Where to Celebrate Fourth of July in St. Louis

Summer's biggest holiday is approaching fast! Families across the area are making plans for barbecues, picnics, fireworks, music and merriment to celebrate Independence Day. If you're searching for ideas of where to catch some "oohs" and "ahhs," here's a look at some of St. Louis' top family-friendly Fourth of July celebrations.    

1. Fair St. Louis (7/2-7/4) America’s Biggest Birthday Party returns to Forest Park, where thousands of attendees will turn out to enjoy food, free live music by national and local acts, a "Pay to Play Zone" for kids of all ages, and, of course, the region's largest fireworks display every evening. For the full schedule of events, entertainment and important information on parking, visit fairsaintlouis.org.

2. St. Charles Riverfest (7/1-7/4) This four-day celebration takes place along the beautiful banks of the Missouri River in St. Charles' Frontier Park. Families will enjoy live music, carnival attractions, food and craft vendors, the Bubble Bus and a special Children's Area, as well as a July 4^th Parade. Fireworks at 9:20 p.m. on Monday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 4. For a complete schedule, visit historicstcharles.com.

3. July 4^th Fest at Six Flags (7/2-7/4) Celebrate the holiday riding roller coasters at St. Louis' favorite amusement park. Hit the rides, meet Wonder Woman, enjoy a DJ-hosted all-American dance party in the Studio Backlot, and cool off in the giant wave pool at Hurricane Harbor. Cap off the day with a full fireworks display each night of the festival choreographed to a classic patriotic soundtrack. Bring a can of Coca-Cola to the park to save $15 off the general admission price. Visit sixflags.com/stlouis for more details.

4. Heritage Freedom Fest in O’Fallon (7/2-7/4) Enjoy a fun, family-friendly celebration at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex in O'Fallon, Mo. that includes live music, kids' activities, carnival rides and food, crafters and merchandise vendors, and a dazzling display of fireworks at 10:15 p.m. on July 3 and 9:30 p.m. on July 4.  The carnival is the focus on Family Night, July 2. Stroll the midway and play games, eat carnival-style food and enjoy thrilling rides all night long. For complete information, visit heritageandfreedomfest.com.

5. Webster Groves Community Days (7/1-7/4) One of the most popular community celebrations in the area, Webster Groves Community Days returns to Memorial Park for four days of family-friendly fun including a carnival midway, Webster Groves Lion's Club barbecue fundraiser, the Miss Webster Pageant (July 2), a July 4^th Parade and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on July 3 and July 4. For a complete schedule and information, visit webstergroves.org.

6. Chesterfield 4th of July Fireworks Celebration (7/4) Head to Chesterfield Mall to celebrate the 4th and see one of the area’s biggest and best fireworks shows. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. on the Fourth with Fireworks from 9:30-10 p.m. The Commerce Bank Kid's Zone features Circus Kaput, a two-hour circus show, as well as 15 carnival games, inflatable bounce houses, slides and an obstacle course to keep the kids entertained before the fireworks show. The Monschein Team Main Stage will feature live music from Fat Pocket, St. Louis’ highest energy party band. For a complete schedule and more info, visit chesterfield.mo.us.

7. Godfrey Family Fun Fest with Fireworks (7/4) Head to the quaint village of Godfrey, Ill on Fourth of July for this celebration in Robert E Glazebrook Park. The starts at 5 p.m. and kicks off with a Patriot Bike Decorating contest and parade for children ages 5-11 years. Entry forms are available at the Parks office and participants must register by Friday, June 30. Fireworks start at 9:15. For more information, visit godfreyil.org.

8. JB Blast (7/1) Take the family to historic Jefferson Barracks Park in South County to enjoy music under the stars performed by the Air Force Band of Mid-America, Shades of Blue in the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater and a brilliant fireworks display. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and fireworks will start around 9. Concessions will be available for purchase. More information is available at the event's Facebook page.

9. Alton Fireworks Spectacular (7/3) Enjoy fireworks from the Illinois side against the backdrop of the Clark Bridge and the Mississippi River. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. on Monday, July 3 at the Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater and the Airforce Band of the Midwest will perform before. Admission is free and seating is open on the lawn area. A $25 VIP ticket includes entry to the amphitheater, assigned seating in the VIP area, reserved parking and access to the VIP tent on the side of the stage with private concession booth. For more information, visit visitalton.com.

10. Community Festivals Many of the smaller, local communities throughout the St. Louis area host their own celebrations, including Kirkwood, Eureka, Florissant, Ellisville, Wentzville, Manchester, Twin Oaks and more. If you live nearby, you may be able to catch them from your own back yard.