All People/Freedom (July 4th)  

Celebrate freedom with your fellow Missourians at events held throughout the state this July:

Western Missouri

• Join the first statewide observance of Lucile Bluford Day on July 1 at the Kansas City Public Library’s L. H. Bluford Branch. The event will celebrate Bluford’s birthday, life, and career, including her triumphant efforts to desegregate the University of Missouri’s journalism program and her enduring and notable career at The Kansas City Call. Arrive at 11 a.m. to hear featured speaker and Lucile Bluford Day commemoration bill co-sponsor Representative Brandon Ellington and stay to view the permanent exhibit and youth literacy play station. Visit online for additional historical facts or to RSVP. 

• Join the City of Liberty on July 3 for fireworks at 10 p.m. at Fountain Bluff Sports Complex. The free family festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m. and include face painting, inflatables, balloon and caricature artists, temporary tattoos, and stocked pond fishing. For further detail visit online.
• Celebrate Red, White & Blue Springs on July 4 at the Blue Spring High School’s Peve Stadium. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., live music kicks off at 7:30 p.m., and fireworks start at 9:45 p.m. For additional information on this free event, visit the site.
•  KC Riverfest brings Kansas City together for a fun family celebration on July 4 in Berkley Riverfront Park a diverse music lineup, delicious food, kids’ activities, and one of the largest fireworks shows in the area. Visit the website for specific event details.
• Cruise historic Route 66 to Carthage Municipal Park for an all-ages Fourth of July Celebration culminating with choreographed fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Check out the site for details.
• Historic Downtown Parkville kicks off its annual July Fourth Celebration with the opening of a Carnival on June 29 – July 3. Continue the family fun on July 4 at the community parade, pancake breakfast, skydiving show, and festive fireworks finale. For more information, explore the website.
• Bring your picnic blanket and join the Lee’s Summit Symphony at Powell Garden’s annual Booms and Blooms Independence Day tribute on July 1. Enjoy botanical splendor in the afternoon and musical booms at sunset. For ticket information, visit online.

Central Missouri

• Honor our nation in Missouri’s capital on July 1, 3, and 4 at the Salute to America celebration with festivities, including live music, a carnival, a petting zoo and pony rides, a parade, eclectic food and a beer garden, live eagle show, historic and military displays, and a fireworks display at dusk. Daily schedules and a festival map are available on the website.
• Catch a 144-lap car race, live music, and fireworks at the I-44 Speedway on July 3 in Lebanon. For further detail and admission rates, call 417-532-2060.
• Show your stars and stripes at Columbia's 65th Annual Fourth of July Celebration. Children’s activities and entertainment begin at 6:30 p.m., and fireworks kick off at 9:15 p.m. For additional information visit online.

Eastern Missouri

• Enjoy live entertainment, a carnival, a parade, and fireworks at O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest on July 2 – 4. All concerts are free and open to the public. For more on the complete schedule, parade, or details on the Kids’ Zone, visit the Fest’s site.
• Join St. Louis in marking our nation’s birthday at Fair St. Louis held July 1 – 4 in Forest Park. This year’s festivities will feature well-known musical artists, educational and kid-friendly activities, and fireworks at dusk. For specific details or directions, visit online.
• The City of Eureka celebrates Independence Day on July 4 in Lion’s Park. The patriotic event dedicated to military veterans begins at 7 p.m. and will conclude with a fireworks finale. Visit the website for further information.
• Don’t miss the July 4th family fun starting at 6:30 p.m. at Chesterfield Mall. The celebration features Circus Kaput, carnival games, an obstacle course, live music, and fireworks extravaganza at 9:30 p.m. For additional details, check out the site.
• Pay tribute with the citizens of Cape Girardeau at the annual Great American Fourth of July in Arena Park. Stake out a spot in front of the Grandstand to enjoy the band, awards ceremony, and patriotic fireworks display. Check online for updates.