As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, Jefferson City’s Salute to America returns for a community celebration.

For decades, Jefferson City has celebrated the Fourth of July in a very special way. The Salute to America is a highlight of the community calendar, and this year marks a very special milestone in our country’s history – the United States’ Semiquincentennial. That’s a very fancy way of saying, “Happy 250th birthday to the U.S.!”

This year’s festival theme is “Salute to America Celebrates 250 Years of Freedom,” and Event Manager Taylor Wolz promises something for everyone.

Our mission is to get everyone in the community involved … all ages, all types, all backgrounds celebrating together,” Wolz explains. “It’s designed to be easy to participate in. It’s free for everyone. You don’t have to cook or prepare anything. Just bring a blanket and join in the fun.”

Its scale has varied over the years, from a modest event to a nearly weeklong fair including a street carnival. More recently (post-Covid), Salute to America has settled into a two-day affair. Events begin the evening of Friday, July 3, and they culminate in a full-day extravaganza on Saturday, July Fourth. Planning for this special 250th birthday party began in October 2025, taking the cooperative efforts of a host of people and organizations.

Wolz points out, “Without sponsor support, governmental assistance, and volunteer efforts, an event like this just doesn’t happen.”

Things kick off Friday at 6:30 p.m. with opening ceromonies at Ellis-Porter Park and the Capital Region Amphitheater, where there will be food vendors and a family activity zone featuring face painting, yard games, and the park’s playground amenities. Festivities continue with the live “Birds of Prey Show” by Missouri American Water at 6:45 p.m. where you can watch and learn about large raptors.

At 8:30 p.m., McClarty Auto Group presents a free kickoff concert from the St. Louis 90s cover band Zero to Ninety. You’ll want to stay put after that for the special “Hot Air Balloon Glow,” sponsored by GFiber. The glow will include approximately 15 illuminated hot air balloons.

On Saturday, July Fourth, events are located on and around the Capitol complex downtown. Opening Ceremonies, sponsored by the Naught family, start at 10 a.m. on the north (river) side of the Capitol. Then, rolling in right behind that is the Socket Fiber Classic Car Cruise.

While downtown, join the all day Scavenger Hunt – fun for all ages. Other activities include the Missouri Farm Bureau Kidz Zone, Ameren Missouri Marketplace, Coca-Cola Food Court, and Scheppers Distributing Beer Garden.

Patrons can also explore local history at several venues, thanks in part to the efforts of Cole County 250 Committee members Sam Bushman and Cliff Olsen. The Avenue of History will run along the 100 & 200 blocks of Madison Street and will feature historical exhibits by the Sons of the American Revolution, Army National Guard, Historical Society, and others. A historic military encampment and collection of Revolutionary flags will be on display. The Selinger Center at St. Peter’s Church will house an honorary tribute, “Remembering Missouri’s Fallen.”

Presiding Commissioner Bushman recalls, “I remember the 1976 Bicentennial, how wonderful and fantastic everyone felt, the patriotism on display. We should be proud of this. We need to celebrate and honor this milestone.”
Bushman is also excited about bringing the Missouri National Guard 135th Band to town. They will perform a at the opening ceremonies and march in the parade.

At 6 p.m. the excitement amps up. First, Busch’s Florist & Greenhouse presents the “United We Bloom” parade. Next, Show Me 250 and Multipli Credit Union present a free concert on the Capitol Main Stage featuring opener Chloe Hoecker, a St. Elizabeth native, followed by Grand Ole Opry member Chris Janson.

The party ends with a bang with the Multipli Credit Union Fireworks Display – a 400 shell, 15+ minute extravaganza accompanied by patriotic music on NASH FM 100.1.

“Jefferson City might be considered a small town, but we have a lot going on,” Wolz shares. “The Salute to America offers a free Fourth of July community event where people always have fun and make core family summer memories.”

Community Partners

Salute to America is made possible with the support of the City of Jefferson, the Cole County 250 Committee, the Cole County Commission, Cole County, the Downtown Business Association, the East & West Side Business Associations, Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, MODOT, the Missouri National Guard, the State of Missouri, Visit Jefferson City, and Visit Missouri.

Event Sponsors

Overall Sponsors: Central Bank, City of Jefferson, Cole County, EquipmentShare, JC Parks, Jefferson Bank, Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, Missouri National Guard, Visit Jefferson City, and Visit Missouri Water refill stations by Culligan

July 3: Kickoff Concert by McLarty Auto Group, Birds of Prey by Missouri American Water and Hot Air Balloon Glow by GFiber

July 4: Opening Ceremony by Naught Family, Kidz Zone by MO Farm Bureau, Marketplace by Ameren Missouri, Food Court by Coca Cola, Beer Garden by Scheppers Distributing, Parade by Busch’s Florist & Greenhouse, Chris Janson Concert by Show Me 250 & Multipli Credit Union, and Fireworks by Multipli Credit Union