UPDATE 7pm July 4 – Entertainment schedules may vary due to weather, but fireworks are still planned for tonight!
Riverfest – Fireworks Downtown for America’s 250th
Learn more about the Great American 4th of July fireworks show and event downtown for 2026 at https://riverfestcape.com/ (No personal fireworks).
Join us as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in beautiful downtown Cape Girardeau today! Plan ahead for family fun and stay-tuned to weather!
What to Expect
- Live entertainment starts at 3 p.m. on Spanish St.
- Fireworks at dark (~9:26 p.m.). Optimal viewing anywhere from the terraced lawn at the courthouse all the way down to the riverfront.
- Some downtown restaurants, venues, and businesses open
- Additional food and beverage vendors, please keep open containers in the approved area
- Children’s activities at Ivers Square City Hall park.
Other than existing restaurants and businesses, festivities are outdoors on a very hot day with rain possible. Plan ahead, wear light clothing, and stay hydrated. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic blankets, beverages, and anything that will help keep your family comfortable while being considerate of those around you.
Entertainment Schedule
3:00 p.m. – National Anthem & Boys Scouts Post the Colors
3:30 p.m. – Nationally recognized Cape Girardeau singer Joy Brooker Music
5:00 p.m. – Regional favorite Ivas John Band
7:00 p.m. – Branson entertainer Mike Walker’s Lasting Impressions
8:45 p.m. – Spirit of America Award Presentation
9:26 p.m. – Fireworks Finale
Between performances, enjoy “The Voices of Freedom – Three Voices. One Revolutionary Spirit,” a Riverfest original film.
Parking & Transportation
Please expect increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic throughout the downtown area and plan accordingly. Keep roadways and driveways accessible when street parking. A free shuttle will provide transportation to and from the Show Me Center starting at 5 p.m. until approximately 11 p.m. to return people to their vehicles.
To accommodate the event, the following streets will be closed to vehicle traffic:
• North Spanish Street from Broadway to Independence
• Themis Street between North Spanish Street and North Main Street
The following streets will remain open:
• North Main Street from Broadway to William Street
• North Water Street from Broadway to Independence
Please expect increased pedestrian traffic throughout the downtown area and plan accordingly.
Open Container Area
A designated open-container zone has been established for the event. Alcohol purchased from approved vendors may be carried within:
• North Spanish Street (Broadway to Independence)
• North Main Street (Broadway to William)
• North Water Street (Broadway to Independence)
• East side of the floodwall
Open containers must be in:
• Plastic cups
• Aluminum cans
Glass containers are prohibited.
Open containers, coolers, and similar items are prohibited in:
• North Main Street/Broadway parking lot
• South Main Street/Independence parking lot
These restrictions will be actively enforced throughout the event.
Service Impact
City offices will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026. That week, Thursday’s trash/recycling route will be run on Wednesday, and Friday’s routes will be run on Thursday. All other routes remain the same.
Dates and Hours for Fireworks Sales in Cape Girardeau
- June 27 to July 4 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Fireworks may not be sold after 10 p.m. on July 4
Dates and Hours for Fireworks Use in Cape Girardeau
- June 27 to July 3 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- July 4 between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight
- Dec. 31 from 11:30 p.m. until Jan. 1 at 12:30 a.m.
About Firework Safety
The most important things you need to know about fireworks are the safety precautions and facts:
- The City prohibits the sale and/or discharge of fireworks within a certain distance of schools, hospitals, gas pumps, etc. Take a few minutes to review the ordinance linked from cityofcape.org/law.
- Adult supervision is the law.
- Even sparklers burn at temperatures of 1,200 degrees or more – hot enough to melt some metals.
- Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Find more safety tips online or find the Fire Department or Police Department on social media for more tips.