8 Last Minute Ways To Celebrate Fourth Of July In Austin

Fireworks at the Hill Country Galleria in Austin — Fireworks at Hill Country Galleria (Credit: Hill Country Galleria)

There is no right or wrong way to celebrate Fourth of July in Austin. Feel like a more traditional cookout with fireworks? A festive parade? A refreshing swim? What about a good, old-fashioned boogie down all night long?

If you choose to stay curled up indoors with a book and pet of choice on your lap, absolutely no judgement there, either. However, if you feel like getting out and about for our nation’s Independence Day, then here are eight diverse events for you to choose from.

1/ Independence Day Festival at Hill Country Galleria

Games and festival fun at Hill Country Galleria on Fourth of July — Games and festival fun for the whole family (Credit: Hill Country Galleria)

You can look forward to Hill Country Galleria’s annual celebration. Festivities go from 4 until 10 p.m. and are completely free, unless you decide to do some shopping, which there will be plenty of.

Artisan vendors will be on-site with their handmade crafts. The typical Galleria restaurants will be open, as well.

Live music will be provided by The School of Rock, as well as other local bands. Expect the festival to conclude with a dazzling fireworks display!

12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave, TX – Website

2/ H-E-B Austin Symphony Concert & Fireworks

Austin Fourth of July With Austin Symphony Orchestra — Best view of the city (Credit: Austin Symphony Orchestra)

This show is an Austin classic! According to Austin Symphony’s website, it will be an “amazing event complete with a fireworks display over the city skyline backed by symphonic patriotic classics.” The show starts at 8:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

There will be several road closures in the area, so check the map online to plan your best point of access.

900 W. Riverside Dr. – Website

3/ July 4th Celebration in Lakeway

July 4th Celebration and Parade in Lakeway Texas — There’ll be no shortage of fanciful costumes during Lakeway’s parade (Credit: Lakeway Parks and Recreation)

The celebrations in Lakeway start early in the morning and go all day long, so feel free to jump into the party whenever! The parade will start at 8:30 a.m. The theme is Fly Me To The Moon, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.

After the parade, there will be a hot dog lunch. Feel like going for a dip afterwards? Lakeway Swim Center will be open from 12 to 8 p.m. at the special price of $3 for all-day use.

510 Lakeway Dr. – Website

4/ Bikes, Fireworks and The Avocados at The ABGB

Fourth of July at The ABGB Austin — Patriotism at its finest (Credit: The ABGB)

This award-winning beer garden–with incredible food to boot–is hosting an epic luau this Fourth of July. Join The ABGB starting a noon for beer, pizza, and live music by The Avocados.

If you bring your bike, you can ride with the group down to Auditorium Shores after the party, guided by Ghisallo Cycling Initiative. It’s the perfect way to roll up to a fireworks show, so you don’t have to deal with parking! Plus, there’s strength in numbers. If you’re going to bike, you might as well go with a group that knows what it’s doing.

1305 W. Oltorf St. – Website

5/ Dance Party at The Volstead

Fourth of July at The Volstead in Austin — The cocktail choice is yours (Credit: Volstead)

The Volstead Lounge, a classy dive bar on the east side and host of regular open mic and trivia nights, is hosting a dance party with local DJ uLOVEi. For those who love exercising their freedom by dancing the night away, enjoy the spacious but cozy dance floor, or relax on the patio to get some air.

You may not be able to see the fireworks from The Volstead, but you’ll definitely hear them.

This event is 21+.

1500 E. 6th St. – Facebook event

6/ Backyard BBQ at Scholz Garten

Fourth of July at Scholz Garten — An Austin tradition (Credit: Scholz Garten)

If you haven’t been to Scholz Garten yet, this would be the perfect time to check out this piece of history. Scholz Garten is the oldest Biergarten in America and is hosting an all day party on the Fourth and serving up hot dogs, barbecue, and burgers.

The event is free and a DJ will be spinning from 2 to 6 p.m. Kid and dog friendly!

Afterwards, head to the downtown fireworks display!

1607 San Jacinto Blvd. – Website

➡️ Keep reading: Scholz Garten Stands Strong in Austin After More than 150 Years

7/ Freedom Fizz Cocktails at Sway Thai

Fourth of July at Sway in Austin — Plenty of cool drinks this Fourth at Sway (Credit: Sway Thai)

All of Sway Thai’s locations will be doing something special for the Fourth, but the big event is happening at Westlake Hills from 4 to 11 p.m. It’s first come first serve with a full menu available.

Specials include twists on your typical Fourth of July fare, such as Thai corn dogs and rosé raspberry lychee popsicles. The refreshing Freedom Fizz cocktail is made with gin, Cocchi Rosa, and lemon.

Oh, and did I mention it’s a rooftop party with a perfect view of the downtown fireworks?

The Sway Domain location will be hosting brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a live DJ set. Sway South 1st will offer holiday specials all weekend, featuring a watermelon salad that has pop rocks in it!

Multiple locations – Website

➡️ Keep reading: Sway Reinvents Traditional Thai Food With Modern Twist

8/ Free For All at Scratchouse

Fourth of July at Scratchouse Austin — Credit: Scratchouse

Scratchouse is a live music venue in the Red River Cultural District. On July 4th, head to the party called the “4th of July Free For All,” featuring several local rap and music artists.

Why, might you ask, is it called Free For All? Not only is Scratchouse celebrating freedom, but the event is also free if you RSVP on Facebook. Otherwise, it’s $5 at the door.

This event is 18+.

617 E. 7th St. – Facebook event

@theAustinot wants to know:

Where will you celebrate Fourth of July in Austin this year?

The original version of this article was published July 2, 2018.