This St. Louis fireworks display was recently named among top 10 in the nation
A popular St. Louis fireworks display was recently named among the best in the nation by USA Today readers.
The May 20 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 “Best Place to See Fireworks” named Celebrate Saint Louis the No. 8 Best 4th of July Celebration.
“Stars like Elton John, Martina McBride, and Nelly have taken the stage at St. Louis’ annual 4th of July weekend party, which is free of charge to attend,” USA Today’s analysis read.
This year’s Celebrate Saint Louis event is “Celebrate 250,” a special, two-day event in honor of America’s 250th anniversary under the Gateway Arch. Along with “one of the most advanced fireworks and drone shows ever produced on the Mississippi Riverfront,” the July 3 to 4 event will feature live concerts, a Fourth of July parade and family friendly activities.
Miranda Lambert and Zedd will headline the concerts, and other performances will include Ludacris, Big Wild, Rebirth Brass Band and more.
“It’s an honor to see St. Louis recognized nationally because our region deserves that spotlight. Our community and its visitors deserve the best, which is why every year we set out to give them exactly that: the most amazing fireworks in America. St. Louis shows up for this, and we want to show up for them. We really believe this year will be our best yet as we go over the top under the Arch,” Celebrate St. Louis Chair Jessica Fox told the News-Democrat in an emailed statement.
Other Celebrate Saint Louis attractions will include a car show, Purina dog performances and an “Innovation Village.”
Vendors at the event will not accept cash, but accept credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and tap-to-pay. Small, handheld umbrellas are allowed, as are chairs and blankets. Pets are not allowed, although service animals are welcome, and there are restrictions on bag sizes. There is no admission fee, and tickets are not required.
Top 10 best Fourth of July celebrations
Here’s how the USA Today Readers’ Choice Awards ranked the nation’s best places to see fireworks in 2026:
- Navy Pier, Chicago
- Ford Fireworks, Detroit
- Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, New York City
- Addison Kaboom Town!, Addison, Texas
- Concert in the Sky at the Amelia Earhart Festival, Atchison, Kansas
- Big Bay Boom, San Diego
- Wawa Welcome America, Philadelphia
- Celebrate Saint Louis, St. Louis
- Let Freedom Sing!, Nashville, Tenn.
- Western & Southern/WEBN Riverfest, Cincinnati
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