Fair St. Louis has been a 4th of July tradition for more than three decades. The Archgrounds and Mississippi Riverfront are St. Louis' favorite place to celebrate Independence Day. In 2012, the Fair will run for three days: July 4, 6 and 7. The Fair will feature air shows, free concerts and fireworks displays. Here's information on the parade, concerts, kids activities, food and fireworks. Plus, you'll find valuable tips for getting around downtown, where to parking and other ideas to help you have a great time at Fair St. Louis 2012.
The VP Parade:
One of the oldest Independence Day traditions in St. Louis is the Veiled Prophet Parade. The 135th annual parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on July 4. If you want a good spot along the parade route, it's best to get there early. Every year, thousands of visitors turn out to see the marching bands, giant balloons and colorful floats.
The parade begins at Washington and 4th Street, makes its way south on 4th to Market Street, then heads west on Market to Union Station.
The parade begins at Washington and 4th Street, makes its way south on 4th to Market Street, then heads west on Market to Union Station.
Food & Family Fun:
Food is always one of the big draws at Fair St. Louis. You'll find all kinds of foods to satisfy your tastes, including funnel cakes, corn dogs, gyros and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Another dining option would be to visit one of the restaurants in Laclede's Landing just north of the fairgrounds.
The Fair also has an activity area for just for the kids. The K-Town Kids Zone will entertain your children with games, crafts and performances by local dancers and musicians. The Kids Zone opens at noon on Wednesday, July 4, at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 6, and at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 7.
Air Shows:
The Air Shows are back again for the 2012 Fair. There will be two air shows during the fair featuring a variety of military jets, stunt planes and other aircraft. The first air show is at noon on July 4. The date and time of the second air show will be announced later. Each air show should last at least 90 minutes. See pictures of the July 3, 2010, air show and other sights from the Fair.
Live Concerts:
Other than the Fair's fireworks, most crowds come to Fair St. Louis to see the live concerts. This year, there are three mainstage shows under the Arch. Heart performs on July 4 at 8 p.m., Third Eye Blind on July 6 at 8 p.m., and Dierks Bentley on July 7 at 8 p.m. It's best to find your spot early because the Archgrounds fill up quickly. There's also more free music this summer at Celebrate St. Louis Summer Concerts (Live on the Levee.)
Fireworks Display:
Few locations make a better setting (or frame) for fireworks than the Gateway Arch. The display is set to music and each burst of fireworks reflects off the stainless steel Arch and echos off the buildings downtown.
The show is scheduled to begin each night at about 9:15 p.m., but don't wait until the last minute to make your way downtown. The Archgrounds begin filling up hours earlier, with people staking out their spots with blankets and lawn chairs (by 8:30 p.m., most of the grass will be covered by a patchwork of blankets). The grass under the Gateway Arch is no doubt the best place to see the fireworks and hear the music, but if you don't make it in time, you can still see the fireworks all over downtown.
Parking and Transportation:
All of the entertainment and activities at the Fair are free, but be prepared to pay for parking. Expect to pay at least $20 to $25 for the parking lots and covered garages closest to the Archgrounds. Also keep in mind, the Cardinals are in town all three days of the fair so there will be baseball traffic to deal with as well. Some good options for parking are the Stadium East and West garages near Busch Stadium, the S&H surface lots at 4th Street and Cerre, and the parking lots near Laclede's Landing and the Edward Jones Dome.
Leaving the Fair:
However, it's higly recommended you skip the parking hassle altogether. After the fireworks, police direct all traffic into just a couple of routes leading out of downtown. It's not uncommon to wait 30 minutes just to exit the garage or lot, and another 30 minutes before you reach the highway.
There are two ways you can avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic. The first option is to ride Metrolink to the Fair. The nearest stations are Laclede's Landing, 8th and Pine, and Busch Stadium. A one-way ticket is $2.25 for adults or $1.10 for seniors and children.
Or, if you did drive your own vehicle downtown, simply wait out the traffic. You can't hang around the Archgrounds (police move in quickly to clear everyone out), but you can make your way to one of the various restaurants, bars or lounges downtown or in Laclede's Landing for a drink, late meal or snack. Call ahead of time to see who's open late, who's kitchen will be open and even if they're taking reservations. Plan on the fireworks being over before 10 p.m., and traffic clearing out by 11 p.m.
There are two ways you can avoid the frustration of sitting in traffic. The first option is to ride Metrolink to the Fair. The nearest stations are Laclede's Landing, 8th and Pine, and Busch Stadium. A one-way ticket is $2.25 for adults or $1.10 for seniors and children.
Or, if you did drive your own vehicle downtown, simply wait out the traffic. You can't hang around the Archgrounds (police move in quickly to clear everyone out), but you can make your way to one of the various restaurants, bars or lounges downtown or in Laclede's Landing for a drink, late meal or snack. Call ahead of time to see who's open late, who's kitchen will be open and even if they're taking reservations. Plan on the fireworks being over before 10 p.m., and traffic clearing out by 11 p.m.
