July 3 & 4, 2026 · Gateway Arch · St. Louis · Free

Text saying Celebrate 250, America's biggest birthday party, on a black background with a red ribbon

Two nights. World-class music.
1,500 drones over the Mississippi. Fireworks both nights. All free.

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Two Nights. One Arch. All Free.

A young man with short brown hair and a beard standing against a gray background, wearing a black t-shirt and a silver chain necklace.

Friday, July 3, 2026

The Party

A high-energy night of live music under the Arch.

Zedd. Ludacris. Big Wild. Doors open late afternoon, the Arch lights up at dark, and the party runs through the night.

Outdoor music concert on a riverbank during evening with a large crowd watching performers on a stage illuminated with purple lights.

Saturday, July 4, 2026

The Fourth

America’s birthday,
the St. Louis way.

Miranda Lambert. Kenny Loggins. Stephen Marley. Rebirth Brass Band. A full day of music, America's Birthday Parade, drones, and one of USA Today's Top 10 fireworks shows in America.

Where America comes
to celebrate

Celebrate 250 honors America’s 250th birthday, taking place at St. Louis’ iconic Gateway Arch. On July 3rd and 4th, two nights of world-class entertainment come together, including international headliners, a 1,500-drone aerial spectacle, fireworks over the Mississippi, a city-wide parade, an Innovation Village, and more take over downtown. All free. All open to everyone. All for the biggest celebration of America’s birthday in the Midwest.

Everything that's over the top

 Eight reasons this weekend isn't just a concert.

1,500
Drones

Both nights

America's Birthday Parade

Saturday

Innovation
Village

Both days

Antique
Car Show

Saturday

Fireworks over the Mississippi

Both nights

Salute the
Troops

F-15
Simulators

Local Food and Drink

Both Days

The Gateway Arch was built to mark a forward-looking moment in American history. On our 250th anniversary, that matters. Celebrate 250 is the Midwest's biggest birthday celebration, staged under the one monument in America that looks ahead.

 Latest from Celebrate 250

 Announcements, lineup news, and event-week updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Every stage, every activation, every night. Celebrate 250 is free and open to everyone, made possible by the Foundation's sponsors and partners.

  • Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the grounds of the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis. The footprint is centered along Lenore K. Sullivan Boulevard.

  • Friday gates open 4:00 PM. Saturday gates open 2:00 PM. Drones run first at 9:40 p.m., followed by fireworks both nights.

    • Friday (The Party): Zedd, Ludacris, Big Wild

    • Saturday (The Fourth): Miranda Lambert, Kenny Loggins, Stephen Marley, Rebirth Brass Band.

    • We’ll publish more programming details on the Schedule page as they’re locked.

  • No. Celebrate 250 is free and open to everyone. No ticket, no registration, no RSVP required to attend.

  • Yes. America's Birthday Parade steps off Saturday, July 4 at 4:00 PM at Market and 14th, heading east through downtown to Market and Broadway. Community groups, veterans organizations, school bands, and civic floats. Want to be in it?
    Apply at celebratesaintlouis.org/parade

  • Take MetroLink to Laclede's Landing Station and walk south. Stadium and Convention Center stations also work for the ride home. If you're driving, pre-paid parking is available through SpotHero. Several streets close downtown starting 10:00 AM both days, so allow extra time.

  • Outside food and outside alcoholic beverages aren't permitted. A variety of food from local vendors will be available for purchase. Soft drinks are sold on-site, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase for guests 21+.

  • Allowed inside the grounds: small handheld umbrellas, baby strollers and wagons, diaper bags and regular-sized bags, one factory-sealed water bottle up to 1 liter, empty plastic water bottles, binoculars, pocket-sized or still camera equipment, and service animals.

    Service Animal Policy

    For the safety and comfort of all guests, only trained service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are permitted within the event footprint.

    Emotional support animals, comfort animals, therapy animals, and pets are not considered service animals under the ADA and will not be permitted.

    Service animals must remain under the control of their handler at all times.

  • Outside alcohol, glass or metal containers, coolers, outside food, weapons, illegal substances, drones, pets (service animals welcome), bicycles, skateboards, scooters, fireworks, professional camera equipment with detachable lenses, selfie sticks, and signs or banners. The full list lives on the Know Before You Go page.

  • Service Animal Policy

    For the safety and comfort of all guests, only trained service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are permitted within the event footprint.

    Emotional support animals, comfort animals, therapy animals, and pets are not considered service animals under the ADA and will not be permitted.

    Service animals must remain under the control of their handler at all times.

  • Yes. Accessible parking, mobility-friendly entry points, and ADA viewing areas near the main stage are in place both nights. For specific accommodations, contact info@celebratesaintlouis.org before the event.

  • Hosting a safe event is the first priority. The team is in close coordination with public emergency partners on inclement weather plans. Updates publish to the website, social channels, and the on-site jumbotrons in real time.

  • The grounds are designed for everyone. Strollers and wagons are welcome. Lost-and-found and lost-child stations are positioned throughout the footprint, marked on the map. If you get separated, head to the nearest one.

  • Volunteer, become a vendor, enter the parade, or donate. Each lives on its own page under Get Involved.

  • The Media & Press page has the full press kit and credential request form.

  • Visit Become a Partner. The page covers what tiers exist, what's included, and a direct line to the sponsor team.