Fireworks and festivities: Where to celebrate Fourth of July around the metro-east
Fourth of July falls on Friday this year, making the holiday a three-day weekend for some metro-east residents.
While you should check local ordinances and safety tips before lighting any fireworks at home, you can enjoy a fireworks show without the planning and risk involved. The metro-east has several professional fireworks shows scheduled for Friday.
Weather conditions should be relatively ideal in Belleville this year for outdoor celebrations. The National Weather Service St. Louis office forecasts Belleville will see temperatures ranging from 73 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit this Fourth of July, and the night should be partly cloudy. The forecast does not call for rain as of Tuesday.
Here’s a roundup of local Fourth of July celebrations taking place in the metro-east this year, including fireworks and more. Some events will be held Thursday or Saturday.
Alton
The Alton Fireworks Spectacular will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 3 with the fireworks beginning at dusk, around 9 to 9:30 p.m. The celebration is held at the Alton Amphitheater, and will also include food trucks and live entertainment.
Edwardsville
The Edwardsville American Legion’s Independence day event, the “best family friendly fireworks show” in the metro-east, will be held Saturday, July 5. Activities will begin at 4 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9 p.m.
Godfrey
Godfrey’s Family Fun Fest at Glazebrook Park will begin 5 p.m. Friday, with fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Activities will include inflatables, food trucks, face painting, balloon art, a watermelon eating contest and more.
Grafton
The Grafton Riverfront fireworks display will be held at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. You can watch the show from a blanket or lawn chair outside, from your vehicle or from a rented boat on the river.
Granite City
Granite City’s Patriots in the Park event at Wilson Park spans multiple days, with a 5K Dash and Splash and car show Saturday, but Friday will bring the fireworks show.
Friday’s Patriots in the Park schedule includes live music at 6:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Mascoutah
The city of Mascoutah’s annual Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration 2025 will begin at noon Friday, with the fireworks show scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Other attractions will include carnival rides, bounce houses, food vendors and more. The event is held at Scheve Park.
If it rains Friday night, the backup time for Mascoutah fireworks is 9:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the event’s Facebook page.
Millstadt
Millstadt’s fireworks event will kick off at 9 p.m. July 4 at Liederkranz Park.
O’Fallon
Fireworks over O’Fallon will take place Thursday at O’Fallon Family Sports Park, with fireworks starting at dusk. Organizers recommend bringing blankets or chairs for seating.
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