The Lou: July 3rd

Parade 🥁 extravaganzas, Fireworks 💥 at the Arch, & The St. Louis Hot Dog?! The sparks are flying ✨

July 03, 2025

The 4th of July has finally arrived 🤩! And there is too much to do with so little time ⌛️ to waste! With the skies 🌌 looking clear, there are many boundless opportunities and fun spots to try! Whether it is a rooftop view or a picnic blanket in one of the many St. Louis parks, there is a phenomenal firework display for everyone’s preference! In this issue we go through some of the prime locations for 4th of July festivities! We also provide an updated review of all there is to do at the Arch. Be sure to checkout other highlights happening this week, including a new take on the hot dog style, a musical debut, special outdoor activities, and memorable social gatherings where you can get to know your neighbors! The time for celebration is here - so cmon, let’s get started 🥳

  • 🌭 The St. Louis Hot Dog!?

  • 👀 What’s Happenin’ in St. Louis this week

  • 🎤 Local Spotlight: The Arch

  • 🚚 Food Trucks and This Week’s Live Performances

  • 🎆 All the best places for Fireworks in STL!

  • ☀️ Weather

Let’s plan it!

The St. Louis Style Hot Dog 🌭 

A friend of mind introduced this to me a few years back and it has been a staple for us ever since! Does anyone else make these too?

  • Brat Bun or Hoagie. Lightly Toasted

  • Quarter Pound All Beef Hotdog. We smoke ours then finish them on the grill for char marks.

  • Ajvar. Spicy or Mild, this Bosnian roasted eggplant and pepper spread is the key ingredient.

  • Provel. Sliced works best here.

  • Optional: Brown Mustard or Red Hot Riplets Seasoning on top.

Spread the Ajvar on the bun, then add the hotdog and top with provel. Foil + top shelf on the grill or smoker for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

What’s Happenin’ in St. Louis 👀

Thursday, July 3rd

  • Incubus - Performing Morning View In its Entirty + The Hits: Get your tickets now for this classic rock band show! Cashless concession and clear bag policy! Show starts at 7pm 🎫 

  • 4th of July Fireworks Cruise: Enjoy a front row seat at the best view in the St. Louis House on the eve of the 4th! Reservations required and boarding begins 15 minutes prior to cruise. Cruise is set for 7:30-9:30pm 🚢 

  • FireWorks Thursday and Friday with Big Papa G: If you’re on the Illinois side, this event may be your big chance to see fireworks! Located in Malcom W. Martin Memorial Park, this party sets off music and fireworks for an epic night! It will also occur on Friday, so double the chances to make it! Event starts at 6pm 💥 

  • 3Run4 Thursday Night Social Run & Free Beer at 4 Hands Brewing: Enjoy running in the city and want to make new friends? Come out for this 3 or 4 mile social run and stay for some tasty beer and fun raffle afterward. Event is from 6:15-9:30pm 🍺🏃‍♀️

  • Sunset Yoga in the Park: All levels welcome to this event at Lafayette Park for $15 - if you are looking for a more zen, quiet, and peaceful activity for the eve of the 4th! Yoga goes from 7-8pm 🧘‍♀️🍃 

Friday, June 4th 💥 

  • 4th of July at 360 Rooftop Bar: This 21+ older event will be a prime location for some incredible fireworks views! Ticket prices start at $135. Goes from 7-10pm 🎆 

  • Electric Sky at City Museum: For a more family friendly event, come out for this unique fireworks experience which will include games, face painting activities, music, climbing, a Ferris wheel, food and drink! Reserve your tickets now! Event goes from 7-11pm 🎇 🎡 

  • CWEA Fourth of July Parade - hosted by Central West End Association: Get decked out in red, white, & blue for this family friendly event! Celebration will include a brass band, complimentary hot dogs 🌭, snow cones, beads, and flags! Free and pets welcome 🤗! Parade begins at 10am 🎺

  • 11th Annual Firecracker Open by Shrewsbury Lane: Aim for strike - and come out to this tournament which includes 6 games for a $75 entry! Bowling goes from 9am-2pm 🎳 

  • First One’s Free | 4th of July Rave | Food Not 💣 : Dance for a good cause at this free rave experience to raise awareness and visibility for STL Food Not Bombs, an organization which feeds the community. Located at Mississippi Underground and will be featuring 2 rooms of music and over 15 artists! Starts at 9pm 🎉

  • Shaw 4th of July Kid’s Parade: Check out this kid friendly parade Fourth of July event where you will find activities and popsicles the family will enjoy! Starts at 11am🥁

Saturday, July 5th

Sunday, July 6th

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK:
The Arch

When you think of St. Louis, no doubt the Arch comes to mind. Standing as the tallest monument in the United States, it symbolizes the “Gateway to the West.” So what is there to do at the Arch? Located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, you are welcome to take a trip on the tram to the top of the Arch! Behold the jaw dropping sights of downtown 🏙 and then once you return to the bottom, there is a museum to explore as a well as a river front! At the river front, take a trip on a cruise boat 🚢 and grab a bite to eat at The Paddlewheel Cafe. If you’re feeling really adventurous, go on a helicopter 🚁 ride to really take in all the views!

📍 Memorial Drive & Market Street

STL Weekly Tip: Check to take a tour on the Arch grounds and learn about the history of the Arch! 💫

FOOD TRUCKS:
Upcoming Featured Favorites 🚚 

Independence Day Celebration at Lions Park in Eureka
Enjoy live music, vendors, food trucks, and a fireworks display! - July 4th, 6-10pm 🎇

4th of July Freedom Festival and Fireworks Show at Freedom Park
With live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display - July 4th, 5-9:30pm 🌳 

4th of July fireworks Celebration at Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex
Featuring live entertainment, food trucks, and a circus! Fireworks start at 9pm! - July 4th, 6-10pm 🎪 

Fourth of July Celebration at Bridgeton Municipal Athletic Complex
This event will have a parade at 10am, concessions, food trucks, and live entertainment! Fireworks display at dusk! - July 4th, 10am-10pm 🎆

ST. LOUIS NEWS + UPDATES 📰 

St. Louis Snack Shop Gand Opening: This Friday, from 12-7pm, come out to Fulton to celebrate this Snack Shop’s grand opening! The place for all your comfort food cravings - enjoy music, a giveaway, and fun neighborly vibes! 🍟 

Bevo Caffe Lounge Grand Opening: Come out and celebrate the grand opening of Bevo Caffe Lounge! July 5th, 6:30-8pm all ages; after 9pm, 21+🎉 

The Moniker: Opened June 19th, this upscale restaurant is perfect for date nights or serious business negotiations. With a sleek and upscale interior, and a delicious menu to match - come wine and dine here soon 🥂🧑‍🍳 🍽

WEATHER 🌡️ 

Thursday
89° ☀️ | 0% rain | 🌬 5 mph

Friday
90° ☀️ | 15% rain | 🌬 7 mph

Saturday
89° ☀️ | 20% rain | 🌬 9 mph

Sunday
92° 🌧 | 35% rain | 🌬 8 mph

Monday
87°🌧 | 45% rain | 🌬 5 mph