
It's time to celebrate Independence Day in St. Louis, and because this year July 4th falls on a Friday, your family can look forward to a full weekend of festivals and fireworks. Check out these family-friendly celebrations that include carnivals, fantastic fireworks and lots more.
Celebrate St. Louis
Head to the Gateway Arch for the annual city-wide celebration Celebrate St. Louis. This year, Celebrate Saint Louis features an all-new drone show, a Family Fun Zone, live musical performances, interactive exhibits, and fireworks framed by the Gateway Arch. The two-day festival kicks off Thursday, July 3 at 4 p.m. with live music and fireworks along the St. Louis Riverfront at 9:40 p.m. On July 4, gates open at 2 p.m. with interactive exhibits, a Family FunZone with games, crafts, and kid-friendly activities, live music from Gavin DeGraw, a Salute to the Troop ceremony honoring veterans and active duty service members, a Superman Drone Show at 9:20 p.m., followed by a spectacular fireworks show at 9:40 p.m.
For the first time in Celebrate Saint Louis history, a drone show will take to the sky. Celebrate Saint Louis has partnered with Warner Bros. Pictures to create a vibrant drone show, designed by Fantasy Drone Shows, with 400 drones and 11 images to promote the anticipated release of DC Studios’ new film, Superman, set to release in theaters on July 11, 2025. The drone show will take to the skies around 9:20 pm on July 4th prior to the annual tradition of fireworks. St. Louis fans will get to celebrate hometown hero, director James Gunn. Celebrate St. Louis is free to attend. Learn more at celebratestlouis.org.
Celebrate St. Louis
Electric Sky at City Museum
Join the party at City Museum on July 4th for the all-ages Electric Sky celebration with a 360º view of fireworks all across the St. Louis skyline. Bring the family for the fireworks spectacular and to enjoy the rooftop attractions including the Ferris wheel, slides, climbers and more. There will also be face painting, balloon artists, games, dance vibes with music by 314DJ, and food & drinks available for purchase. Guests can bring their own chairs. There will also be an exclusive performance by Ready Go Dog Show with a meet & greet. Electric Sky is happening 7-11 p.m. on July 4. It's for all ages.
More information is available at citymuseum.org.
Webster Groves Community Days and Fourth of July Celebration
Year after year, Webster Groves Community Days continues to be one of the most popular community celebrations in the area. The four-day event takes place from July 2-5 and features the traditional carnival rides, barbecue, parade and fireworks that crowds have come to love. The carnival will take place on the grounds of the Eden Seminary at the corner of Lockwood & Bompart July 2-5 and includes rides, carnival food, and live music. A children's pet parade takes place July 3 at 6 p.m. at the Recreation Complex Gymnasium. Friday, July 4 includes one of the region's most popular July 4th parades beginning at 10 a.m., at Lockwood and Mason. A spectacular fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. at Memorial Field. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit webstergrovesmo.org.
JB Blast
The JB Blast is one of St. Louis County's biggest Fourth of July celebrations featuring live music, food trucks and a fireworks show. Admission and parking are free. The JB Blast will be held at the Jefferson Barracks Amphitheater on Friday, June 27. Gates open at 5 p.m. and live music begins at 7 p.m. The fireworks show is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. Visit Food Truck Row where food will be available for purchase. Admission and parking are free. Blankets, picnic baskets and coolers are permitted. Learn more at stlouiscountymo.gov.
Kirkwood Freedom Festival & Fireworks
The annual Kirkwood Community Freedom Festival and Fireworks celebrates Independence Day with musical entertainment, food trucks and fireworks! The festival is held in Kirkwood Park. Food trucks open at 5 p.m. with live music beginning at 7 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for dusk. The Fourth of July Freedom Festival is held on July 4th, and is free and open to the public. The rain date is July 5. For more information, visit kirkwoodmo.org.
