FRIDAY
Celebrate ӣƵ
- When: 2-10 p.m. July 4
- Where: ӣƵ Riverfront, Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., at and around the Gateway Arch
- How much: Free
- More info:
The annual parade has been moved to the fall and the annual air show doesn't seem to be on the schedule this year, but with the festival returning to two days this year, there will be twice as much fun. There will be live music all day long, highlighted by Russell Dickerson (8:25 p.m. July 3) and Gavin DeGraw (8:10 p.m. July 4), a drone show at 9:25 p.m. July 4 and, of course, the can't-miss fireworks beginning at 9:40 p.m. both nights. By Daniel Neman
Central West End 4th of July Family Parade
People are also reading…
- When: 10 a.m.-noon July 4
- Where: 399 N. Euclid Ave.
- How much: Free
- More info:
Festive attire and flags are encouraged at this family-friendly neighborhood celebration. A brass band–led parade (with songs!) starts everything at 10 a.m., followed by free hot dogs and Sno Cones, plus face painters and balloon twisters. By Daniel Neman
Chesterfield 4th of July Celebration
- When: 6:30 p.m. to dark, July 4
- Where: Chesterfield Athletic Valley Complex, 17925 N. Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield
- How much: Free
- More info:
Vote for Pedro will be the featured band, beginning at 7 p.m., with fireworks starting around 9 p.m. But there will also be a petting zoo, pony rides, inflatable bounce things in the Kids Zone and performers from Circus Kaput, plus food trucks with tempting things to eat and drink. A 5K run ($35) begins at 8:30 a.m. and a Kids Fun Run ($15) starts at 9:30 a.m. By Daniel Neman
City Museum: Electric Sky
- When: 7-11 p.m. July 4
- Where: City Museum, 750 N. 16th St.
- How much: $35, $25 members (includes all-day access to the City Museum)
- More info:
Held on the City Museum's roof (or in the Architecture Hall in case of rain), this party features all of the City Museum's craziness plus face painting, balloon artists, a Ready Go Dog show, a DJ and all of the fireworks displays you can see from the top of the building. By Daniel Neman
Forty-nine ways to have a blast on the Fourth (or the Third, or the Sixth, or late June).
Ferguson, Fireworks, Firefighters & Fun
- When: 6-10 p.m., parade begins at 10 a.m., July 4
- Where: January-Wabash Memorial Park, 501 N. Florissant Road, Ferguson
- How much: Free
- More info:
This year's parade theme is Ferguson, Fireworks, Firefighters & Fun. The festival begins at 6 p.m., with Fatpocket starting to play at 7. There will also be a Kids Zone and food before fireworks start around 9:15 or 9:30 p.m. By Daniel Neman
Coast Guard member Mitch Calzadilla listens to Katy Perry’s “Firework” while skateboarding with an American flag cape Thursday, July 4, 2024, on Lindell Boulevard in ӣƵ. “I love America,” Calzadilla said. “Today is America’s birthday. It’s my favorite holiday. It’s what makes me happy.”
