Media & Press

Celebrate 250 marks a once-in-a-generation moment as St. Louis hosts America’s 250th birthday celebration on July 3–4, 2026, under the iconic Gateway Arch. This two-day, large-scale event will bring together residents, visitors, and national audiences to honor the nation’s semiquincentennial with an unforgettable experience rooted in history, culture, and community.  

The celebration will feature live concerts, a nationally broadcast July 4th parade, immersive community and family-friendly activations, and one of the most advanced fireworks and drone shows ever produced on the Mississippi Riverfront. Designed to showcase the spirit and momentum of St. Louis, the event is expected to draw significant regional and national attention. 

Backed by more than 45 years of event production experience, Celebrate 250 represents both a tribute to America’s past and a bold statement about the future of St. Louis—uniting the community while positioning the city as a premier destination for this historic milestone. 

For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or press materials, please contact our team. info@celebratesaintlouis.org

MEDIA & PRESS RELEASE

2026

Celebrate Saint Louis Announces KSDK as Exclusive Broadcast Partner for America’s Birthday Parade on July 4 

ST. LOUIS (JUNE 12, 2026) - Celebrate Saint Louis today announced that KSDK 5 On Your Side will serve as the exclusive broadcast partner for the 2026 America’s Birthday Parade, bringing one of the region’s largest Fourth of July traditions to viewers across St. Louis and beyond.

America’s Birthday Parade is one of the centerpiece events of Celebrate 250, the region’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary. The parade begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th and will be available to watch in its entirety on KSDK 5 On Your Side as well as stream on CTV, mobile devices and via KSDK.com beginning at 5 pm. Hosted by KSDK anchors Michelle Li and Brent Solomon, the station’s exclusive coverage will bring the excitement, patriotism, and community spirit of the area’s largest parade to audiences across the region and beyond. 

“America’s Birthday Parade is about bringing our community together to celebrate our nation’s history, honor those who have helped shape it, and look ahead to the next 250 years,” said Tripp Kahle, Parade Grand Marshal. “Partnering with KSDK allows us to share this incredible experience with even more people throughout the region and ensure everyone can be part of this historic celebration.”

“St. Louis has a long tradition of coming together, and there's no better occasion than America's 250th," said KSDK President & General Manager Alicia Elsner. "We're proud to bring America's Birthday Parade to everyone who wants to celebrate the people, traditions and community spirit of St. Louis no matter where they are on July 4.”

The free parade will feature 16 custom-built floats celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, along with marching bands, veterans, first responders, community organizations, performers, classic cars, drumlines, dancers, representatives from neighborhoods across the St. Louis region, and a special appearance by the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales, one of America’s most recognizable symbols of tradition, craftsmanship, and patriotism.

Following America’s Birthday Parade, attendees can enjoy a full evening of entertainment as part of Celebrate 250, including live music performances, local food and beverage vendors, family-friendly activities, fireworks over the Mississippi River, and spectacular 1,500-drone shows illuminating the sky above the Gateway Arch.

For the full parade schedule and additional information, visit www.celebratesaintlouis.org.

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About Celebrate Saint Louis

Celebrate Saint Louis is a charitable organization dedicated to engaging, serving, and celebrating the region by producing diverse, impactful, and inclusive events. Through year-round programming that supports local nonprofits and showcases the vibrancy of St. Louis culture, Celebrate Saint Louis honors the city’s legacy of community and celebration that dates back to its founding in 1764. For more information, visit: CelebrateSaintLouis.org. 

About KSDK

KSDK is a multimedia news organization and the NBC affiliate that has proudly served the St. Louis region since 1947. Learn more at KSDK.com.   

For media inquiries, contact: 

Molly McMahon

Sr, Director, Corporate Communications

TEGNA

703-873-6422

Mmcmahon@tegna.com