PLAN THE TRIP
Know before you go
Everything you need before you head down. One page. No guessing.
GATES AND HOURS
FRIDAY
GATES OPEN 4:00 PM
GATES CLOSE 11:00 PM
SATURDAY
GATES OPEN 2:00 PM
PARADE STEP-OFF 4:00 PM
GATES CLOSE 11:00 PM
Drones run first, followed by fireworks at approximately 9:40 PM. Plan to be on the grounds by 9:00 PM if you want to see both.
Getting There
METROLINK Take MetroLink to Laclede's Landing Station and walk south to the grounds. Stadium and Convention Center stations also work for the ride home.
PARKING Pre-paid downtown parking available through SpotHero. Lots fill early. Park before 5:00 PM both days for the best options.
WALKING Downtown is the footprint. If you're staying within a mile, walking is faster than driving.
ROAD CLOSURES Both days starting 4:00 PM: eastbound Chouteau closed east of 4th. Eastbound Market closed east of Tucker. Walnut and Chestnut closed eastbound at Tucker. South Broadway diverted westbound onto Market. 4th Street North traffic diverted east onto Walnut, then onto I-44 South. 4th Street north of Walnut directed to Washington Avenue. Plan around it.
What to bring
These items are 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, or empty plastic water bottles to refill on site
➤ Binoculars
➤ Pocket-sized or still camera equipment
➤ Service animals
Sunscreen, a hat, a blanket or low chair, a portable battery for your phone, and ID if you plan to purchase alcoholic beverages.
What not to bring
Prohibited at all entrances. Save the trip back to the car — leave these home.
➤ Outside alcoholic beverages
➤ Glass, metal, or unsealed containers larger than 1 liter
➤ Coolers
➤ Outside food
➤ Weapons, knives, explosives, illegal substances
➤ Drones
➤ Pets (service animals welcome)
➤ Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, personal motorized vehicles
➤ Fireworks of any kind
➤ Professional recording or photography equipment (DSLR with detachable lens)
➤ Selfie sticks
➤ Signs or banners
St. Louis Summer, Real Talk
Early July in St. Louis runs hot and humid. Daytime highs sit in the upper 80s and 90s, with thunderstorms possible most afternoons. Drink water. Find shade between sets. If a storm rolls in, the team will publish updates to the website, social channels, and the on-site jumbotrons. The show goes on whenever it's safe to go on.
Accessibility
Celebrate 250 is built to welcome everyone. Accessible parking, mobility-friendly entry points, and ADA viewing areas near the main stage are in place both nights. Service animals are welcome. For specific accommodations, reach out before the event at info@celebratesaintlouis.org.
Food and drink
A variety of food from local vendors will be available for purchase across the grounds. Soft drinks are for sale at concession points. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase for guests 21 and over with valid ID. Refillable water stations are positioned throughout the footprint.
Safety
Hosting a safe event is the first priority. Celebrate 250 is produced in close partnership with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, the St. Louis Fire Department, the National Park Service, and private security teams. Bag checks at every entry. Visible security throughout the footprint. First aid stations clearly marked on the map.