Independence Day 2013 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 2013 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 4, 5 & 6 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. Trace Adkins, Bret Michaels and the Counting Crows are this year's headliners. And of course the Fair's fireworks display is not to be missed! Read more about Fair St. Louis.
July 4, 2013
9:30 a.m. - VP Parade
Noon - Fair opens
8 p.m. - Trace Adkins
9:20 p.m. - Fireworks
July 5, 2013
Noon - Fair opens
8 p.m. - Bret Michaels
9:20 p.m. - Fireworks
July 6, 2013
Noon - Fair Opens
8 p.m. - Counting Crows
9:20 p.m. - Fireworks
2. 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. Riverfest is a fun way to celebrate the 4th with carnival rides, a parade and fireworks. Read more about St. Charles Riverfest.
July 4, 2013
10 a.m. - Parade
5 p.m. - Food booths & live music
9:20 p.m. - Fireworks
3. 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 Jack Ingram and Cowboy Mouth. Of course there's also a parade, carnival, kids activities, food and fireworks. Read more about O'Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest.
July 2, 2013
5 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Family night
July 3, 2013
5 p.m. - Festival opens
6:30 p.m. - Josh Kelley
8:45 p.m. - Jack Ingram
10:15 p.m. - Fireworks
July 4, 2013
9:30 a.m. - Parade
12 p.m. - Festival opens
5:30 p.m. - Cowboy Mouth
8 p.m. - Spin Doctors
9:30 p.m. - Fireworks
4. 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 3rd through 6th at Memorial Park, just south of Interstate 44 off the Elm Avenue exit. See pictures of the Community Days Parade.
July 3, 2013
5 p.m. - Festival opens
July 4, 2013
10 a.m. - Parade
11 a.m. - Festival opens
9:30 p.m. - Fireworks
July 5, 2013
5 p.m. - Festival opens
7 p.m. - Miss Webster Groves pageant
July 6, 2013
11 a.m. - Festival opens
9:30 p.m. - Fireworks
5. 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 3, 2013
7 p.m. - Live music
9 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 from the Smash Band and fireworks.
July 4, 2013
6 p.m. - Celebration begins
Fireworks at dusk
7. Rockin' on the Landing
July 4th 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 4-6, 2013
1 p.m. - Live music begins
9:20 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, 2013
7 p.m. - Live music
Fireworks at dusk
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, 2013
7 p.m. - Celebration begins
9 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, 2013
10 a.m. - Parade
12 p.m. - Opening ceremonies
9:15 p.m. - Fireworks
