Central Texas is ready to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, parades, pool parties, concerts, and family-friendly fun. Here’s a complete guide to the top events happening across the region this July 4th weekend.
Austin: 48th Annual July 4th Concert & Fireworks Celebration
- Location: Auditorium Shores and the Long Center
- Date: Friday, July 4
- Time: Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. accompanied by the Austin Symphony Orchestra
- Details: Free event with food and drink vendors, live entertainment on two stages. Attendees may bring blankets and chairs. Pets not permitted, except trained service animals.
- Parking and Transportation:
- Heavy traffic expected near South Lamar Blvd, Barton Springs Rd, and Riverside Dr
- Roads reopen by midnight
- Bike via the Hike-and-Bike Trail or use CapMetro services (free after 5 p.m., Sunday-level bus service, Saturday-level rail service)
- Ride-share drop-offs along Lee Barton Dr
- Public parking at One Texas Center, Palmer Event Center, River South Garage, City Hall Garage, and State Garage N
- ADA-accessible parking at Palmer Event Center Garage and One Texas Center
More July 4th Weekend Celebrations Across Central Texas
July 3: Movies on the Lake at Mozart’s Coffee
- Movie: National Treasure
- Time: 8:30 p.m.
- Details: Free deck seating with RSVP, or rent a paddleboard ($20) or 2-person floater chair ($30) for an on-the-water movie experience
July 3-5: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa Independence Weekend
- July 3: Live music from Jade Marie Patek and The Band of Heathens, starting at 7 p.m.
- July 5: Red, White & Blue Barbecue from 6 to 9:30 p.m. with lawn games, live music by Aaron McDonnell & The Neon Eagles, and fireworks finale
- Access limited to hotel guests and country club members
July 4: Buda Amphitheater Fourth of July Celebration
- Location: Buda Amphitheater, 204 San Antonio St, Buda
- 8 a.m.: Downtown Bike Parade line-up
- 9 a.m.: Bike Parade begins
- 4 p.m.: DJ and family-friendly activities at City Park
- 7:30 p.m.: Live music from Aaron Watson
- 9:15 p.m.: Fireworks display
July 4: Carpenter Hotel Backyard Splash Party
- Location: Carpenter Hotel, Austin
- Time: 2 p.m. until late
- Details: Live music, food pop-ups, drinks
- Pedal Steel Noah performs from 3 to 5 p.m.
- Free entry to Q-Hut area, $35 per person for pool access
July 4: Desert Door Film Friday & Frozen Fridays
- Location: Desert Door, 211 Darden Hill Rd, Driftwood
- 3 to 6 p.m.: Half-price frozen drinks for Frozen Fridays
- 6 p.m.: Screening of Independence Day
- Summer cocktail menu available daily
July 4-6: Downright Austin Independence Weekend Parties
- July 4: Austin All American Fourth of July Party with DJs from noon to 8 p.m.
- July 5: BBQ + Beats, food and DJ sets from 2 to 10 p.m.
- July 6: Classic Sunday Pool Party with a DJ from 2 to 6 p.m.
- Events are 21+, swimwear required for pool parties, RSVP necessary for access, limited day passes available
From classic fireworks shows to pool parties and movie screenings, Austin and Central Texas offer a variety of ways to celebrate America’s birthday.
