THE BASICS

Frequently Asked,
Plainly Answered

 If your question isn't here, reach out and we'll add it.

Q&As

  • 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, followed by fireworks at approximately 9:40 PM both nights. Gates close at 11:00 PM each night.

  • Friday (The Party): Zedd, Ludacris, and Big Wild. Saturday (The Fourth): Miranda Lambert, Kenny Loggins, and Stephen Marley. 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. The 143rd 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 4:00 PM 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.

  • 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 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. 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.

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

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

  • The News & Press page has the full press kit and credential request form.
    For direct inquiries, contact info@celebratesaintlouis.org

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

Still have questions?

Drop us a line and we'll get back to you.

Email us
Email us