Fireworks and Fun! Celebrate the 4th of July at these St. Louis Festivals

It may not feel quite like the middle of summer yet, but the 4^th of July holiday is closer than you think. Get ready to celebrate our nation’s independence with carnival rides, parades, live music and fantastic fireworks displays at one of the St. Louis area’s many family-friendly 4^th of July festivals.    

1. Fair St. Louis. America’s Biggest Birthday Party returns to Forest Park in 2016 for its 36^th season. The celebration, which kicks off on Saturday, July 2 and runs through Monday, July 4, features big-name music stars, tasty food and stunning fireworks, all in a family-friendly atmosphere on the historic site of the 1904 World’s Fair.

This free event always draws large crowds, so if you’re going to take part in the festivities, planning ahead is a must. Visit www.fairstlouis.org for all the information you will need.  

2. St. Charles Riverfest. Riverfest 2016 is a four-day celebration taking place July 1-4 along the banks of the Missouri River in Frontier Park. Enjoy 4^th of July favorites like live music, carnival attractions and food and craft vendors daily, and don’t miss the fireworks show at 9:20 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4.

3. Red, White and You Celebration in Eureka. The city of Eureka has a spectacular Independence Day party planned for Saturday, July 2. The Red, White and You Celebration kicks off at 5 p.m. in Lions/Legions Park and features live music, food and drink vendors, inflatable tee ball, a petting zoo, face painting and more. And of course you’ll want to stay for the fireworks from 9:30 to 10 p.m.

4. Heritage Freedom Fest in O’Fallon. The city of O’Fallon throws a fabulous, family-friendly birthday celebration at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex over the 4^th of July holiday. Live entertainment, a parade, carnival rides and a dazzling display of fireworks are all part of the fun. Visit on Family Day, July 2, to purchase an all-you-can-ride wristband for just $20.

More information: www.heritageandfreedomfest.com

5. Webster Groves Community Days. As one of the most popular community celebrations in our area, Webster Groves Community Days is always a favorite among local kids and families. The four day event takes place in Memorial Park from Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4 this year, and will feature the carnival, barbecue, parade, live performances and fireworks that crowds have come to love.

6. Chesterfield 4^th of July Fireworks Celebration. Celebrate the 4^th and see one of the area’s best fireworks shows at the Chesterfield 4^th of July Fireworks Celebration from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. on Monday, July 4. Food vendors and live music will be on hand, and a Kids Zone featuring inflatable bounce houses, carnival games and circus performers will be open from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.

The fireworks show begins promptly at 9:30 p.m.

7. Godfrey Family Fun Fest with Fireworks. From 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4, head to the Illinois town of Godfrey for vendors, inflatables, a climbing wall, games, arts and crafts, a face painting clown and more. The Godfrey Family Fun Fest with Fireworks is a free event, with the fireworks show starting about 9 p.m. The theme of the 2016 Great Godfrey Maze will also be revealed.

8. JB Blast. Enjoy music under the stars performed by the Air Force Band of Mid-America and a brilliant fireworks display in Jefferson Barracks Park on the evening of Friday, July 1. Gates open for JB Blast at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs and coolers; food and beverages will also be available for purchase.

9. Alton Fireworks on the Mississippi. Fair St. Louis may have moved, but you can still see fireworks over the Mississippi in Downtown Alton. Hudson and the Hoo Doo Cats are scheduled to perform, and you can choose from free lawn seating or $25 VIP tickets for seating in the Amphitheater. Call (800) 258-6645 for more information, or visit www.visitalton.com for details.

10. Community Festivals. Prefer to skip the crowds and carnivals? Celebrate the 4^th of July in your own neighborhood instead. Lots of local communities – including Kirkwood, Florissant, Ellisville, Wentzville, Manchester, Twin Oaks and more – host their own celebrations and fireworks displays. And if you live in just the right location, you may even be lucky enough to see a spectacular show from your own backyard. 

_{Photo: Fair St. Louis}