By Sally Tippett Rains
America is celebrating a big milestone birthday—250 years—and there will be events all over the United States to commemorate it. We will concentrate on the celebrations that are relevant to our STL audience, which includes activities on both sides of the Mississippi River. If you have anything to add to this list, let us know and we’ll add it.
Background on America 250: “America 250.org” is the official non-partisan organization established by Congress to plan the 250th anniversary of the U.S. in 2026. The Congressional America250 Caucus includes over 400 members from both parties.
It was set up to be non-partisan, non-political so that is the spirit we are taking in offering these events and the information included. Regardless of who is president, America has been around for 250 years and this milestone deserves to be celebrated. A lot of people are working hard to commemorate this milestone. If you know of any others that aren’t mentioned here let us know
For information about the national celebrateion: https://america250.org/
It looks like the Red, White and Glow at Brookdale Farms will be one of the first in a long list of celebrationss, and it is coming up May 16.
Attend the Events in Style!
Patriotic Merch for the America 250 Celebrations (as seen on this page)
Red “There’s no U.S. Without all of US” tee shirt— comes in white, blue, black. CLICK HERE
Red baseball cap: “We the People Celebrating 250 Years”– comes in black and navy CLICK HERE
White “America, Baseball Hot Dogs & Apple Pie 250 Years” (shown below, right) CLICK HERE
MAY
May 9- Eugene Field House A free poetry event on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 1 p.m.focused on themes including patriotism, nature, and local history. Field House Museum Garden (634 S. Broadway, St. Louis)
May 16- Scouting event:Jefferson Barracks Veterans Honor Hike & Food Drive. This event offers flexible hikes to visit memorials, monuments, and hear stories from veterans to mark the 250th anniversary. https://scoutingevent.com/312-26GThike#:~:text=2026%20Jefferson%20Barracks%20Veterans%20Honor,%E2%80%93%20Powder%20Magazine%20Museum%20Area
For the America 250 tee shirt shown right, CLICK HERE.
Sat. May 16 Red, White & Glow at Brookdale Farms
Don’t Miss this Unforgettable Patriotic Kickoff-– Brookdale Farms
May 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Brookdale Farms, 8004 Twin River Rd, Eureka, MO 63025, USA
At the time this article was posted tickets were $25 if you get them ahead of time, so check it out today. They will be significantly higher at the door.
Red, White & Glow is Brookdale Farms’ first-ever patriotic summer kickoff in Eureka, Missouri—featuring a hot air balloon glow, live eagle appearance, Clydesdales, fireworks finale, live music, food vendors, and all-ages fun just minutes from St. Louis.
“I absolutely believe this event is a kickoff to the America 250 celebration for our area,” said Danyelle Kampen, Director of Operations at Brookdale Farms, a family-owned business. She has worked at the farm since she was 18 years old.
“This place is very special to me personally as well as professionally,” she said. “The idea for the event really came from wanting to create something that celebrates patriotism, community, and the people who serve our country every day. My husband is a former Marine, so honoring our military and first responders is something that means a great deal to our family. We wanted to create an event that felt proudly American — bringing families together for a night of music, tribute, and celebration leading into the America 250 spirit.”
They will be making a donation to the Josh Chamberlain Society, which assists injured veterans and military families.
“This is incredibly important to us and aligns perfectly with the purpose behind the celebration,” she told STL Sports Page. “We’re excited to have the United States Air Force Band performing from 6:30 PM to 7:50 PM, with a DJ playing music throughout the rest of the evening.”
The entertainment and the whole event is really designed to be a fun, patriotic family experience and tribute to those who have served and continue to serve.
“We’re proud to host what we believe is one of the first large America 250-style celebrations in the St. Louis area, and we hope it helps build excitement leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary.”
WHAT TO EXPECT
Signature Experiences
Hot Air Balloon Rides & Glow (after dark)- Red, White & Blue Fireworks Finale
- Live Eagle Appearance (6–8 PM)
- Clydesdales on-site (6–8 PM)
- Live Music
- Touch-a-Truck Experiences (including military vehicles)
- Car “Smash” Experience
- Foam Party + Inflatables
- Horse-Drawn Hayrides
- Fête Photo Booth Print Included With Every GA Ticket
- Food & Market Vendors
For a limited time, General Admission: $25.00 per person
Military & First Responder: $20 (ID required for purchase)
Price for General Admission at the gate: $55
Limited quantity available at gate only the day of the event, May 16, 2026
Military & First Responder: $50 (ID required for purchase)
Gene-Del Printing has signs for $5
Stop by Gene-Del Printing and pick up your yard sign, which comes with the stakes. Gene-Del is located at 9019 Manchester Rd, St. Louis, MO 63144.
They are hard plastic and will withstand rain and other St. Louis weather.
