8 Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July Around Austin
Grab your red, white and blue and take advantage of all the summer fun
This 4th of July, Austinites have many opportunities to gather with fellow Texans at events in and around the city. From enjoying a seafood boil to watching fireworks on Town Lake or taking in a patriotic parade, below are Austin’s best celebrations being held in honor of Independence Day.
Star Spangled Fest & H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks
The H-E-B Austin Symphony’s July 4th Concert and Fireworks celebration is back as part of the two-day Star Spangled Fest. This year, Vic Mathias Shores will light up the sky with fireworks over the Austin skyline. Planned, produced and performed by the Austin Symphony, the event will feature a concert at 8:30 p.m. and “mile-high” fireworks that are free and open to the public — with VIP ticket options for premium seating. You can kick off the day with The Morning Spin, an early-riser DJ set, at 10 a.m., or secure a shoreline spot early and enjoy a day of kids activities, food trucks and local performances starting at 4:30 p.m.
Hill Country Galleria’s Independence Day Festival
Gear up for the holiday by celebrating with the Hill Country Galleria at their annual Independence Day Festival. Starting at 4 p.m., Austinites and visitors can visit the Hill Country for free, with access to live music performances, more than 40 local vendors, water games, fair rides, face painting for kids — and maybe even adults — plus a firework show. The celebration’s live music will feature performances from School of Rock, Jo James and Vallejo.
Launderette’s Lobster & Friends Seafood Boil
Celebrate America’s birthday with a seafood feast from Launderette. The James Beard-nominated East Austin café is hosting its seventh annual Lobster & Friends with a decadent seafood boil menu, including lobster, shrimp, clams, sausage, corn and potatoes. Dig into family-style sides, like grilled watermelon salad and Bibb lettuces, and sweeten up your firework show with specialized desserts, such as strawberry rhubarb tart, bananas Foster cheesecake and key lime pie. Tickets are available now and cost $78 per person for both dine-in and to-go meals.
The Loren Hotel’s Red, White and Bougie Celebration
Head to the top of The Loren Hotel for a luxurious firework show accompanied by premium champagne, live music and elevated bites from Nido, the rooftop restaurant. Tickets are $125 per person and include two glasses of bubbly and a menu of wagyu sliders, mini lobster rolls and roasted short ribs. If you need a place to crash, the hotel is offering a special Fourth of July room package with a $60 brunch credit for Saturday morning.
Sertoma Independence Day Parade in Round Rock
In the heart of Round Rock, catch the patriotic spirit at the annual Sertoma Independence Day Parade, starting at 8:30 a.m. on July 4. Back and better than ever, the parade will feature giant helium and cold-air inflatables. The 1.5-mile parade route will run along Mays Street between Mays Crossing and Highway 79. Following the parade, the city of Round Rock will continue to celebrate with a Frontier Days festival at Old Settlers Park, featuring carnival rides, live performances and a dazzling fireworks show.
Mozart’s Annual Pie Eating Contest
Lean into your competitive spirit this Independence Day at Mozart’s third annual pie eating contest, where participants will eat as many mini cherry pies as their stomachs allow in three minutes. The cherry pie champion will receive a sunset boat cruise, valued at $650. Second place gets six free hour-long paddleboard rentals, while third place wins a one-hour donut boat rental. Those cheering on the competitors can enjoy live music, face painting and ice cream sundaes topped with sparklers. RSVP for free online.
Hotel Magdalena’s Red, White and Retro Pool Party
Cool off with a nostalgic pool party at Austin’s Hotel Magdalena this Fourth of July. For $35, guests can swim to the tune of Willy McGee, scarf down hot dogs from Cowboy Pools and splash about on patriotic floats from 2 to 6 p.m. If you want to extend the Americana weekend, there will be a sunset screening of “Wet Hot American Summer” on Saturday for free.
Fourth of July Disco Cruise
Take a four-hour, disco-themed cruise around Lake Travis to get in the patriotic spirit. Each Premier Party Cruise boat includes a DJ performance, a giant 20-foot unicorn float, discounted round-trip transportation and complimentary alcohol delivery. Starting at Anderson Mill Marina from 12 to 4 p.m. or 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., guests 25 years old and up can soak up the sun in Fourth of July attire for under $100.
Browse our online events calendar for even more ideas on things to see and do this Independence Day in Austin.