Communities across Texas are celebrating Independence Day with fireworks, parades, concerts, festivals, and family-friendly festivities that honor the nation’s past while bringing people together. Whether you’re planning a patriotic getaway or looking for a celebration close to home, these Fourth of July events offer memorable ways to join in the festivities. 

 

AUSTIN

Star-Spangled Fest

This year’s festivities, held at Auditorium Shores and supported by the Long Center, offer something for everyone with a variety of music, food, drinks, games and giveaways. The day-long celebration culminates with the 49th annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th Concert and Fireworks, presented by H-E-B. Access to Auditorium Shores is free and open to the public. Premium access tickets to additional programming are available at starspangledfest.com. 

Rooftop Pool Celebration at Omni Austin Hotel Downtown

On July 4 and 5, Austinites can head to Omni Austin Hotel Downtown’s rooftop pool and Cloud Bar for a special Fourth of July edition of their popular Summer Saturdays series, which runs through September. Guests can expect DJ sets from 2-7 p.m., “Beat the Heat” flash happy hour specials, complimentary frozen treats, and a menu of new cocktails and bites with panoramic city views. Day passes are open to the public and start at $60 via ResortPass; overnight guests get complimentary access.

Red, White & Blue BBQ at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa

On July 3, resort guests and Barton Creek Country Club members can celebrate under the Hill Country sky with classic Texas barbecue, family-friendly lawn games, live music from multiplatinum country artist Neal McCoy (with opener Mason Lively), and a fireworks finale. For something more elevated, the Star-Spangled VIP Experience ($160/person) offers an intimate terrace setting with premium food and drinks and front-row views of the fireworks. Book your stay at omnibartoncreek.com.

FREE Uber Rides

Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP (Austin’s oldest personal injury law firm, established in 1959) is offering 1,000 free Uber rides (up to $20 each) across 6 Central Texas counties. July 4th is the deadliest day of the year for crash deaths – the IIHS reports it has more crash deaths on average than any other day of the year. Nationally, 2,719 people were killed in crashes over the July 4th holiday period from 2020 to 2024, and 38% of the drivers involved were drunk, according to NHTSA. Data shows Texas leads the country in deadly alcohol-impaired crashes. To help reduce that risk, Byrd Davis Alden & Henrichson, LLP is offering 1,000 free Uber Rides to prevent July 4th Drunk Driving.

Here’s How It Works (Step by Step):

Step 1: Request Your Voucher

Fill out the short form on the official program page to request your Uber voucher. Once approved, you’ll receive a unique Uber voucher link by email.

Step 2: Add Your Voucher to the Uber App
Click the link in your email and the voucher will automatically load into your Uber app.

Step 3: Take Your Free Ride (July 4–5)
Use the voucher anytime between 4:00 p.m. on July 4 and 9:00 a.m. on July 5, 2026.

Your ride must start or end in one of the eligible Central Texas counties (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell, and Comal counties.)

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the free ride, users must:

• Have an active Uber account
• Take the ride during the program window (July 4–5)
• Start or end the ride in an eligible county
• One voucher per Uber account
• Offer is limited to the first 1,000 vouchers

The voucher covers one one-way ride up to $20 (tip not included).

BASTROP

Big Bang! Celebration

Bastrop is excited to celebrate America 250 with its beloved Big Bang! Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The family-friendly Independence Day event will span the entire day, with the first activities beginning at 8:00 a.m. concluding with the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. The celebration is free and open to the public.

Pet & Pal Parade: Show Off Your Patriotic Pride!  

Bastrop will host its annual pet parade on Saturday, July 4th from 9:00-10:00 a.m. beginning at the County Courthouse in historic downtown Bastrop. Participants are encouraged to dress their pets up and join in on the fun. Any and all pets furry and feathered are welcome, not just dogs! The parade will roll out in two groups: first, pets walking proudly alongside their owners, followed by a wave of decorated bikes, scooters, skateboards, and other non-motorized rides. Dress up your pets, deck out your bikes, add streamers, balloons, baskets, costumes. The more flair, the better. Whether you’re walking, riding, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s all about creativity, color, and having a blast together. 