St. Charles Riverfest Celebration
- When: 12-10 p.m. July 4-5, 12-5 p.m. July 6
- Where: Frontier Park, 500 S. Riverside Drive, St. Charles
- How much: Free
- More info:
St. Charles does its celebrations right. There will be a carnival each day of this festival, with a balloon artist, face painter and magic show. Ten different bands will perform in a variety of styles. The Fourth of July kicks off with a 10 a.m. parade from Blanchette Park to Boone's Lick, and ends with fireworks (on the Fourth only) beginning at 9:20 p.m., with music simulcast on the radio. By Daniel Neman
SATURDAY
Syleena Johnson
- When: 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. July 5
- Where: City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way
- How much: $45-$65
- More info:
Chicago R&B singer Syleena Johnson released her debut album “Chapter 1: Love, Pain and Forgiveness” in 2001. Her dynamic vocals landed her on the hook of Kanye West’s 2004 hit record “All Falls Down,” adding more credibility to Johnson’s growing brand as a powerful Midwest singer. Over the years, Johnson has remained a familiar face in the industry, releasing nine studio albums and appearing on reality TV shows like “Couples Therapy” and “R&B Divas.” Expect to hear songs from Johnson’s catalog with tracks from her 2024 album “Legacy.” By Jasmine Osby
Max Pryce
- When: 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. July 5-6
- Where: Funny Bone Streets of St. Charles, 1520 S. 5th St. #107, St. Charles
- How much: $10
- More info:
ӣƵ–based comedian Max Pryce is an expert at turning life’s hard times into a hearty laugh. He released his comedy special “Lost in the Sauce” on Amazon Prime in 2024, where he spent 50 minutes discussing everything from overcoming addiction to navigating single fatherhood. Pryce is a natural storyteller who finds humor under every unturned rock he stumbles across. He won the Funniest Person in STL Award in 2021 and has shared stages with folks like Nikki Glaser, Casey Frey, Matt Rife and more. By Jasmine Osby
SUNDAY
Blck Bird Strings
Bell Darris ‘Sip and Symphony’ with Blck Bird Strings
- When: 7 p.m. July 6
- Where: City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way
- How much: $30-$40
- More info:
Violinist Bell Darris is a fan favorite in the ӣƵ performance circuit. She’s played everywhere from the Pageant to Powell Symphony Hall, has won numerous awards for her musicianship and community leadership, and has created platforms for local artists to showcase their work. After sharing stages with acts like John Legend and Anthony Hamilton, Darris brings her rendition of jazz and classical tracks to the City Winery stage. She’s joined by Blck Bird Strings, the ӣƵ-based string quartet that brings fresh flair to chamber music. By Jasmine Osby
Eldraco and Free Nation ‘The Glitter Ball Concert Experience’
- When: 7 p.m. July 5
- Where: The Grandel Theatre 3610 Grandel Square
- How much: $20-$50
- More info:
Get ready for a night of glitter, glitz and glamorous pop music as Eldraco and the Free Nations present the “Glitter Ball Concert Experience.” Currently a Kranzberg Arts Foundation Artist-in-Residence, Eldraco brings a charming flair to pop-soul, infusing bits of funk and psychedelic elements into his fluid sound. His “Glitter Ball” celebrates freedom and self-expression as he performs songs like “Butterflies” and his rendition of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God).” Glitter glamour is the dress code so come dressed to impress in your sequins and metallic fabrics. Eldraco will be accompanied by the Free Nations, Blck Bird String Ensemble and Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Karin Bliznik. By Jasmine Osby
Patti Murin originated the role of Anna in “Frozen” on Broadway. She’ll reprise the role at the Muny this summer. Here she performs as Anna at the 72nd annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in 2018.
‘Fdz’
- When: 8:15 p.m. July 6-14
- Where: Muny, 1 Theatre Drive, Forest Park
- How much: $21-$145, plus free seats
- More info:
Finally! “Frozen” is coming to the Muny. The Disney film about sisters Anna and Elsa captured hearts and the national zeitgeist with its song “Let It Go.” The story is about how Elsa can’t control her power to turn everything into ice as her sister, Anna, struggles to save her. By Rosalind Early
THURSDAY
Jalen Hinton
- When: 7 p.m. July 10
- Where: Helium Comedy Club, 1151 ӣƵ Galleria St.
- How much: $32.99-$42.99
- More info:
With over 3 million online followers, comedian Jalen Hinton has come a long way from being that funny guy from ӣƵ. He’s known for his clean comedic banter and personal stories. Online fans fell in love with his skits depicting real-life scenarios through a funny lens. Hinton is on the road this summer, bringing his comedy to clubs nationwide. He kicks things off with a stop in his hometown at Helium Comedy Club. By Jasmine Osby
Post-Dispatch photographers capture hundreds of images each week; here's a glimpse at the week of June 8, 2025. Video edited by Jenna Jones.
