6 St. Louis Area Fireworks Displays To Watch This Fourth of July

Whether you are visiting “The Gateway to the West” this Independence Day, or you live here, the St. Louis area is home to plenty of ways to celebrate July 4th. From parades, to music, to carnivals, to fireworks, there is sure to be something everyone will enjoy. With so many great options, it can be tough to narrow it down to just one. Below are some of our team’s favorite fireworks displays in the Greater St. Louis area to help you decide!

Please note: This article was written amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and at the time of writing, many fairs and festivals have modified procedures and limited activities. Visit the event website directly for the most up-to-date information and procedures.

Photo Credit: Fair St. Louis Facebook Page 

1. Fair St. Louis - Downtown St. Louis, MO

It is only fitting that this be the first on our list. After all, what is more “St. Louis” than watching fireworks over the Mississippi from under the Gateway Arch? Fair St. Louis takes place in downtown St. Louis, and is one of the area's most iconic fireworks displays. Taking place against the backdrop of the mighty Mississippi River and the breathtaking Gateway Arch, this fireworks display will leave you in awe. Traditionally, this is an all day event, with concerts, food, and drink vendors under the St. Louis Arch, but these activities were put on hold in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. 

WEBSITE: Fair St. Louis

ACTIVITIES: Live Music, Food Vendors, Fireworks Display

2021 COVID Modifications: 2021 will not include food vendors or live music. Fireworks will be live streamed at KMOV.com and on the KMOV App. Fair St. Louis encourages spectators to enjoy the fireworks display wherever they can safely view it, including streaming live at home, or from downtown restaurants and hotels. The Gateway Arch National Park grounds are open to the public until 11 p.m. as well.  

2. St. Charles Riverfest - St. Charles, MO

Taking place on another well-known St. Louis area river, is the St. Charles Riverfest. This event is a three-day celebration which includes live music, a carnival, food & craft vendors, and fireworks over the Missouri River in St. Charles County. Taking place in Frontier Park, near Main Street St. Charles, the event offers a charming historic atmosphere which visitors love. One of our favorite parts is the beautiful views as the fireworks reflect off the river. 

This event also includes the Riverfest Parade, hosted each year by the St. Charles Jaycees.  

WEBSITE: St. Charles Riverfest

ACTIVITIES: Parade, Live Music, Food & Craft Vendors, Carnival, Fireworks Display

2021 COVID Modifications: Events will be held without modifications.

Photo Credit: Visit O'Fallon Facebook Page

3. Heritage & Freedom Fest - O’Fallon, MO

O’Fallon, MO is a large municipality about 40 minutes from Downtown St. Louis, in St. Charles County. Each year, they host the Heritage & Freedom Fest in celebration of Independence Day. This is a huge multi-day festival that packs a punch. They feature an impressive lineup of nationally-known musicians, a massive carnival, kid’s activities, food, and fireworks at Ozzie Smith’s Sports Complex.

The Heritage & Freedom fest also includes a parade. If you are feeling really ambitious, you can also take part in their Annual O’Fallon Firecracker 10k/5k & 1 Mile Fun Run which takes place the morning of July 4th. 

WEBSITE: Heritage & Freedom Fest

ACTIVITIES: Parade, 5k/10k & 1 Mile Fun Run, Live Music (Featuring popular country and rock artists), Food Vendors, Carnival & Midway, Fireworks Display

2021 COVID Modifications: Events will be held without modifications. 

4. Liberty Fest - Wentzville, MO

The City of Wentzville hosts their Liberty Fest each year on July 4th. The day’s festivities include a parade, special swim and ice skate sessions at the Wentzville Parks and Recreation facilities, free kids activities, live music, and fireworks. This is a great option especially if you are on a budget since the kids activities are free. They do offer food and drink for purchase if you choose, and the special skate session does charge an admission fee. 

WEBSITE: Wentzville's Liberty Fest

ACTIVITIES: Parade, Special Swim & Skate Session, Live Music, Food & Drink For Sale, Free Kids Activities, Fireworks Display

2021 COVID Modifications: Events will be held without modifications.

Photo Credit: Florissant Parks and Recreation Facebook Page

5. City of Florissant Independence Day Celebration - Florissant, MO

I grew up and spent almost all of my life in Florissant. It is an amazing city, having the highest population in St. Louis County, but keeping a small town feel and charm. I remember watching the Florissant Parks and Recreation Department’s fireworks display outside the James J. Eagan Center. every July 4th for many years. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it here. They typically have live music and food trucks to kick off the evening, followed by, in my humble opinion, the most beautiful firework display in the St. Louis area (seriously, the finale will blow your mind). If you are looking for a laid back atmosphere, with plenty of places to watch from, and one of the best fireworks displays around, this is the place for you!

WEBSITE: City of Florissant Independence Day Celebration

ACTIVITIES: Live Music, Food Trucks, Fireworks

2021 COVID Modifications: Events will be held without modifications. 

6. Chesterfield Fourth of July Celebration - Chesterfield, MO

Located in West St. Louis County, the 4th of July Celebration in Chesterfield, MO offers live entertainment, a kids zone, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display. This is another great option if you are on a budget since the entertainment is free. 

WEBSITE: Chesterfield Fourth of July Celebration

ACTIVITIES: Live Music, Food Trucks, Fireworks

2021 COVID Modifications: Events will be held without modifications. Social distancing is still recommended.  

We’d love to hear from you!

Have you taken part in any of the events we list? What did you love about them? Is there an Independence Day celebration not on this list that your family enjoyed? 

Please comment below and share your feedback about some of our amazing St. Louis area July 4th events and fireworks displays to help others in the St. Louis or St. Charles County areas can decide which ones to check out!

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