Freedom on Wheels: Rolls Through Downtown! 

South Main transforms into a pop-up play street after the parade from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Grab your bikes, scooters, strollers, skates, or any non-motorized wheels and enjoy a safe, car-free roll. 

Toads & Treasures: A Stars & Stripes Scavenger Hunt 

The fan-favorite downtown scavenger hunt returns with a patriotic twist! Participating businesses downtown will host a toad-ally awesome scavenger hunt for kids. Seek out hidden red, white, and blue toads in local shops and gather treasures along your adventure from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  

Patriotic Firework Display: Epic Evening of Patriotic Proportions 

Get ready for an unforgettable night under the stars! Spend the 4th of July with a spectacular show of colors and lights at Fisherman’s Park. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, coolers, and the whole family for an evening packed with excitement and patriotic spirit from 6:00-9:30 pm at Fisherman’s Park. Listen to live music, let the kids enjoy bounce houses, indulge in tasty concessions, participate in field games, and watch a breathtaking fireworks show. There will even be sprinklers to help you stay cool! 

CORPUS CHRISTI

The Mayor’s Big Bang Celebration

The 2026 Mayor’s Big Bang Celebration on the Corpus Christi Bayfront will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with one of the largest Independence Day celebrations on the Texas Gulf Coast. Bring your friends and family and experience one of the best firework views in Texas as the fireworks light up the night sky, jam to live music, savor treats from delicious food trucks, and enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. This free event is open to all ages. 

DALLAS AREA

America250 Celebration at Y’all Plaza

Marriott Dallas Uptown is hosting an America250 Celebration at Y’all Plaza, a free community celebration on Saturday, July 4, from 4 to 8 p.m., bringing together live entertainment, patriotic festivities, and plenty of red, white, and blue spirit in the heart of Uptown before the nearby fireworks show at Klyde Warren Park..

The FREE celebration will feature:

• A live DJ
• Color guard presentation
• Performance by a local high school band at 5 p.m.
• Festive atmosphere with decor, misters, and plenty of America250 spirit

The event is free and open to the public, and all ages are welcome. The hotel is just a 1.4 mile walk from Klyde Warren Park, and just half a mile from Reverchon Park, where other firework displays are visible. 

Fireworks on the Fairway at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa

Grammy Award-winning artist Darius Rucker takes the stage on July 4 for an unforgettable evening that also includes a combined drone and fireworks display, carnival games, face painters, and festive food and drinks. Guests can explore the lively PGA District and unwind at the resort’s pools, including the rooftop pool and Bluestem Bar (21+). Tickets are available via Eventbrite, and resort packages are available for guaranteed access and exclusive perks. Learn more at omnihotels.com/hotels/pga-frisco. 

North Texas Performing Arts presents “1776 The Musical”

North Texas Performing Arts is bringing one of Broadway’s most iconic musicals to the stage at just the right moment. This July, NTPA will present 1776, the Tony Award-winning musical that tells the story behind the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Running July 2–11 (including two shows on July 4th) at Willow Bend Center of the Arts in Plano, the production offers audiences a timely opportunity to reflect on our nation’s founding through live theatre.

“1776” follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they attempt to convince the Continental Congress to vote for independence from the British monarchy.

Tickets start at just $15 and can be purchased online at ntpa.org/tickets.

GRAPEVINE

July 4th America250 Golden Jubilee Fireworks Show

Enjoy a classic Summer tradition on the shores of Lake Grapevine! This year’s fireworks Show will be dedicated to the 50 years of leadership from Grapevine’s Honorable Mayor William D. Tate and America250. The show starts Saturday, July 4th at 9:30 p.m. 

Gaylord Texan Resort

Celebrate America250 all Summer with America’s 250th Birthday Bash on Saturday nights, featuring DJs, a silent disco, strolling entertainers and a patriotic-themed atrium light show. The resort will also showcase Mount Rushmore and Statue of Liberty sculptures located in the resort’s center atrium. 

