Fireworks Roadtrip Ahead

Imagine spending four days cris-crossing the Last 100 Miles of Route 66 in Illinois and traveling along the nation’s mightiest rivers to enjoy brilliant fireworks sparkling across the night skies.

July 1-3: 250 on the Mississippi | Alton

Celebrate the nation's 250th birthday with three days of family-friendly activities at locations throughout downtown Alton. The multi-day event culminates with Fireworks on the Mississippi at the Alton Amphitheater at dusk on July 3.
Locations:
• July 1: Haskell Park, 1209 Henry St., Alton
• July 2: Rotary Park, 110 E. 3rd St., Alton
• July 3: Alton Amphitheater, 1 Riverfront Drive, Alton

There are also fireworks watch parties planned throughout the Alton area. Take a look at these:

July 3: Bluff City Grill Fireworks Watch Party | Alton
Begins at 4 p.m. at Bluff City Grill in downtown Alton. This fun-filled event features live music, a bags tournament, food and beverages. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as seating is limited on the upper lot. A regular dining menu and express menu will be available. Fireworks begin at dusk.

July 3: An Ahh-Dubon Evening | West Alton, Mo.
Begins at 6 p.m. at the Audubon Center at Riverlands and features live music by Joshua Grassle & Friends, food from Dam It Joe's BBQ, Kandelas Empanadas, Boba Bae and Cool Times Ice Cream. Registration includes two drink tickets for Old Bakery Beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages. Alton fireworks will be visible at dusk.

Location: Audubon Center at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, Mo.

Fireworks Ahead!

Here is a list by date of fireworks celebrations throughout the Great Rivers & Routes region for 2026

July 3: Otter Lake Fireworks | Girard
Food trucks arrive in the early evening, followed by fireworks at dusk.
Location: Otter Lake, Girard

July 4: Edwardsville Independence Day Celebration | Edwardsville
From 4-10 p.m., enjoy live entertainment, food and beverage vendors, local vendors and an appearance by a Clydesdale. The evening concludes with a fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m.
Location: American Legion Post 199, Edwardsville

July 4: Gillespie Lake Fireworks | Gillespie
The Gillespie Fire Department will sell food and refreshments from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Location: Gillespie Lake Campground, Carney Drive, Gillespie

July 4: Godfrey Family Fun Fest and Independence Day Fireworks | Godfrey
From 5-9:30 p.m., enjoy activities for kids and adults, food and beverage vendors, and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Location: Glazebrook Park, 1401 Stamper Lane, Godfrey

July 4: Jerseyville Independence Day Fireworks | Jerseyville
Fireworks begin at dusk.
Location: American Legion Post 492, 101 W. Fairgrounds Ave., Jerseyville

July 4: Litchfield Fireworks Display | Litchfield
Enjoy food vendors, live music and ADA-accessible parking in the upper lot. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Location: Lake Lou Yaeger, Marina 1, 4943 Beach House Trail, Litchfield

July 4: Troy Fourth of July Fireworks | Troy
Fireworks begin at dusk.
Location: Tri-Township Park, 410 Wickliffe St., Troy

July 4: Oak Hills Country Club Fireworks Celebration | Girard
Activities begin at 8 a.m. with a golf tournament, followed by a children's fishing tournament at 3 p.m. Fireworks begin at dusk.
Location: 18698 Country Club Road, Girard

July 4: Wood River Fourth of July Celebration | Wood River
Begins at 4 p.m. this family-friendly festival will have food vendors and community activities. The celebration concludes with a patriotic drone light show beginning at 9:15 p.m.
Location: 880 Belk Park Rd., Wood River

July 5: Grafton Independence Day Fireworks | Grafton
Riverfront fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
Location: Grafton Riverfront, Lighthouse Park, Grafton

July 5: Grafton Fireworks Cruise on the Hakuna Matata | Grafton
Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m. and offers views of the Grafton fireworks display from the Hakuna Matata. Guests may bring their own picnic. Reservations are required.
Location: Hakuna Matata, 215 W. Water St., Grafton