07/01/2026
Good morning and Happy July!
🇺🇸 LOOKING FOR 4TH OF JULY PLANS AROUND SCOTT AFB?
🎆America is turning 250, and the St. Louis metro area is pulling out all the stops for Independence Day!
Whether you want a local family day, massive rock concerts, a round of golf, or epic drone and firework shows, we’ve got your ultimate guide right here.
👇 Check out these top options for your holiday weekend:
⛳ 1. 4th of July Scramble at Scott AFB
What: Start your holiday on the greens with a 4-person golf scramble.
When: Thursday, July 4th | 9:00 AM Shotgun Start.
Where: Cardinal Creek Golf Course (Scott AFB).
Details: $75/player (or $55 for AGF players). Includes golf, cart, range balls, and prizes. Register at Scott AFB FSS.
🎡 2. O'Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest (O'Fallon, MO)
What: A massive, 4-day, family-friendly festival with carnival rides, fair food, free concerts, and stunning fireworks.
When: July 1 – July 4.
Where: Ozzie Smith Sports Complex.
July 1–2: Carnival Kick-off and Family Nights (smaller crowds!).
July 3 (Country Night): Free concerts by LOCASH and Lauren Alaina, followed by fireworks at 10:15 PM.
July 4 (Rock Night): Annual parade at 9:30 AM, free evening concert by classic rock legends KANSAS, and a huge fireworks grand finale at 9:30 PM.
Cost: Admission and concerts are completely FREE! (Carnival wristbands available for purchase).
Learn more at the Heritage & Freedom Fest Site.
🛸 3. Celebrate Saint Louis (Downtown St. Louis, MO)
What: The Midwest’s biggest 250th birthday celebration! An over-the-top, free event right under the Arch featuring live music, massive crowds, and high-tech spectacles.
When: Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4 | Gates open at 2:00 PM on July 4th.
Where: Gateway Arch Riverfront (Lenore K. Sullivan Blvd).
The Music: Epic free performances by Miranda Lambert, Kenny Loggins, Stephen Marley, and more.
The Parade: America’s Birthday Parade steps off on July 4th at 4:00 PM through downtown.
The Sky Show: Mind-blowing 1,500-drone aerial light spectacles followed by fireworks over the Mississippi River both nights starting around 9:40 PM!
Pro-Tip: Take the MetroLink to Laclede's Landing to skip the traffic. Find the schedule at Celebrate Saint Louis.
🍔 4. Mascoutah Old Fashioned July 4th Celebration
What: Keep it local with a classic, hometown celebration right outside the base gates! Perfect for families looking for a relaxed vibe.
When: Saturday, July 4th | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Where: Scheve Park, Mascoutah, IL.Highlights: Enjoy carnival rides, bounce houses, food, drinks, and music by DJ K Gray.
Fireworks: The big display lights up at 9:30 PM over the park. (Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for the bleachers or grass viewing spots!).
Check updates via Downstate Illinois.