America's Birthday Parade, a tradition in St. Louis since 1878 (formerly known as the Veiled Prophet Parade or V.P. Parade), kicks off on July 4th at 9:30 a.m. at 20th and Market Streets. The theme for this year's parade is "The U.S. Experience." The parade route proceeds down Market Street and ends at Market and Broadway.
The year's parade features 14 marching bands from across the region, beautifully designed floats, huge, helium-filled character balloons, special performances throughout the parade and dozens of organizations representing our community and region.
More information: americasbirthdayparade.com
Learn about the parade route here.
Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition. New this year: Visits with Santa!
Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays.
More than a million lights will illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages.
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Juneteenth, Sweet Treats, Summer and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.