Happy about 4th of July, Austin! Who knew June was almost over? Summer is in full swing, and we’re on the cusp of USA birthday.
If you are a part of the human race like us, then you are fascinated by the fireworks on the 4th of July. No matter how many times we see patriotic lights lighting up the sky with ka-bum shapes – you know – we can’t get enough.
So, if you’re looking for a place to watch the fireworks this year, or to celebrate the National Day with no explosions, start here. We have compiled a list of several locations from around the Central Texas area. Check individual event websites for the latest updates, including parking details.
HEB Austin Symphony 4th of July Concert and Fireworks
This is the staple of the Fourth of July. Austin Symphony presents its annual free party and fireworks display at Vic Mathias Shores. The event starts at 8pm July 4th with a surprise guest on the show. Fireworks and music begin at 8:30 pm. More information at austinsymphony.org.
Willie Nelson 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks
Willie Nelson’s picnic will be back on the 4th of July this year, and it’s going green. The annual summer party (mostly) and fireworks display will be at Austin Q2 Stadium, the home of the Austin football team. Doors open at 11am on July 4th and the show starts at noon. In addition to Nelson and his family band, the 2022 team roster will include Jason Ezell and Unit 400, Tyler Childers, the Osborne Brothers, Midland, Charlie Crockett, Alison Russell, Gartel Kidd, Steve Earle and the Dukes, Nam at the wheel. .
“I am so excited to be returning our annual 4th of July picnic for the first time in two years,” Nelson said in a statement. “Come down. We miss you.”
Tickets currently start at $50. More information can be found at q2stadium.com/event/willie-nelsons-4th-of-july-picnic-and-fireworks.
National Bastrop Festival
Start the weekend of July 2 with a party at Fisherman’s Park in Bastrop. There is an 8 a.m. Fun Run 1K and an 8:20 a.m. Run, White & Blue 5K. Starting at noon, expect a immersion tank, petting zoo, Water Wonderland (for $15), a jalapeno eating contest, a pie eating contest and live music. It all ends with a fireworks display at 9:15. More information at visitbastrop.com/events/festivals/bastrop-patriotic-festival.
Bee Cave Independence Day Festival at Hill Country Galleria
The Bee Cave Shopping Center’s annual holiday event will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. on July 4 and will feature live music from Two Tons of Steel, Southern Angels, and more. Entry to the festival is free. Draw your face, take a shopping break, have a fair game, and finish the night with fireworks starting in the dark. More information at hillcountrygalleria.com.
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Beltone 4th of July Celebration
Get ready to celebrate America all day long at Belton. The city’s celebration begins at 9 a.m. July 4 in Peel County Courthouse with a national program. Show starts at 10 a.m. at Mary Hardin Baylor University. A festival, including a hot dog eating contest, will begin at 11 a.m. on Nolan Creek. The last event of the day is a backyard party at Schoepf’s Bar-B-Que with live music and fireworks. More information at beltonchamber.com.
red white and buda
Red White and Buda is an all-day 4th of July event, beginning at 9am 4th July with a bicycle parade on the main street in downtown Buda. From 5 p.m. to dusk, check out the market and food court in City Park. Live music begins at 6 p.m. on the Great Lawn, and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. More information at budaamphitheater.com.
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Cedar Park Celebration on July 4th
This celebration will begin at 4pm all evening in Melbourne Park. Activities include a wash cycle, cornhole, carnival ride, laser tag, and food trucks. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. followed by a screening of “The Lego Movie.” More information can be found online at cedarparktexas.gov.
Doc’s Drive-In . Theater
Do you watch “Independence Day” before watching the fireworks? Register with us! Tickets for the movie and fireworks event on July 3 and 4 are on sale now at Doc’s in Buda. More information at docsdriveinheater.com.
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Georgetown Celebration July 4th at San Gabriel Park
Head to San Gabriel Park for the parade starting at 11 a.m., followed by live entertainment from noon to 10:30 p.m. The event, organized by the city and Georgetown Sertoma Club, will include a petting zoo, classic cars, rides, and food vendors. Fireworks start at 9:30 pm. More information at georgetown.org.
Hutu Fourth of July Celebration
The celebration at the Brushy Creek Amphitheater begins at 5 pm and runs to 9:30 pm and ends with a fireworks display. It will include live music by Micah Marcus, Steve Cash’s band, David Beck Tejano, Weekend and Brig Bagwell. Expect food carts and kids’ activities, too. Amphitheater parking is available on a first come, first serve basis. You can also park at Hutto High School and take a shuttle bus to the Coliseum. More information at brushycreekamp.com.
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Kyle Independence Day Fireworks
An Austin neighbor to the south will be holding a 20-minute fireworks display at approximately 9:30 p.m. 4 July. KAZI 88.7 FM will play the music associated with the show. Fireworks will be set off from Bloom Creek Golf Course, which will be closed to the public. Alternatively, watch the show from the Hays Performing Arts Center or other nearby lookout point. More information at cityofkyle.com/recreation/independence-day-celebration-fireworks-show.
Leander Freedom Festival 2022
Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m., but head out to Leander’s Liberty Fest during the day for live music and food. The event will begin at 2 p.m. on July 4 in Lakewood Park. Entry to the festival is free. More information at Leandertx.gov.
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Amazing Liberty Hill Independence Day
The Liberty Hill Fourth of July celebration will start early July 3 with an apple pie contest, a watermelon seed spitting contest, and a hot dog eating contest before nighttime fireworks. All activities and competitions are free of charge; Just be sure to bring cash for parking. The celebration runs from 6 to 10 p.m. at Liberty Hill Middle School. Note: No alcohol or coolants are allowed on the school grounds. More information at Experencelhtx.com.
Pflugerville’s Pfireworks Jul 4
The Pflugerville Fireworks Show, in partnership with Typhoon Texas, begins at 9 p.m. July 4 in the field adjacent to the water park. The field is located at the intersection of Texas 130 and Pflugerville Parkway. More information at pflugervilletx.gov.
Round Rock at Surtoma 4th of July and Frontier Days
Are you in the Round Rock area? Spend the Fourth of July at Old Settlers Park celebrating music, pig racing, a pepper-eating contest, and more. The all-day event begins at 8:30 a.m. with a parade that runs along Mays Avenue between Mays Crossing and US 79 at Round Rock. After the Austin Symphonic Band performs, fireworks will begin at dusk, followed by more live music. More information at roundrocktexas.gov.
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The fourth show at the Wales Branch Festival
The Wells Branch Municipal Utility Department of Parks and Recreation is holding a show at 10 a.m. on July 4 at Katherine Fleischer Park. The rest of the day will include a tournament, live music and fireworks at 9pm at Wells Branch Leisure Centre. More information at wellsbranchmud.com.
The more you know
Leave it to the professionals on July 4th. It is illegal to own or use fireworks in most incorporated cities in the Austin metro area unless a permit is issued by fire officials for professional display. In Austin, call 311 to report illegal fireworks. Call 911 only in case of emergency.
Do you have pets? Before the fireworks begin, the Austin Humane Society recommends:
- Make sure your pet has an electronic chip and the associated address and phone number are up to date.
- Talk to your vet about anxiety tools and techniques.
- Make sure your yard is safe.
- Keep a collar and tag on your pet even if it is at home.
- Keep your pet indoors with a radio or television on to help filter out the noise outside.
Roberto Villalpando, US civil servant