Independence Day is coming up, and you don't want to be stuck at home watching the fireworks on TV. Texas has tons of great options to celebrate the Fourth. From official city celebrations to private events to just awesome places to be, there are lots of great options. So here are 10 of the best places to celebrate the Fourth of July in Texas.
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10. Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration - Granbury
This Independence Day festival begins on Thursday, June 30, and festivities will continue until Monday, July 4. Events include live music, arts and crafts vendors, a chili cookoff, and of course, a stunning fireworks display.
9. Fireworks on the Brazos - Washington
Sponsored by H-E-B, the annual Fireworks on the Brazos celebration that takes place at Washington on the Brazos State Park is definitely something you'll want to experience. This year's celebration goes from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Look for free Blue Bell ice cream from 5-7 p.m., followed by the Wesley Westbrook Band from 7-9 p.m. at the Washington on the Brazos site.
8. Big Bang Celebration - Corpus Christi
The Big Bang Celebration starts June 30 and continues until July 4. The event features a parade, concert performances, plays, children's entertainment, and an impressive light show at the famous Harbor Bridge as a precursor to the fireworks show. The fireworks will be set off from the water, and it's surely a sight to see.
7. H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks - Austin
Hosted annually at Auditorium Shores (recently renamed Vic Mathias Shores), Austin's Fourth of July celebration includes a free concert of patriotic songs by the Austin Symphony, culminating in a fireworks show over Ladybird Lake. You'll find several arts and crafts vendors there, too. While you're down there you could even catch the bats take flight from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.
6. San Antonio's Official July Fourth Celebration
The San Antonio Parks Foundation hosts this fun free event every year at Woodlawn Lake Park. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m and events include Zumba, live music and a parade.
5. Fair Park Fourth - Dallas
Located in the historic Fair Park (home to the State Fair of Texas), Fair Park Fourth is Dallas' Independence Day celebration. Attendees can enjoy live music at the State Fair Midway, as well as viewing the historic art deco buildings still standing from the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition. The fireworks start at 9:45 p.m.
4. Freedom Over Texas - Houston
Country star Hunter Hayes and pop group DNCE will perform at Houston's Eleanor Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou this year at Houston's annual Freedom Over Texas event. The festivities will run from 4-10 p.m.
3. 12th Annual Wilkins Family Live Free & Fly - Luckenbach
Here's a good pregame option, if you're near or in the Hill Country. The annual charity concert in Luckenbach benefits The Austin Harmony Project and the Boys and Girls Club of the Texas Hill Country. Texas music stalwart Walt Wilkins will perform with Tiny Wilkins, Alex Meixner, and the South Austin Moonlighters. Festivities end at 6 p.m., giving you ample time to head to nearby Fredericksburg for fireworks at Ladybird Johnson Municipal Park at the magic time of "dark-thirty".
2. Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic - Austin
The Austin 360 Amphitheater at the Circuit of the Americas will host Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic this year. The annual music festival features a stellar lineup of artists, including Jamey Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Margo Price, Asleep at the Wheel, and more. Tickets are still available here.
1. Fireworks Over the Bay - South Padre Island
Located at Louie's Backyard in South Padre, the Fireworks Over the Bay are the largest fireworks celebration on the island on July 4. Of course, it's Independence Day all Summer long on South Padre Island, since there's a fireworks show starting at 9:15 p.m. every Friday. And, really, what better place to spend Independence Day than at Texas' most beautiful beaches?
