This is America

Ah, the Fourth of July. The day to celebrate America the free! Weirdly, Independence Day is usually anything but free. The kiddos are eager for a jam-packed day of fun and you’re looking for a way to get quality time with family and friends during your day off. Well, if you don’t have plans yet, don’t fret! We’ve got you covered with these 12 events going on in Central Texas.

The Galleria’s Annual Festival

While the kids line up for carnival rides, games and facepaint, shop ‘til you drop with an art fair with over 75 artisans. For post-shopping relaxation, lay out on a towel, grab some BBQ and listen to performances by School of Rock, Eve & The Exiles and more! 

1876 Celebration at The Williamson Museum

Party like it’s 1876 in Round Rock with activities the kids will love! The little ones will adore the drum decorating, sparkler designing and lemonade and ice cream-making workshops.

Saturday, June 29

Round Rock Express Game

Hey batter, batter swing … over to Dell Diamond and catch the local baseball team play against the Omaha Storm Chasers. Come early and stay late to watch the postgame fireworks!

Wednesday, July 3

SERTOMA’S Annual Family Celebration

For 36 years, thousands of people have gathered at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown to ring in the fourth. The community-centered event hosts kiddie rides, bounce houses, fun games, a petting zoo and about 20 food vendors. The day-long event commences with a grand fireworks show. 

H-E-B Austin Symphony Concert

Grab a spot on the lawn of Vic Mathias Shores for unbeatable views of the Austin skyline (and gorgeous fireworks). The Austin Symphony Orchestra has planned and played patriotic classics at the event for 43 years.

Willie Nelson’s Picnic

Nothing screams America quite like country music from stars including Luke Combs, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Night Sweats – and of course local legend Willie Nelson. Grab a Bud and enjoy the greatest talent the South has to offer at the Austin360 Amphitheater.

Real Ale Brewing Company

Sip local beer under shady trees, listen to tunes by The Merles and munch on food from Torchy’s, Hoeks Death Metal Pizza and Lick Ice Cream. Dogs and kiddos are welcome to the Blanco brewery, too! 

Red White and Views Rooftop Party

Party at the library? Yup, that’s right! Austin’s Central Library was listed in TIME Magazine’s 2018 World’s 100 Greatest Places. The roof offers breathtaking views of Lady Bird Lake and overlooks H-E-B’s fireworks show. Each ticket includes two drinks (beer, wine and specialty cocktails), access to a cookout buffet and live music by Landon Bullard and the Mostly Sober. 

Evening Paddle on Lady Bird Lake

Nothing beats a late-night kayak, canoe or SUP ride – especially under Fourth of July fireworks. Reservations required at the Rowing Dock! 

Drive-In Movies

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience at Blue Starlite. Watch a screening of Independence Day starring Will Smith and Jeff Goldblum at night, or of The Goonies, The Big Lebowksi and Jaws at other times throughout the day. 

Violet Crown Bike Ride

Join the crew for a 60-mile ride out to Lytton Springs and enjoy biker camaraderie over free BBQ catered by IronWorks, drinks from Treaty Oaks, raffle gifts, give-aways and more!