a softball tournament, and more. $1.50 per ride at carnival. Times: 6–10 p.m. Tues, 6–11 p.m. Wed, 1–5 p.m. and 6–11 p.m. Thurs, 1–5 p.m. and 6–11 p.m. Fri, 6–11 p.m. Sat. Wilson Park, 2900 Benton, Granite City, Ill., 618-877-3059, park.granitecity.com.
9. Alton’s Mississippi River Fireworks Festival
Clark Bridge serves as a picturesque backdrop to this spectacular fireworks display on July 3 over the Mississippi. Enjoy live music from Borderline, a six-member country band. Free. Times: 6 p.m. concert, 9 p.m. fireworks display. Free. Riverfront Park, Alton, Ill., 618-465-6676, visitalton.com.
10. Fourth of July Celebration in Ellisville
This bash features an Independence Day 5K and fun run for the kids, food and beverage vendors, games and activities, live music, and a fireworks display. Children will love the giant slide, bounce house, and climbing wall. Free. Time: 7:30 a.m. 5K and fun run, all other events 6–10 p.m. Bluebird Park, 225 Kiefer Creek, ellisville.mo.us.
