Lighting Up the Night Sky: Places to Watch Fireworks on the Fourth of July in St. Charles, St. Louis County

If you're looking for a way to celebrate the Fourth of July, the St. Louis area has it covered. With a vast array of fireworks displays, parades, live music, fairs and festivals, there's no shortage of activities. Here are five of the largest Independence Day events west of the Mississippi.

St. Charles Riverfest
When: 5 p.m.–11 p.m. July 1, 3 p.m.–11 p.m. July 2 and 3, 11:30 a.m.–11 p.m. July 4
Where: South Riverside Drive, St. Charles, MO
Parade: 10 a.m. July 4 at Blanchette Park
Fireworks: 9:20 p.m. July 4
Activities: Carnival rides, children’s entertainment, concessions

O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest
When: 5 p.m.–10 p.m. July 2, noon–11 p.m. July 3, noon–10 p.m. July 4
Where: Ozzie Smith’s Sports Complex
Entertainment: Josh Gracin at 6:30 p.m. July 2, Phil Vassar at 8:15 p.m. July 3, Tonic at 6 p.m. and OK GO at 8:15 p.m. July 4
Fireworks: 10:15 p.m. July 3, 9:45 p.m. July 4
Activities: Carnival rides, children’s entertainment, inflatable bounce houses, game booths, concessions

Fair Saint Louis
When: noon–10 p.m. July 2, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 3 and 4
Where: Gateway Arch grounds
Parade: 10 a.m. July 2 at the corner of Fourth Street and Washington Avenue
Entertainment: Steve Miller Band at 7 p.m. July 2, Maroon 5 at 8 p.m. July 3, Montgomery Gentry at 8 p.m. July 4
Fireworks: 9:15 p.m. July, 2, 3 and 4
Activities: Air shows, live music from local bands, children’s entertainment, concessions

Rockin' on the Landing
When: noon-11 p.m. July 2, 3 and 4
Where: Laclede's Landing
Entertainment:

• 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. SuperJam, from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Contagious, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Metal Studz July 2
• 2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. McLovin, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Trixie Delight, from 8 pm. - 11 p.m. Dirty Muggz
• 2 pm. - 4 p.m. Ricky Lee Tanner, 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Candy Coburn, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Whiskey Dixon

Fireworks: Watch fireworks from Fair St. Louis on the Riverfront. 
Activities: Concessions available from local restaurants

Webster Groves Community Days
When: 5 p.m.–11 p.m. July 1, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. July 2, 1 p.m. – 11 p.m. July 3 and 4
Where: Memorial Park at S. Elm Avenue and E. Glendale Road
Parades: Pet parade at 6 p.m. July 1 at Webster Groves Recreation Complex, Community Days parade at 10 a.m. July 4 at Lockwood and Selma
Entertainment: Phil Stendeck at 8 p.m. July 3, Jumbo Shrimp at 7 p.m. July 4
Fireworks: 9:45 p.m. July 3 and 4
Activities: Carnival rides, game booths, barbecue, Miss Webster Groves Pageant, rubber duck races

If you want to avoid major crowds and traffic or if you just want to stay closer to home, check out these smaller community events.   

Wentzville Independence Day Celebration
When: noon–9:30 p.m. July 4
Where: Progress Park, 968 Meyer Rd.
Parade: 3 p.m. on West Pearce Boulevard
Entertainment: Radio Rich

Fireworks: 9:05 p.m.

Activities: Free swimming noon–7 p.m., inflatable bounce houses, clowns, balloon sculpting, concessions.

Florissant 4th of July Festivities
When: 7:30 p.m. July 4
Where: Florissant Valley Park at the intersection of Parker Road and Waterford Drive
Entertainment: Northwinds Concert Band at 7:30 p.m.
Fireworks: At dusk

Hazelwood Independence Day Celebration
When: Shuttle buses to the park begin at 7 p.m. July 4
Where: White Birch Park
Fireworks: At dusk

Chesterfield 4th of July Event
When: 7 p.m.–10 p.m. July 4
Where: Chesterfield Mall parking lot between Macy’s and Dillard’s
Entertainment: Blues Plus Band from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks: 9:30 p.m.
Activities: Children’s entertainment, concessions

Clayton 4th of July Celebration
When: 1 p.m.-4 p.m. July 4
Where: Shaw Park Aquatic Center, 111 South Brentwood Blvd.
Activities: Games, door prizes and free popsicles

Kirkwood Community Freedom Festival
When: 6 p.m. July 4
Where: Kirkwood Park at the intersection of Adams and Geyer roads
Entertainment: Fanfare at 7 p.m.
Fireworks: At dusk
Activities: Concessions

Manchester July 4th Party in the Park
When: 6 p.m. July 4
Where: Schroeder Park, 359 Old Meramec Station Rd.
Entertainment: Sundance & Brass band at 6 p.m.
Fireworks: 9:15 p.m.
Activities: Concessions available at the pool

Town & Country Fire & Ice Festival
When: 6:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Town & Country Crossing west of Target
Entertainment: Featherstone Drive Band and co-performances with the Town & Country Symphony Orchestra.
Fireworks: At dusk
Activities: Taste of Town & Country featuring several local restaurants, inflatable bounce houses, clowns, concessions