7 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 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 July 4 Concert and Fireworks celebration returns to Vic Mathias Shores with fireworks over the Austin skyline. Planned, produced and performed by the Austin Symphony, the free event will feature a concert at 8:10 p.m. and “mile-high” fireworks, with VIP ticket options available for premium seating. Guests are encouraged to secure a spot early and enjoy a day of kids’ activities, food trucks and local performances starting at 4:30 p.m.
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic
Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic returns to Germania Insurance Amphitheater for a full day of live music and fireworks. The long-running Texas tradition brings together country, Americana and rock artists, with Willie Nelson & Family headlining with special guests Billy Strings, Wilco, Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson and more. The show begins at 3:30 p.m. Get tickets here.
Hill Country Galleria’s Independence Day Festival
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the Hill Country Galleria‘s annual Independence Day Festival. Starting at 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy live music performances, shop from more than 40 local vendors, play water games, enjoy fair rides, get kids’ faces painted and watch a fireworks show. The celebration’s live music lineup will feature performances from School of Rock, Jo James, Vallejo and more.
Sertoma Independence Day Parade in Round Rock
Get into the patriotic spirit at the annual Sertoma Independence Day Parade in Round Rock, which begins at 8:30 a.m. July 4. The parade will feature giant helium and cold-air inflatables. The 1.5-mile route runs along Mays Street between Mays Crossing and Highway 79. Following the parade, the city will continue the celebration with the Frontier Days festival at Old Settlers Park, featuring carnival rides, live performances and a fireworks show.
Mozart’s Annual Pie Eating Contest
Mozart’s is back with its 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 hourlong 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.
Red, White & Buda
Buda’s Fourth of July celebration returns to Buda Amphitheater with a full day of family-friendly festivities. The day begins with a bike parade at 9 a.m., followed by afternoon activities including a bounce house, splashpad and food trucks starting at 4 p.m. Live music kicks off with Elle Townley at 6:30 p.m. and Shinyribs at 7:40 p.m., leading up to a dazzling fireworks show.
4th of July Music Festival at Rancho Moonrise
Rancho Moonrise, a glamping ranch about 20 minutes from downtown Austin, is throwing a Fourth of July party with live music, food, dancing and poolside fun. The day includes a vendor market with vintage finds, Western two-step lessons, a dunk tank, pool access, margaritas and barbecue from Rolling Smoke BBQ. The music lineup features Phil Hollie, The Saddle Sores, Louisiana Surf Department and India Ramey, with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. General admission is $25.
Browse our online events calendar for even more ideas on things to see and do this Independence Day in Austin.