Macy's Holiday Festival of Lights--Nov 20

It's the start of the Christmas decorating season with Macy's Holiday Festival of Lights!

On November 20 at 6:30pm, Christmas lights are simultaneously turned on in downtown St. Louis and downtown Clayton for the official start of the holiday season. Special holiday activities starting at 4:30pm and a fireworks display after the lighting will be held at each location (Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis and Memorial Park in the St. Louis County Government Center in Clayton). Concluding the event in Kiener Plaza after the fireworks display will be a walking procession led by Santa up 7th Street to Macy's for the unveiling of the holiday windows.

Great Forest Park Balloon Glow--Sept 18

If you've never made it to the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Balloon Race, now is your chance! This is a fun-filled weekend that kids and adults love. The balloons are beautiful, both at night and during the day, and it's fun to pick a favorite and cheer it on!

The Balloon Race weekend starts with the Balloon Glow on Friday night from 7-9:45pm. This event offers spectators a breathtaking view of inflated balloons lighted by their burners. You can get up close and walk around the balloons (last year one of my sons even got to sit in a balloon!). Food and trinkets are available for purchase but if you're on a budget I'd recommend eating before you go. The event will conclude with a fireworks display beginning at approximately 9pm.

Please note that just like last year, the Balloon Glow is no longer a drive-through event. It will be held on the same field (Central Field between the Jewel Box and Steinberg Rink) as the Saturday race.

On Saturday, head to the fields again to watch the balloons lift off! I'll make a separate post detailing the schedule for race day.

For more information, call 314-993-2901 or visit the Balloon Glow website.

Live at the Levee--Aug 1

Lupe Fiasco, a Chicago native, has been gaining much-deserved accolades from top-level executives and industry experts since the release of his debut album Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. Until its release Lupe was relatively unknown in the public eye, but since then he has soared in popularity. His 2007 album The Cool was released to much acclaim and features the hit singles "Paris, Tokyo" and the radio staple "Superstar."

To see Lupe, head to the St. Louis Riverfront, Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard and the grounds of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial under the Gateway Arch (get there early!!). Activities start at 6pm and include live music, fireworks and the AmerenUE/Schnucks K-Town Kids Zone, as well as other activities. The evening concludes with the star-spangled US Bank/Enterprise Rent-A-Car fireworks display at approximately 9:15 pm.

This is the last concert for Live at the Levee so if you haven't been out yet this is your last chance!

For more information call 314-434-3434 or visit the Celebrate St. Louis website.

Live at the Levee--July 31

The acoustic rock band revered for its humor rolls into St. Louis for an energetic show on July 31. Known for its acoustic guitars and creative percussion, Guster will perform hits like "Satellite", featured in the film Martian Child, "Keep It Together" and "Fa Fa."

To see Guster, head to the St. Louis Riverfront, Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard and the grounds of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial under the Gateway Arch (get there early!!). Activities start at 6pm and include live music, fireworks and the AmerenUE/Schnucks K-Town Kids Zone, as well as other activities. The evening concludes with the star-spangled US Bank/Enterprise Rent-A-Car fireworks display at approximately 9:15 pm.

For more information call 314-434-3434 or visit the Celebrate St. Louis website.

Live at the Levee--July 25

"Redneck Woman" Gretchen Wilson returns to her roots (she’s from Pocahontas, Illinois) for a foot-stomping show. The two-time Grammy nominee (for "I Don't Feel Like Loving You Today") will bring the crowd to its feet with her distinctive vocals and high-energy show.

To see Gretchen, head to the St. Louis Riverfront, Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard and the grounds of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial under the Gateway Arch (get there early!!). Activities start at 6pm and include live music, fireworks and the AmerenUE/Schnucks K-Town Kids Zone, as well as other activities. The evening concludes with the star-spangled US Bank/Enterprise Rent-A-Car fireworks display at approximately 9:15 pm.

For more information call 314-434-3434 or visit the Celebrate St. Louis website.

Fireworks throughout the St Louis area--July 2, 3, and 4

Ellisville Fireworks Show

Bluebird Park - 1 Weiss Ave. - Ellisville

July 4 : 6 p.m. - 10:45 p.m.

Fireworks in Alhambra

Almansor Park - 800 S. Almansor St. - Alhambra

July 4 : 9:15 p.m.

Fireworks in Kirkwood

Kirkwood Park - 111 S. Geyer Road - Kirkwood

July 4 : 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Mississippi River Fireworks Festival

Alton Marina - 1 Henry St. - Alton

July 3 : 9 p.m.

Granite City Festival and fireworks

Coolidge Middle School Grounds - 2900 Benton St. - Granite City

Daily (June 30 through July 5) Festival Occurs

Chesterfield Fireworks Display

Chesterfield Mall - 291 Chesterfield Mall Dr. - St. Louis

July 4 : 9:30 p.m.

Synchonized music with the fireworks.

O'Fallon's Heritage and Freedom Fest and fireworks

Ozzie Smith Sports Complex - 900 Ozzie Smith Dr. - O'Fallon

July 3 : 4 p.m.

O'Fallon's Heritage and Freedom Fest over the fourth of July weekend will be packed with games, rides. food, parades, and music.

Webster Groves Community Days and Fireworks

33 E. Glendale Ave. - Webster Groves

July 2 : 10:30 a.m.