July Fourth fireworks over Vic Mathias Shores, formerly known as Auditorium Shores
(Credit: Jared Tennant Photography)
Fireworks, parades, and cut-off jeans contests. When it comes to celebrating our nation’s independence, Austin does it right. Whether you’re heading to the big spectacles, craving live music, or staying local, there’s something for everybody this July Fourth holiday.
Fireworks and Parades
The largest fireworks display in Texas takes place in downtown Austin (Credit: Jared Tennant Photography)
H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks @ Auditorium Shores
Pairing an awe-inspiring light show with traditional Sousa marches was a hallmark of my childhood July Fourth experience. H-E-B Austin Symphony Concert & Fireworks maintains this tradition in grand style. Over 100,000 people are expected to crowd the Vic Mathias Shores lawn for what is touted as the largest fireworks display in all of Texas. Get there crazy early, claim your spot, and prepare to be dazzled. The event is free to attend.
900 W. Riverside Dr. Symphony starts at 8:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Visit the event page for more information.
West Lake Hills 4th of July Parade
Drums, floats, and all-American vibes await spectators of West Lake Hills’ annual 4th of July Parade. The parade starts at 8:30 a.m. at Westlake Drive and Bee Caves, swings up Reveille, and returns. Led by the Westlake Fire Department, the parade will be memorable for the entire family. In addition to the parade, there will be live music, free food, and costume contests for “Most Patriotic,” “Best Dressed Pet,” and “Best Thing on Wheels.”
101 Westlake Dr. For the full route and other attractions, check out the parade’s website.
Regional Fireworks and Festivals
Most if not all of Austin’s bordering areas are holding fireworks displays on July Fourth. If you want to stay close to home, here’s where you’ll be going:
- Bastrop: Patriotic Festival Weekend
- Bee Cave: Hill Country Galleria’s Independence Day Celebration
- Buda: Red, White n’ Buda
- Cedar Park: 4th of July Parade & Celebration
- Pflugerville: Pfirecracker Pfestival
- Kyle: Independence Day Fireworks Show
- Lakeway: July 4th Celebration
- Leander: Liberty Fest
- Lockhart: Independence Day Firework Extravaganza
- Round Rock: Frontier Days and Sertoma July 4th Parade
July Fourth Special Events
Bikes, Fireworks, and Warren Hood @ The ABGB
Spanning all three of our categories, The ABGB hosts its yearly bike ride to the downtown fireworks extravaganza. The event starts at noon with corn hole and beer, followed by a watermelon-eating contest at 4 p.m. At 5 p.m., ABGB regular Warren Hood will play two sets of live music, followed by the bicycle trek to the big show at 7:30 p.m.
And if you wear your most smashing pair of cut-off jeans, then you can be in the Cut-Off Club. And who doesn’t want to be in the Cut-Off Club? Doing the Fourth right!
1305 W. Oltorf St. For more information, visit the event’s page here.
Stunt Ranch Screening of “Independence Day”
It’s not our nation’s birthday without a little bit of Goldblum. Catch the wonderfully cheesy “Independence Day” at Stunt Ranch with a congregation of fellow film fans and adrenaline junkies. Enjoy live pyrotechnics during the movie, rock out to post-movie fireworks, and do your best Will Smith impersonation. An incredible way to celebrate the Fourth.
13317 Fitzhugh Road. Learn more about Stunt Ranch at stuntranch.com.
Music
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic
Austin’s favorite son knows how to put on a party during this yearly tradition worth the trek to Circuit of The Americas. Nineteen musicians across two stages will rock the Austin360 Amphitheater with copious amounts of country and folk. While most will come to see Sturgill Simpson and Ryan Bingham, local acts include Folk Uke, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Jamestown Revival, and legendary Asleep at the Wheel. Seeing Merle Haggard play with Willie two years ago was a landmark concert music moment for me, so don’t miss this incredible opportunity.
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd. For the full lineup, tickets, and more information, visit the event page.
Bob Schneider’s Independence Day Celebration
If smaller, more intimate shows are your thing, then join celebrated Austin singer/songwriter Bob Schneider for an evening of soulful rock. Joined by guitar great Eric Tessmer and stunning songstress Jane Ellen Bryant, the show promises to deliver a sparking yet intimate evening for those avoiding the usual July Fourth fanfare.
Check out Ms. Bryant’s awe-inspiring “If I Loved You” for confirmation of how amazing this show will be. As always, Nutty Brown Amphitheatre will host the show.
12225 US-290. For tickets and times, check out the show’s ticket page.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where will you be hanging out on July 4, 2018?
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