May 25- Jefferson Barrack’s Memorial Day Ceremony
JUNE:
Sat. June 13- Crestwood-Sunset Hills’s 250th Anniversary Celebration of the U.S.A.
Celebrate our nation’s patriotism and heritage with the cities of Sunset Hills and Crestwood as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
A day of patriotism and fun for all ages, including:
- FLAG MARCH • 10 a.m.
From Truman Middle School to Watson Trail Park - LISTEN • 10:30 a.m.
Welcoming remarks and announcement of prize winners - LUNCH • 11 a.m.
BBQ (while supplies last) - SWIM • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Free admission to the Sunset Hills Aquatic Facility for those in red, white, and blue - WATCH • 8:30 p.m.
Free screening of the movie “1776” under the stars at the Sunset Hills Community Center
Co-presented by:
- Southwest Area Chamber of Commerce, John Sappington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Spirit of St. Louis Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, City of Sunset Hills, City of Crestwood.
Sponsored By: Sunset Ford, Rotary International, Lou Realty Group, Senior Concierge, Miner’s Towing, Helen Fitzgerald’s , Hampton Inn Sunset Hills, Comfort Suites Sunset Hills
June 27- Belleville, Illinois- Liberty and Legacy Parade
The City of Belleville will hold the Liberty and Legacy Parade commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and we hope that you will join us. We have included a letter from Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer, an entry form, parade guidelines, and a map. Please review, and if you would like to join us, please return to Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer, via email at jmeyer@belleville.net, or via mail at 101 S Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220. Please return the registration no later than May 20, 2026.
Belleville’s Liberty and Legacy Parade Information
State of Missouri:
There is a list of celebrations all over the state at ShowMe250.mo.gov
“As July 4, 2026 approaches, Missourians across the state are invited to participate in celebrating the birth of our great nation! Many recall the events and activities of 1976 that revived the patriotic spirit of Americans. What part will you play in the great revival of 2026? Whether it is attending a parade, celebrating in your local community, or engaging students in your classroom, the America 250 Missouri Commission is proud to provide the following resources to help you in your celebration!” – ShowMe205.mo.gov
City of St. Louis:
Celebrate St. Louis is an incredible event that brings people from across the country together to honor America’s Biggest Birthday Party. This beloved tradition continues to unite our community through unforgettable entertainment, patriotic pride, and shared joy.
For more complete information on America’s Biggest Birthday Party for America 250: CLICK HERE
Chesterfield
4th of July Celebration
Ferguson
Saturday, July 4th, 2026, Parade begins at 10:00am
Parade
The Annual Ferguson 4th of July Parade will begin at 10am sharp starting at the Ferguson Fire Department (200 S. Florissant Rd) & ending at January-Wabash Memorial Park (501 N. Florissant Rd). Be sure to arrive early and get a good spot on the parade route!
Want to be in the Parade?
https://forms.gle/qATejLGo3vmmXQ9Z7
2026 Parade Theme: Parading Through the Holidays
From winter cheer to fall favorites and everything in between, parade entries are invited to showcase their favorite holidays and traditions—each with a patriotic twist. It’s a festive, family-friendly celebration of community, creativity, and red, white, and blue all year long.
Kirkwood, Missoui
Manchester, Missouri
Manchester Celebrates America 250
Head to Schroeder Park on Sunday, June 14 for an all day celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
| Time and Location | Event | Description | |
| 12:30 p.m. Schroeder Park Flag Pole |
Flag Raising Ceremony featuring Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) Color Guard | ||
| 1-3 p.m. Schroeder Park Ball Field |
19th Century Baseball Game featuring Lafayette Square Cyclones and St. Louis Brown Stockings |
Catch a game of America’s Pastime played under rules of the 1860’s, where there were no gloves, pitchers threw underhand, and swung bats that had the weight of telephone poles. | |
| 1-3 p.m. | Baseball Snacks | Purchase peanuts, Cracker Jack and other ball park favorites while catching the 19th Century baseball game. | |
| 1-3 p.m. Schroeder Park Pavilion 1 |
Lineage Stories featuring Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Reenactors | ||
| 2-7 p.m. | Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Reenactors | ||
| 2-7 p.m. Parks Building Parking Lot |
Boots/Tents/Tables/Vendors | ||
| 2-7 p.m. Schroeder Park Parking Lot |
St. Louis County Library Bookmobile | ||
| 2-7 p.m. Schroeder Park Pavilion 2 |
Historic Artisans | ||
| 2-7 p.m. Parks Building Parking Lot |
Wishing Wall | Write your wish for Manchester’s next 250 years and add it to our community display. | |
| 2-3 p.m. Parks Building |
Music – James Labit and Sue Toben | ||
| 3 p.m. Parks Building |
Family History Speaker – Founding American Virtues | What are the virtues of our Founding Fathers? SLCC professor Sahar Joakim Resch, Ph.D., explores the origins of America’s core values and the virtues that shaped the nation. | |
| 4 p.m. Parks Building |
Family History Speaker – Battle of St. Louis (Battle of Fort San Carlos) | Hear the 1780 story of the British attack on the village of St. Louis and the defense to save the town and keep the British from taking control of the MIssissippi RIver during the American Revolution. | |
| 5 p.m. Parks Building |
Family History Speaker – John Hundley | A presentation outlining the documented Revolutionary War service of Hundley’s 46 patriot ancestors, emphasizing their military roles, public service contributions, and the genealogical evidence used to verify each lineage. | |
| 5:45 p.m. Parks Building |
Family History Speaker – James Labit | ||
| 4-5:30 p.m. Schroeder Park Pavilion 1 |
Music – Padre and the Pulse | ||
| 6:30-8:30 p.m. Schroeder Park Amphitheater |
Music – Manchester Community Band presents America 250 | Made up of local residents, the volunteer band will entertain the crowd with a variety of patriotic melodies. | |
| 8:30-9:15 p.m. Schroeder Park Amphitheater |
John and Abigail Adams Performance | ||
| 9:15 p.m. Schroeder Park |
America 250 Fireworks | Cap off the evening by celebrating America’s semisequicentennial with a patriotic fireworks display. | |
Webster Groves, Missouri
There is always a. big celebration in Webster Groves and with America 250 it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. For more CLICK HERE.