St. Charles Riverfest
Riverfest 2025 features fireworks over the river, a carnival, live music, craft and food vendors, and lots of fun kids activities. The celebration is held in Frontier Park. Admission is free. St. Charles Riverfest is held July 4 through 6, with a parade on July 4 at 10 a.m., and festivities beginning at noon on each day of the festival. Fireworks are scheduled for July 4 at 9:20 p.m. For more information and a full schedule, visit stcharlescitymo.gov.
Chesterfield's 4th of July Celebration with Fireworks
The party begins at 6:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) in Chesterfield on the 4th of July, with a petting zoo, pony rides, a Kids Zone with inflatables, Circus Kaput performers, fireworks and lots more at the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex. Live music begins at 7, featuring Vote for Pedro. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs and refreshments (no firepits, glass or tobacco products allowed). Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local food trucks from 6:30 to 9 p.m. This event is free. At the Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex. For more information, go to chesterfield.mo.us
Chesterfield's July 4th Celebration
Ferguson Fourth of July Festival
Ferguson hosts its annual 4th of July Festival at January-Wabash Park that includes a parade, games for kids, a petting zoo, fireworks and more. The 4th of July Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with a parade. The Family Fun Zone, which features games, crafts, a balloon artist, petting zoo, and more, is open from 4 to 7 p.m. There will also be food vendors and live entertainment. The fireworks show kicks off at dusk. For more information, visit fergusoncity.com.
Heritage and Freedom Festival
The city of O’Fallon, Mo., throws a fantastic, family-friendly celebration at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex over the 4th of July holiday weekend. Carnival rides, live entertainment by popular country artists and rock bands, a parade, and dazzling displays of fireworks are all part of the 4th of July fun at the Heritage and Freedom Fest July 3-6. The carnival kicks off on July 3 at 4 p.m. July 3 is also Family Night. The Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade is on July 4 at 9:30 a.m. along Main Street. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. on July 4 and 10:15 p.m. on July 5. Get details at: heritageandfreedomfest.com
Manchester 4th of July Celebration
Come to Schroeder Park in Manchester for the city's annual 4th of July celebration. The free festival includes live music from Butch Wax and the Hollywoods followed by fireworks. Bring your own chairs or blankets for seating during the fireworks. Some food and beverages will be available to purchase at the park. 6 to 9 p.m. on July 4 at Schroeder Park in Manchester. Learn more at manchestermo.gov.
Fourth of July Festival and Parade in Wentzville
Kick off the 4th of July with a parade, then continue the celebration throughout the day with swimming, live music, inflatables and a fireworks show. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Wentzville Ice Arena. After the parade, the celebration continues in Progress Park, where there will be free swimming at Progress Pool (tickets or resident cards only). All are invited to the fireworks show at Progress Park, which will start at 9:30 p.m.
For more information, visit wentzvillemo.org.
Grafton Independence Day Fireworks
Head to Lighthouse Park in Grafton, Illinois for a spectacular fireworks display over the Mississippi River. The fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. and all are welcome. Learn more at riversandroutes.com.
3rd of July Fireworks at Twin Oaks Park
Enjoy a 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on July 3 in Twin Oaks Park. This annual, very popular fireworks show includes live musical entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. Guests are welcome to set up lawn chairs and blankets. The fireworks show is free and begins at approximately 9:15 p.m. at Twin Oaks Park near Highway 141 and Big Bend. For more information visit cityoftwinoaks.com.
Fireworks Over O'Fallon (Illinois)
Gather at the O'Fallon, Illinois Sports Park on July 3rd to enjoy a stunning fireworks display at dusk. Guests can bring blankets or chairs to enjoy the show.
To find even more family fun, visit our Things To Do calendar and get our daily Family Fun newsletter.
Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.
At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Splash and play with your little one in this fun morning activity. No registration is necessary.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Meet up in Forest Park for a fun storytime followed by nature adventures! These free story times are open to children of all ages and their caregivers.