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8 Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July Around Austin

Grab your red, white and blue and take advantage of all the summer fun

4th of July Fireworks on Lady Bird Lake by Josh Garza

This 4th of July, Austinites have many opportunities to gather with fellow Texans at events in and around the city. From enjoying classic barbecue 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.

Fourth of July fireworks at Vic Mathias Shores. (Photo courtesy of Star-Spangled Fest)
Fourth of July fireworks at Vic Mathias Shores. (Photo courtesy of Star-Spangled Fest)

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 8:45 p.m. and “mile-high” fireworks that are free and open to the public — with VIP ticket options for premium seating. The celebration kicks off at 8 p.m.

Hill Country Galleria hosts its annual Independence Day Festival in Bee Cave, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Hill Country Galleria)
Annual Independence Day Festival at Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Hill Country Galleria)

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, art 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 The Saddle Sores, Lena Luca, Vallejo, and more.

Watch the fireworks on the lake at Rowing Dock. (Photo by Josh Garza)
Watch the fireworks on the lake at Rowing Dock. (Photo by Josh Garza)

Watch 4th of July Fireworks by Paddle on Lady Bird Lake

Join the Rowing Dock for the much-anticipated July 4th Concert and Fireworks Show on Lady Bird Lake where you can experience all the spectacle from the water on a stand up paddle board, kayak, or canoe. Get tickets to reserve your preferred watercraft then plan to check in between 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. for your experience. Attendees can experience the Congress Avenue Bat Bridge and the melodies of the Austin Symphony from afar, all while experiencing a fireworks display.

Fourth of July celebration in Lakeway, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Lakeway Parks & Recreation Department)
Fourth of July celebration in Lakeway, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Lakeway Parks & Recreation Department)

Lakeway’s Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration

Lakeway and Austin residents can enjoy Lakeway’s Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration. Gather on Lakeway Drive at 8:30 a.m. for a Fourth of July parade, directly followed by an American hot dog reception at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakeway Activity Center — complete with live music, food and games.

Annual Sertoma Independence Day Parade in Round Rock, Texas. (Photo courtesy of City of Round Rock)
Sertoma Independence Day Parade in Round Rock, Texas. (Photo courtesy of City of Round Rock)

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 Fourth of July festival, carnival, music and traditional fireworks.

First Thursdays At Hotel San Jose + Austin Motel (Photo by Nick Simonite)
First Thursdays At Hotel San Jose + Austin Motel (Photo by Nick Simonite)

First Thursdays At Hotel San Jose + Austin Motel

Join the festivities on July 4th for this month’s First Thursday at San Jose. Enjoy live music from The Pearlsnap Playboys while savoring grub from Loudmouth Pizza, a venture by Paperboy, featuring small shareable bites and wood-fired pizza cooked on-site in their custom oven. Over at the Austin Motel, guests can groove to Hot Moon Vinyl and The Point while indulging in hot dogs and shaved ice from the Weiner Cart. Additionally, the team offers a “Holiday Half Day Pass” from 12-4 p.m. for pool access.

Red, White & Buda Independence Day celebration. (Photo courtesy of the City of Buda)
Red, White & Buda Independence Day celebration. (Photo courtesy of the City of Buda)

Red, White & Buda

Head down to Red, White & Buda to start your Fourth with a bike parade down Main Street, followed by games, a vendor market and evening fireworks at the Buda Amphitheater. Following a 9 a.m. bike parade on July 4, attendees can catch a fireworks celebration at dusk, along with a live performance by Mark Chesnutt at the Buda Amphitheater, all free and open to the public.

Carpenter Hotel pool (Photo by Andrea Calo)
Carpenter Hotel pool (Photo by Andrea Calo)

Carpenter Hotel 4th Of July BBQ & Pool Party

Join Carpenter Hotel for their summer holiday celebration on Thursday, July 4, featuring live music by THEBROSFRESH. Enjoy a grilled menu from Carpenters Hall and refreshing drinks as you take a dip. The event runs from 2-6 p.m., and for $55 per person, you’ll get a tasty meal and pool access, with drinks available for purchase.

Browse our online events calendar for even more ideas on things to see and do this Independence Day in Austin.