courtesy of Flickr/Paul Sableman
U.S.A.! U.S.A.!
What could be a better than a three-day weekend that just so happens to include the Fourth of July? The year 2016 is definitely a good one for anyone feeling patriotic — or just hoping for a little reprieve from work. And if you're into fireworks, boy, have we got a list for you.
Here are fifteen places you can catch a fireworks show in St. Louis this year. Did we miss something good? Leave the details in the comments section. Happy Fourth!
1. All-American Weekend in Sauget
The River City Rascals and the Gateway Grizzlies play their annual cross-town rivalry series over the Fourth of July weekend, and while both may be minor league teams, they’re doing it up in major way. All four games (6:35 p.m. Friday through Monday, July 1 to 4) include post-game fireworks, plus hat giveaways on Friday and a jersey auction on Monday. Tickets are $6 to $15, with seats at the picnic tables and party porch from $36 to $55. July 1-4, 6:35 p.m., $6-$55, www.gatewaygrizzlies.com. GCS Ballpark, 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd., Sauget, 618-337-3000.
2. Chesterfield’s Fireworks Celebration
Celebrate Independence Day with a party on the west parking lot of Chesterfield Mall. Mclovin plays on the main stage from 7 to 9:30 p.m., and there will be food trucks and a variety of activities for the kids. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Mon., July 4, 7 p.m., free. Chesterfield Mall, Clarkson Road & Chesterfield Parkway S., Chesterfield, 636-532-0777.
3. Edwardsville’s Independence Day Celebration
Festivities starts at 2 p.m. with the raising of the flag followed by an old-time carnival slate of activities beginning at 3 p.m. The fun includes a ring toss, balloon darts, duck and fish ponds, plinko and much more. There will also be inflatables, face painting and even a hot dog eating contest at 6:30 p.m. The fireworks show begins at dusk. Sat., July 2, Free. American Legion Post Golf Course, 58 S. State Route 157, Edwardsville, 618-656-9774.
4. Fair St. Louis
The 2016 Fair St. Louis is once again in Forest Park, Saturday through Monday (July 2 to 4; www.fairsaintlouis.org). The only exception is the VP Parade, which takes place downtown at Seventh and Market streets at 10 a.m. Saturday. Live music includes Show-Me Country (the 135th Army country band), Fire for Effect (the 135th Army pop/rock band), Lee Brice (8:45 p.m. Saturday), Eddie Money and Sammy Hagar (6:25 and 8:35 Saturday respectively), and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic (6:25 Saturday). All three nights end with the biggest fireworks display on this side of the state. July 2-4, free admission, www.fairsaintlouis.org. Forest Park, Highway 40 (I-64) & Hampton Ave., St. Louis.
5. Fireworks on the Grafton Waterfront
Local businesses offer food & drink special, games for children and live music. Watch the fireworks over the confluence from the many decks and patios. Sat., July 2, free admission, call 618-786-7000. Grafton Riverfront, Water & Market St., Grafton.
6. Fourth of July Fireworks in Highland
Bring your blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy an evening of family fun at the park. Entertainment will include music, inflatables for children and fireworks. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Coolers will not be permitted in the park. Mon., July 4, 4-9 p.m., free admission, call 618-651-1386. Glik Park, 12525 Sportsman Road, Highland.
7. Godfrey’s Family Fun Fest
Godfrey is sponsoring an evening full of fun and fireworks. On hand to celebrate Independence Day there will be vendors and concessions, inflatables, bungee bounce, a zip line, cow train, games, arts & crafts, a fire truck, a face-painting clown and a special veterans recognition ceremony. The Great Godfrey Maze’s theme will be unveiled to the public, with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Mon., July 4, 5-9:30 p.m. Robert E. Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane off Route 67, Godfrey, 618-466-1483.
8. Granite City’s Independence Day Festivities
Granite City Park District celebrates the Fourth with carnival rides, a concert and carriage rides, plus food. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Mon., July 4, Free admission, call 618-877-3059. Wilson Park, 2900 Benton St., Granite City.
