Independence Day 2011 in St. Louis means parades, music, fireworks and fun. There's always Fair St. Louis, but don't count out the parties thrown by smaller cities and communities. Webster Groves Community Days, for example, is one of the best (and best attended) 4th of July celebrations in the region. Bottom line, there are dozens of places to gather with family and friends to celebrate all things American. Here's information on 15 places to spend your 4th of July 2011 in the St. Louis area.
What's your favorite July 4th celebration? Let us know here.
1. Fair St. Louis
Photo courtesy Celebrate St. Louis
Fair St. Louis festivities are July 2, 3 & 4 under the Gateway Arch. Kids will enjoy the games and crafts at the K-Town Kids Zone. There's fair food to fit any taste and the air shows are back this year. Most visitors plan their day around the free concerts and fireworks. The Steve Miller Band, Maroon 5 and Montgomery Gentry are this year's headliners. And of course the Fair's fireworks display is not to be missed!
July 2, 2011
Noon - Fair opens
7 p.m. - Steve Miller Band
9:15 p.m. - Fireworks
July 3, 2011
11 a.m. - Fair opens
8 p.m. - Maroon 5
9:15 p.m. - Fireworks
July 4, 2011
11 a.m. - Fair Opens
8 p.m. - Montgomery Gentry
9:15 p.m. - Fireworks
2. Webster Groves Community Days
One day just isn't enough to celebrate Independence Day in Webster Groves. Community Days is a four-day celebration featuring a carnival, BBQ, parade and fireworks. It's truly an old-fashioned event that draws visitors from around the St. Louis area. The festival's held July 1st through 4th at Memorial Park, just south of Interstate 44 off the Elm Avenue exit.
July 1, 2011
5 p.m. - Festival opens
6 p.m. - Pet parade
7 p.m. - Rubber duck races
July 2, 2011
11 a.m. - Festival opens
7:30 p.m. - Miss Webster Groves pageant
July 3, 2011
1 p.m. - Festival opens
9:45 p.m. - Fireworks preview
July 4, 2011
10 a.m. - Parade
1 p.m. - Festival opens
9:45 p.m. - Fireworks spectacular
3. St. Charles Riverfest
St. Charles has played an important role in American history and the town likes to show off its community pride at a celebration called Riverfest. It's held each year in Frontier Park on the banks of the Missouri River. IMPORTANT UPDATE: In 2011, Riverfest is moving to Riverside Drive next to Frontier Park because of flooding concerns. Riverfest is a fun way to celebrate the 4th with carnival rides, a parade and fireworks.
July 1, 2011
5:00 p.m. - 11 p.m. - Carnival games, rides, food
July 2 & 3, 2011
3 p.m. - Carnival opens
July 4, 2011
10 a.m. - Parade
11:30 a.m. - Food booths & carnival open
9:20 p.m. - Fireworks
4. Alton's Mississippi River Fireworks Festival
Photo by Gene Kunz, courtesy the Alton Regional CVB
The town of Alton is a pure slice of Americana, so it's hard to find a better place for an Independence Day festival. Beyond the festival, there's plenty to see and do in and around town (see Top Things to Do Around Alton, Illinois). Plus, because Alton likes to hold its celebration early, you can hit another local celebration on the 4th.
Alton's Mississippi River Fireworks Festival is held at Riverfront Park. There's food, beer, live entertainment and a big fireworks display, set against the beautiful Clark Bridge.
July 2, 2011
7 p.m. - Live music from The Glendale Riders
9 p.m. - Fireworks
10 p.m. - More live music
5. Hertiage & Freedom Fest, O'Fallon, MO
O'Fallon, Missouri pulls out all the stops for its Heritage & Freedom Fest at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex. The celebration features an impressive line up of nationally known musicians, including Josh Gracin and Phil Vassar. Of course there's also a parade, carnival, kids activities, food and fireworks.
July 2, 2011
5 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Family night
July 3, 2011
12 p.m. - Festival opens
6:30 p.m. - Josh Gracin
8:45 p.m. - Phil Vassar
10:15 p.m. - Fireworks
July 4, 2011
9:30 a.m. - Parade
12 p.m. - Festival opens
6:00 p.m. - Tonic
8:15 p.m. - OK GO
9:45 p.m. - Fireworks
6. Fourth of July Celebration, Ellisville
For West County residents, Bluebird Park in Ellisville is the place to be on July 4. The event keeps with solid traditions, with vendors selling hot dogs, brats, ice cream and other favorite festival foods. There's also live music and fireworks.
July 4, 2011
6:30 p.m. - Celebration begins
9:30 p.m. - Fireworks
7. Rockin' on the Landing
July 2, 3 & 4 on Laclede's Landing is filled with live music, food and drinks. Top local bands will be playing on outdoor stages from 1 p.m. until 11 p.m. Street vendors will be selling all kinds of food or you can always stop in at one of the Landing's many restaurants like Morgan Street Brewery, Hannegan's or Jake's Steaks. The Landing is also a great location to watch the fireworks from Fair St. Louis.
July 2, 3 & 4, 2011
1 p.m. - Live music begins
9:15 p.m. - Watch Fair St. Louis fireworks
8. Kirkwood Freedom Festival
Residents and visitors will gather in Kirkwood Park on July 4 for the city's annual Freedom Festival. Everyone is invited to enjoy an evening of live music, food and fireworks.
July 4, 2011
7 p.m. - Live music from Fanfare
Dusk - Fireworks
9. Chesterfield Celebration & Fireworks
Chesterfiled holds its Independence Day celebration on the parking lot of Chesterfield Mall on the northwest side, between Macy's and Dillard's. There will be children's activities, live music, food and fireworks. Everyone is encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.
July 4, 2010
7 p.m. - Children's activities
7:30 p.m. - Live music begins
9:30 p.m. - Fireworks
10. Ferguson Family Fun Festival
Ferguson celebrates the 4th of July with an all-day celebration for the whole family at January Wabash Park. There's a parade, children's entertainment, food, music and fireworks.
July 4, 2011
10 a.m. - Parade
12 p.m. - Opening ceremonies
9:15 p.m. - Fireworks
