Closures & Prohibited Items for July 3-4, 2026

First Amendment Areas at the Arch

NPS Image

On July 3 and July 4, 2026, Gateway Arch National Park will implement first amendment area closures and public use limits in relation to the Celebrate Saint Louis Event taking place on and around the Gateway Arch Grounds during those days.

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 1.5, the NPS is imposing a temporary closure of first amendment areas and a public use limit on specific items that can be possessed inside the secure perimeter established to provide a higher threshold of safety and security to the heavy visitation projected for Celebrate Saint Louis.

The following is a list of prohibited items that may not be inside the secure perimeter:

• Aerosol cans;
• Alcoholic beverages;
• Bags, backpacks, large coolers and/or containers larger than 18” x 13” x 7” (25L);
  • Medical bags and diaper bags with a child are permitted.
• Balloons;
• Bicycles, skateboards, and scooters;
• Drones;
• Explosives including fireworks;
• Illegal substances;
• Mace/pepper spray;
• Pets (excluding service animals);
• Recreational motorized mobility devices (including electric bicycles, scooters, motor driven skateboards, one-wheel skateboards, and hoverboards, etc);
• Selfie sticks, tripods, and monopods;
• Signs or banners larger than 20 x 36 x ¼ inch or signs made of rigid material;
• Structures: including pop-up tents, beach umbrellas, and other temporary structures;
• Supports for signs and placards (any straight stick larger than 12 inches that does not meet the need of a mobility assistance device is prohibited);
• Unsealed containers exceeding 1 liter and any glass container;
• Weapons and knives.

Additionally, the following changes to First Amendment areas at Gateway Arch National Park will be in effect on July 3 and July 4 (see map above for locations):

• 15 of 19 areas will remain open.
• Closed areas include:
  • Areas 5, 14, 15, and 19 - closed due to the location of fencing, safe visitor flow, and the stage;
  • Areas 3 and 4 - reduced to 25% of normal capacity due to location of fencing;
  • Areas 6, 7, 10, and 13 - no use of audio amplification equipment.

Violating a closure or public use limit is prohibited. The National Park Service appreciates the public’s cooperation in this matter.

 

Celebrate Saint Louis event areas on the Gateway Arch grounds.

Courtesy of Celebrate St. Louis