Friday, July 3, 2026
The Party
A high-energy night of live music under the Arch.
Friday night at the Gateway Arch is where the weekend starts. Zedd headlines. Ludacris keeps it moving. Big Wild opens it up. Gates open late afternoon, the Arch lights up at dark, and the party runs through the night. A 1,500-drone spectacle over the Mississippi. Fireworks. Local food and drink. One of the biggest free nights of music anywhere in America this summer.
Who's on stage
Three world-class acts. One unforgettable night under the Arch.
Zedd
Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award–winning artist, DJ, and producer Zedd rose to global fame with his breakout hit Clarity and has remained one of electronic music's most influential crossover stars ever since. Zedd's genre-blending sound and high-energy live performances have made him a staple on major festival stages around the world. As Friday night's headliner, he will close the evening with an electrifying set leading into a themed and synchronized 1,500-drone show and fireworks spectacular beneath the Gateway Arch.
Ludacris
Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award–winning artist Ludacris helped bring the Dirty South sound to national prominence and became one of the most commercially successful rappers of the 2000s. With chart-topping albums including Word of Mouf and Chicken-N-Beer and iconic hits like Stand Up, Area Codes, and Move B****, he has remained a defining voice in hip-hop for more than two decades. Known for his high-energy live performances, he continues to be a crowd-favorite on major stages around the world.
Big Wild
As Big Wild, producer Jackson Stell creates lush, genre-blending soundscapes that span electronic, indie, and pop influences. After emerging with breakout track Aftergold, which topped Spotify's Global Viral Chart, he quickly became one of the fastest-rising artists in electronic music. His debut album Superdream marked a major evolution in his sound, featuring Stell's own vocals and songwriting for the first time. Known for his dynamic multi-instrument live performances, Big Wild brings an energetic festival-style set that will help kick off Celebrate 250's opening night.
What to expect
Three world-class musical acts on the main stage
A variety of food from local vendors, available for purchase
1,500 drones over the Mississippi, around 9:40 PM
Soft drinks for sale; alcoholic beverages available for purchase for guests 21+
Fireworks over the river, immediately after the drone show
Veteran & First Responder Recognition and Hands On For Heroes
Want the full picture?
The Weekend covers both nights, every activation, and the story behind Celebrate 250.
Don't miss Saturday
The Fourth is its own kind of over the top. Miranda Lambert headlines a full day of music, parade, and one of USA Today's Top 10 fireworks shows. Free, same as Friday.
For media & press
Covering Celebrate 250? The Media & Press hub has announcements, the full press kit, approved photography, and media credential requests. For direct inquiries, reach out to info@celebratesaintlouis.org.