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
For the America 250 tee shirt shown right, CLICK HERE.
CELEBRATE 250 ST. LOUIS
This year’s Celebrate St. Louis Fourth of July celebration is expected to be big. The organizers are calling it “under the arch, over the top.” There wil be a Car Show in Ballpark Village and drone shows both July and July 4. The headliner for July 3 is Ludacris along with Zedd and Big Wild, and for the Fourth, Miranda Lambert. Kenny Loggins will also be performing on July 4.
“America’s Birthday Parade” starts at 4 p.m. on July 4th and organizers say that will make it easier for people to come down for the parade and stay for the concerts and fireworks.
One important thing to know: Celebrate 250 St. Louis is cashless. For more on the event: CLICK HERE.
Events at the St. Louis Libraries
| American Girl Historical Crafts | June 13 2026 at 2:00PM | Clark Family Branch | ||
| Book Discussion: America 250 | June 16 2026 at 6:30PM | Meramec Valley Branch | ||
| The American Revolution in St. Louis | June 18 2026 at 6:00PM | Clark Family Branch | ||
| National Park Explorers | June 23 2026 at 2:00PM | Parkview Branch | ||
| Life on the Frontier in Missouri and Illinois | June 25 2026 at 2:00PM | Weber Road Branch | ||
| Special Screening of The American Revolution | June 25 2026 at 6:00PM | Grand Glaize Branch | ||
| Train Day & Historical Military Jackets and Coats Display | June 27 2026 at 9:00AM | Grant’s View Branch | ||
| Historical Military Jackets and Coats | June 27 2026 at 2:00PM | Grant’s View Branch | ||
| The War of 1812 in Missouri and Illinois | July 17 2026 at 2:00PM | Cliff Cave Branch | ||
| Book Discussion: America 250 | July 21 2026 at 6:30PM | Meramec Valley Branch | ||
| Spy Escape Room | July 28 2026 at 2:30PM | Parkview Branch | ||
| The Magic of the Tuskegee Airmen | July 30 2026 at 10:00AM | Daniel Boone Branch | ||
| The Magic of the Tuskegee Airmen | July 30 2026 at 6:00PM | Florissant Valley Branch | ||
| The Magic of the Tuskegee Airmen | July 31 2026 at 10:00AM | Meramec Valley Branch | ||
| The Magic of the Tuskegee Airmen | July 31 2026 at 2:00PM | Weber Road Branch | ||
| Craft Hour for Kids: Flag Creation | August 10 2026 at 6:30PM | Prairie Commons Branch | ||
| Book Discussion: America 250 | August 18 2026 at 6:30PM | Meramec Valley Branch | ||
| How the River Made the City: The Story of St. Louis | October 8 2026 at 2:00PM | Oak Bend Branch | ||
| How the River Made the City: The Story of St. Louis | November 17 2026 at 2:00PM | Bridgeton Trails Branch |
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.
JUNE:
June 26- Affton Elks Club is holding a barbecue with live music event. There will be raffles to benefits veterans. CLICK HERE.
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
JULY 4th!
We will list some of the area festivities but for a more detailed list, check out Explore St. Louis: https://explorestlouis.com/whats-new/fourth-of-july-in-st-louis/
Affton, Missouri
Saturday, July 4, 2026 Whitehaven General Grant Historical Site Free Concert 10 a.m. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
- Time: 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Cost: Free, no tickets or reservations required
- Details: The performance honors America 250 with classic patriotic and Civil War-era marching songs. Bring a lawn chair or blanket (the event moves indoors to the auditorium if there is severe weather).
Brentwood, Missouri
Fourth of July Parade
Bridgeton, Missouri
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- Event: Bridgeton’s Annual Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks
- Location: Bridgeton Municipal Athletic Complex (BMAC), 13161 Taussig Rd, Bridgeton, MO
- Time & Details: The morning parade begins at 10:00 a.m., traveling from Lockport Drive to the Target entrance. The evening festivities at BMAC start at 6:00 p.m. with live music by Almost Famous, concluding with a fireworks display at approximately 9:00 p.m. [1, 2]
City of St. Louis- Celebrate St. Louis America’s Biggest Birthday Party
Celebrate St. Louis, as mentioned above, 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, Missouri
4th of July Celebration
Eureka, Missouri
Fourth of July Celebration
- 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Central Avenue Spur (394 South Central Avenue)
- Musical performance by: Steven Woolley and the Groove
- Fireworks at 9:30 p.m., launched from Drewel Park. The show is a pyro-musical, set to music that will be playing from the stage.
- Vendors
- Theo’s Gyros
- Kona Ice
- Coolers are welcome, but please leave all glass bottles at home.
- Bring picnic blankets or chairs and enjoy some family time at the park
Parking is available in the new lot behind the Central Avenue Spur, Central Avenue or any other public parking location.
Ferguson, Missouri
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.
Florissant, Missouri
Fourth of July elebration
- Location: James J. Eagan Civic Center, 1 James J. Eagan Dr, Florissant, MO
- Time & Details: This all-day celebration features live music by Trixie Delight beginning at 7:30 p.m. as part of the “Music Under the Stars” series. The renowned fireworks display will follow at 9:15 p.m.
Kirkwood, Missouri
The Freedom Festival in Kirkwood has food truck treats which will satisfy your cravings, live music, and a stunning firework display will provide the perfect patriotic ending to the day.
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. | |
O’Fallon, Missouri
There is a lot going on in O’Fallon, Missouriw with their Heritage and Freedom Festival For more: CLICK HERE.
O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest parade is one of the largest and most colorful in the area. The parade draws a crowd of thousands proudly dressed in red, white, and blue, and cheering for the patriotic parade entries vying for cash prizes and trophies.
O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Parade officially kicks off the City’s Independence Day celebration at July 4th at 9:30 a.m. The parade route starts at the corner of Main Street and Civic Park Drive, continuing north on Main Street to Tom Ginnever Avenue, where it turns east, ending at T.R. Hughes Boulevard near the entrance to the festival grounds. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic closures and find a spot along the route.
St. Charles
St. Charles Riverfest July 3 and 4
The charming atmosphere and riverfront location of St. Charles, Missouri, make it an ideal place to celebrate Independence Day. Riverfest features two days of Fourth of July events – think live music, scrumptious snacks, cold drinks and spectacular fireworks. Spending the holiday with kids? Riverfest also has a carnival and other children’s activities.
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!
