Next week, fireworks will burst across St. Louis’ summer sky in celebration of the Fourth of July. Whether you have plans to see the iconic fireworks show downtown, travel to a nearby city for a parade or have a laid-back night at home with your own sparklers, here are nine events right here in South County to help you gear up for Independence Day.
JB Blast | 345 North Road
Friday, June 27
South County’s “biggest Fourth of July celebration” is back at the Jefferson Barracks Veterans Memorial Amphitheater. At 7 p.m., settle in for live music by the local band Mirage, and grab a bite from one of nine food and beverage trucks. The fireworks show will start at 9 p.m.
Arnold’s Independence Day Celebration | 2400 Bradley Beach Road
Saturday, June 28
Head south to Arnold for the city’s fun-filled Independence Day Celebration. There will be food vendors, photo opportunities and lawn games galore. Enjoy live music by local rock-and-rollers Joe Dirt and the Dirty Boys, or participate in family-friendly contests like pie-eating and sack races. A glow parade will take place at 8:45 p.m., and fireworks will light the sky at 9:30 p.m.
First Baptist Church Arnold’s Freedom Celebration | 2012 Missouri State Road
Sunday, June 29
A fireworks display will pop and fizzle above First Baptist Church Arnold at 9:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or watch from your car, and make sure to tune your radio to 89.9 to hear a special selection of music in time with the show.
Faith Church’s Night of Freedom | 13001 Gravois Road
Tuesday, July 1
Faith Church invites you to their Sunset Hills campus for worship and Fourth of July fun. The night begins at 7:30 p.m. with indoor worship, and then head outside for bounce houses, food trucks and a firework show until 10 p.m.
Fireworks Party at the Weber Road Library | 4444 Weber Road
Wednesday, July 2
Dress to get messy for this afternoon of firework-themed crafts, taking place from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Weber Road Branch of the St. Louis County Library. Children and families are invited, and the event is free.
9 Mile Garden’s Movie Night | 9375 Gravois Road
Wednesday, July 2
Come see “Captain America: Civil War” for 9 Mile Garden’s Wednesday movie night, where Marvel’s most American superhero takes on Iron Man in this 2016 film. Bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket, and grab dinner at one of the food trucks before settling in front of the big screen for the 7 p.m. showtime.
9 Mile Garden’s All American Trivia | 9375 Gravois Road
Thursday, July 3
Stretch your brain muscles and take part in 9 Mile Garden’s weekly trivia night, where they’ll be throwing out all-American questions from 7 to 9 p.m. It’s free to play, and prizes will be given to the winning team. Grab food at one of the garden’s food trucks before you compete.
Oakland House Museum’s July 4 Barbecue | 7801 Genesta Street
Friday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day at the historic Oakland House Museum in Affton. Enjoy a traditional barbecue picnic, complete with activities for adults and children alike: music, games, raffles and tours of the 19th century home. The barbecue takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reserve your seat online at oaklandhousemuseum.org. Tickets are $22 for adults and $8 for children under the age of 12.
Grant’s Farm’s Summer Nights | 7385 Grant Road
Friday, July 4
Grant’s Farm’s “drone show spectacular” is back in the Bauernhof Courtyard. Start your night with a relaxing tram ride to the courtyard, where you can settle in for food, drinks and live music by the local band Boogie Chyld, starting at 6 p.m. Instead of fireworks, drones will take to the air at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person, and children under the age of 3 get complimentary entry. Reserve your spot at orders.grantsfarm.com. This is part of their Summer Nights series, which goes through Labor Day.
Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know at acouch@callnewspapers.com.