9. Mississippi River Fireworks Festival
The City of Alton presents this annual Fireworks Festival along the Alton Riverfront. Gates for the event at the Liberty Bank Amphitheater open at 5 p.m. Enjoy food, drink, live music from Hudson & the Hoo Doo Cats and a fireworks display over the Mississippi River. A special VIP ticket can be purchased for an upgraded experience, which includes parking close to the venue. The fireworks display is set to take off around 9:15 p.m. Sun., July 3, 5 p.m., free, call 618-465-6676. Alton Riverfront Amphitheater, 1 Henry St, Alton.
10. O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest
If you’re looking for a family-friendly Fourth, the O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest has you covered with its family day from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 2. It’s an old-fashioned carnival, complete with a midway, rides, games, cotton candy and carnival food. The next two nights (Sunday and Monday, July 3 and 4) are for country and rock & roll, respectively. Love and Theft, Chase Bryant and the USAF Band of Mid-America play roots and blues on Sunday. Kongos, Trixie Delight and Sister Hazel rock out Monday. There are side shows, crafters and vendors both days. Admission is free all three days, but the carnival rides require tickets. Sat., July 2, 2-10 p.m.; Sun., July 3, 2-11 p.m.; Mon., July 4, 12-10 p.m., free admission, www.heritageandfreedomfest.com. Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, 900 TR Hughes Blvd., Saint Charles.
11. Red, White and Brew in St. Charles
Watch St. Charles’ Riverfest 2016 fireworks from the spacious patio at Llewelyn’s Pub, which overlooks the Missouri River. The BBQ buffet includes pork steaks, brats and hot dogs. Your ticket comes with three drink tickets. Mon., July 4, 4 p.m., $50. Llywelyn’s Pub-St. Charles, 100 Main St., St. Charles, 636-724-6823.
12. Red, White and You in Eureka
Celebration Destination America and USA Today present a special Fourth of July party. Enjoy a kids’ zone, a salute to fallen Marine Riley Baker and food trucks. That 80s Band plays at 8:15 p.m. and the fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Sat., July 2, 5 p.m., free admission, www.eureka.mo.us/visitors/special-city-wide-events/july-4th/. Legion Park, 333 Bald Hill Rd, Eureka.
13. Riverfest 2016 in St. Charles
Four days of fun, food and fireworks take place in Frontier Park, with live music every day from bands such as Cree Rider Family Band, John Henry and the Funky Butt Brass Band. A children’s area features art projects by Foundry Art Centre, the Bubble Bus cranks it up every day, and food and craft vendors will be on hand. Parade starts at 10 a.m. Monday. Fri., July 1, 5-10:30 p.m.; Sat., July 2, 12-10:30 p.m.; Sun., July 3, 12-10:30 p.m.; Mon., July 4, 12-10:30 p.m., free admission. Frontier Park, First Capitol Dr & S Riverside Drive, St Charles.
14. Busch Stadium
There’s nothing more American than watching a ballgame while enjoying a beer and brat, and the Cardinals just so happen to start a four-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on America’s birthday. The fun starts at 1:15 p.m. Monday, The Monday game includes a throwback pillbox cap giveaway inspired by the one the Cards wore during the ‘76 season. Wednesday’s big giveaway is a John Goodman bobblehead, with Goodman also making an appearance at the game. Mon., July 4, 1:15 p.m.; Tue., July 5, 7:09 p.m.; Wed., July 6, 7:15 p.m.; Thu., July 7, 12:45 p.m., $5-$295.90. Busch Stadium, Broadway & Poplar St., St. Louis, 314-345-9600.
15. Troy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
Bring your blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy an evening of family fun provided by the Troy Fire Department at at Tri Township Park. Mon., July 4, 4-9 p.m., free admission, call 618-651-1386. Tri Township Park, 409 Collinsville Road, Troy.