- Community Days Parade: 10 a.m., The 2026 Community Days Parade Presenting sponsor is Telle Tire & Auto Centers.
- The parade travels along a two-mile route through the streets of Webster Groves and draws a crowd of thousands of spectators. The parade begins at Lockwood and Mason and ends at Elm and Glendale (Memorial Park). A first place (Best) and an honorable mention (Outstanding) winner will be awarded in each of the following categories: Children’s Entry, Civic Entry, Classic Entry, Commercial Entry, Performing Entry, Visiting Entry, Novelty Unit, Special Judges’ Awards (two awards for deserving units that impress the judges for various reasons). Please note: accessible parking is available at the Webster Groves Presbyterian Church (45 W. Lockwood Ave.).
- Mandatory safety meeting will be held at the Benny Gordon Recreation Center on Thursday, June 25 @ 6:30 pm or Saturday, June 27 @ 9 am. Each parade unit must have 1 person attend one of the meetings or your unit will be disqualified from the parade.
- Independence Day Fireworks: 9:15 p.m. located at Memorial Field. We have a zone set up around the fireworks for the safety of our community. You will not be able to sit inside the safety zone but would be able to view the fireworks safely from anywhere outside of that zone. Please wait until the day of the fireworks to reserve your viewing area. Tarps and blankets placed before the show may be removed to preserve the turf and allow for the set-up of events. Removed items may be claimed at the Benny Gordon Recreation Center.
- For public safety reasons, the Water Park will be closed the entire day of July 4 to ensure the fireworks can be delivered and set up safely.
- The fireworks show for Community Days is sponsored through generous donations from area businesses and residents like you. If you would like to help sponsor this event you may click on the Paypal link below and make an online donation. Or if you would prefer you can mail a check to #33 E. Glendale Road, Webster Groves, MO 63119 attn: Fireworks. Thank you for your support!
State of Illinois
Illinois America 250 is an inclusive, statewide effort to bring together Illinoisans’ diverse perspectives about our history–and our future–as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
Across the state of Illinois, museums, historic sites, community centers, and parks are celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with free programs, exhibits, educational tours, and special events.
For a list of events in Illinois: CLICK HERE
June 27- Belleville, Illinois
The City of Belleville will hold the Liberty and Legacy Parade commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and we hope that you will join us. We have included a letter from Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer, an entry form, parade guidelines, and a map. Please review, and if you would like to join us, please return to Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer, via email at jmeyer@belleville.net, or via mail at 101 S Illinois Street, Belleville, IL 62220. Please return the registration no later than May 20, 2026.
Belleville’s Liberty and Legacy Parade Information
Alton, Illinois- America 250 Events
Event highlights:
Wednesday, July 1 | Haskell Park (1-5 p.m.)
• Giant birthday cake from Duke Bakery
• Kids donut hole eating contest
• Adult donut eating contest
• Live music by Sheafor and Simes
• Food and drink trucks
• Kids activities, including face painting and balloon artists
Thursday, July 2 | Alton Godfrey Rotary Park (4-7 p.m.)
• Live music by American Jackals
• Food and drink trucks
• Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty on stilts
• Kids activities, including face painting and balloon artists
• Broadway shop activations
Friday, July 3 | Alton Amphitheater (5-10 p.m.)
• DJ and U.S. Army Band performance
• Lawn games
• Food and drink trucks
• Fireworks on the Mississippi
Come relish in these star-spangled few days along the Mississippi River!
