It’s time to celebrate our country’s independence in the time-honored traditional method: blowing stuff up. Fair Saint Louis is, of course, the big one, under the Arch and featuring A-list entertainment before the fireworks. But not everyone wants to head to the epicenter. Here are a handful of solid picks for places to celebrate your freedom and watch shiny explosions in the night sky. Share your spot in the comments—or keep it secret!
1. Webster Groves Community Days
Check out the Webster Groves Lions Club’s annual carnival and barbecue charity fundraiser, as well as bands, a parade, and a pet parade. Expect fireworks on the 4th and 6th. For $10, park at Hixson Middle School and support the school band. If you don’t want to watch the fireworks among the masses, shell out $10 for The Rec 25th Anniversary party to watch from the pool on July 6. July 3–6; 40 Acres at Elm & Glendale.
2. JB Blast
On Wednesday, party hard and honor those who have served at Jefferson Barracks. The South Side Johnny Band plays in the amphitheater, and a great-looking collection of food trucks keeps the munchies at bay before the fireworks get started around 9 p.m. July 3; Veterans Memorial Amphitheater at Jefferson Barracks Park, 533 Bagby.
3. Kirkwood Community Freedom Festival and Fireworks
At 7 p.m. on Thursday, the city of Kirkwood will start the party with bands and food trucks, and fireworks once it gets dark. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on. If it rains, come back on Friday. West Adams will be closed to vehicles from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. or so. July 4; Kirkwood City Park, 111 S. Geyer.
4. CWE Rooftop Fireworks Celebration
Admission is free but reservations are required for this rooftop soirée courtesy of Mac Properties. Eyeball the fireworks from above it all and play beer pong and other outdoor summer classics before the fireworks start. July 4, 8–10 p.m.; Parc Frontenac Apartments, 40 N. Kingshighway.
5. July 4th Fest with Six Flags and Coca-Cola
Six Flags certainly knows how to bring the thrills. There’s a lot going on for the holiday, so plan your visit online before you go. Visitors can get first crack at rides, play in a foam cannon, enjoy an All-American Food Festival, and set a record (hopefully) for the largest group toast in the U.S. Ticket prices vary by start at $44.99 for general admission, and some events require additional entry. July 3–6; 4900 Six Flags, Eureka.
6. Alton Fireworks Spectacular
Head across the river for the breathtaking spectacle of fireworks on the Mississippi. They get underway at about 9:30 p.m. Because of the recent flooding, the concerts and other festivities have been canceled, but finding a good time and a bite to eat before the show is an easy thing to do in Alton—those folks know how to party. July 3; Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, 2403 Homer Adams, Alton.
7. July 4th Spectacular Fireworks Party
Chilling out 400 feet above seems like a great way to take in the fireworks downtown. The ever-swanky Three Sixty will surely be a hot spot. Between 7 p.m and 10 p.m. all three days, the restaurant offers VIP and reserved seating. They’ll open early, at noon, all three days as well. July 4–6; Three Sixty, 1 S. Broadway.
Article originally posted by STLMag
