Frequently Asked,
Plainly Answered

Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, 2026, on the grounds of the Gateway Arch in downtown St. Louis.

Friday gates open 4:00 PM. Drones run first at approximately 9:40 PM, followed by fireworks both nights.

Friday (The Party): Zedd, Ludacris, Big Wild and Lucas Jack. Saturday (The Fourth): Miranda Lambert, Kenny Loggins, Stephen Marley, Rebirth Brass Band and Sean Canan’s VooDoo USA.

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

Yes. The 142nd 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.

Take MetroLink to Laclede's Landing Station and walk south. Stadium and Convention Center stations also work for the ride home. Several streets will close downtown.

Outside food is allowed into the Arch grounds. Outside alcoholic beverages aren't permitted. A variety of food from vendors will be available for purchase. Soft drinks are sold on-site, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase for guests 21+.

• Small, handheld umbrellas (beach umbrellas are not allowed)

• Diaper bags with a child, and regular-sized bags up to 18” x 13” x 7” (25L)

• Strollers and Wagons with Children 

• Sunscreen

• Blankets

• Portable phone chargers

• Chairs

• Factory Sealed Water Bottles up to 1 liter, or empty refillable water bottles / cups under 1 liter

• Binoculars

• Pocket-sized or still camera equipment

• Service animals

• Alcoholic beverages

• Aerosol Cans / Mace / Pepper Spray

• Balloons

• Unsealed containers exceeding 1 liter and any glass container

• Bags, Backpacks, Large Coolers and/or Containers (restricted to 18” x 13” x 7” (25L) or smaller and must not contain any other prohibited item)

• Medical bags and diaper bags with a child are permitted

• Weapons

• Knives

• Illegal substances / Explosives Including Fireworks

• Drones

• Pets (service animals are welcome)  

• Bicycles, Skateboards, and Scooters

• Recreational motorized mobility devices (including electric bicycles, scooters, motor driven skateboards, one-wheel skateboards, and hoverboards)

• Supports for Signs and Placards (any straight stick larger than 12 inches that does not meet the need of a mobility assistance device is prohibited).

• Selfie sticks, tripods, and monopods

• Large signs or banners (restricted to 20” x 36” x ¼” or smaller)

• Structures (including pop-up tents, beach umbrellas, and other temporary structures)

Service animals are welcome. Other pets are not permitted on the grounds.

Yes. Accessible parking, mobility-friendly entry points, and ADA viewing areas near the main stage are in place both nights.

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 for children 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.

The Schedule and News pages on this site update first. Follow @celebratestlouis on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates.

Celebrate 250 welcomes members of the working media to cover this historic event. Because activities take place within the Gateway Arch National Park, media credentials issued by Celebrate Saint Louis are not required for access to public event areas.

Email: info@celebratesaintlouis.org