SAN ANTONIO

Stars Over La Cantera

Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa Announces First-Ever 4th of July Fireworks Show. Guests can book a Pool View or Hill Country view room starting at $399 per night to experience the show from the privacy of their own balcony, or from the Resort’s pools; select City View rooms also provide views of Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ 3D spectacular. Rates are valid for stays July 1 – 6, 2026. 

And the celebrations don’t stop in-room. For adult guests, Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa is also offering the Star-Spangled Fireworks Float at Loma de Vida Spa, featuring floating beds and sound bowl vibrations beneath the illuminated San Antonio skyline, and the Red, White, & Poolside DJ Party at Topaz Pool, featuring live music, handcrafted cocktails, and Hill Country views. 

Families can enjoy Kids’ Foam Parties & family activities running all weekend long, as well as reserve VIP firework seating to ensure unparalleled views of the sparkling sights. 

For more information about Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa, or to book a visit, go to hilton.com/en/hotels/satcnsa-signia-la-cantera-resort-and-spa/.  

Explore the American West at the Briscoe Western Art Museum

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and Independence Day weekend, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is inviting visitors to experience the art, history and culture of the American West for just $2.50 admission on Saturday, July 4.

On Sunday, July 5, San Antonio and Bexar County residents can also take advantage of the museum’s popular Locals Day, featuring family-friendly activities, educational programming and special opportunities to explore the Briscoe’s exhibitions and permanent collection. Combined with Bank of America Museums on Us and the museum’s participation in Blue Star Museums, the weekend offers multiple ways for visitors to experience the Briscoe at a reduced cost or free of charge.

Visitors can experience “Selena Forever / Siempre Selena,” the museum’s special exhibition featuring monumental photographs by acclaimed San Antonio photographer John Dyer. Widely regarded as the most complete and comprehensive exhibition of large-scale Selena portraits ever presented, the exhibition includes iconic images, never-before-seen boutique photographs, magazine covers and ephemera celebrating the life, artistry and enduring cultural legacy of the beloved Tejana icon.

Red, White & Bloom Facial at Mokara Hotel & Spa 

Available throughout the month of July, Forbes Four-Star rated Mokara Hotel & Spa will feature the Red, White & Bloom Facial for $155. Beginning with a soothing organic lavender cleanse, then covered in a veil of bright lemon hydrating mist, and completed with a luxurious hibiscus cream, the luxurious and revitalizing botanical ritual is ideal for guests seeking refined hydration, clarity, and a fresh bloom to their skin.

KERRVILLE

Fourth on the River

The Arcadia Live is excited to present a historic, family-friendly Fourth of July celebration that brings the community together. With a packed schedule of entertaining activities, you’ll find something for everyone to enjoy, from thrilling live performances to festive games. This Independence Day celebration also features the largest fireworks display in the Hill Country.

Fourth of July Schedule:
10:00am Cornhole Tournament Begins
3:15pm Live music begins
9:45pm Fireworks

Clint Orms Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Limited-Edition Collection

Kerrville’s Clint Orms Engravers & Silversmiths is marking the occasion with an exclusive collection of handcrafted pieces inspired by American heritage, patriotism and craftsmanship at its flagship showroom in Kerrville.

In conjunction with Kerrville’s Fourth on the River celebrations, the Clint Orms showroom will welcome visitors for a special Independence Day event featuring shopping, music, boot shines, a Bloody Mary bar and light bites from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Stars & Stripes Collection will be available both online and in the Kerrville showroom, showcasing handcrafted accessories that celebrate the enduring spirit of America. In addition, Clint Orms has released several limited-edition pieces created specifically to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, including the Starr 250 Trophy Buckle, the 1776 Sterling Concho Toothpick and the 250 Waving Betsy Ross Flag Toothpick.

ALL TEXAS LOCATIONS

Red, White and Bounce! At Sky Zone

To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Sky Zone is hosting a festive indoor block party on July 4th that keeps visitors active and out of the sun. 

The Details:

• The Deal: All-day jump passes are reduced to a festive $17.76 all day on July 4th.
• The Perk: Every jumper gets a free, refreshing ICEE to cool down.
• The Energy Burn: Full access to massive AC-cooled sky courts, foam pits, and dodgeball arenas.

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Cover photo courtesy Star-Spangled Fest.