Every year on the 4th of July, Texas lights up with patriotic pride and vibrant festivities during the 4th of July. Across the Lone Star State, communities come together to celebrate Independence Day with an array of parades and celebrations that showcase the rich culture and spirited history of the state. 

From bustling cities to charming small towns, these parades and celebrations feature lively performances. The 4th of July in Texas celebrates a tapestry of rich tradition that captivates us. Join us as we explore some of the most notable 4th of July celebrations that make Texas a special place to celebrate what makes Independence Day.


North Texas 4th of July Parades

Addison July 3 

Kaboom Town

Since 1985, Addison has hosted one of the most impressive and unique Independence Day celebrations in the country. Each year, about 500,000 people from all over come to this small town to watch the amazing Addison Airport Airshow and enjoy a fantastic fireworks display. Attendees can join by enjoying a restaurant watch party, from a hotel balcony, or go to the award-winning festival in Addison Circle Park, attendees are sure to experience a festive and patriotic atmosphere.

Arlington July 4

Arlington Independence Day Parade

The Arlington Independence Day Parade is one of the largest 4th of July parades in the United States, the largest in Texas, and one of the longest running annual events in Arlington.

Home Run for Heroes

The 2024 Arlington Independence Day Parade theme is “Home Run for Heroes”. It begins in downtown Arlington on July 4 at 7 am, the annual Independence Day parade will take place with a theme of “Home Run for Heroes” this year.

Parade Schedule

  • 7:00 am: Firecracker 5K run.
  • 7:45 a.m.: Scout Color Guard
  • 9:00 a.m.: National Anthem
  • 9:03 a.m.: Parade Steps Off at Intersection of West St. and Mitchell St.
  • 11:00-11:30 a.m.: Parade ends

Dallas

Fair Park Fourth July 4, 4:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

This free event includes local market vendors, live music, hands-on activities for kids, entertainment, food trucks, and concessions. Cotton Bowl Stadium is the prime spot to watch the sky light up with the biggest fireworks show in Dallas. 3809 Grand Avenue, Dallas.

Fort Worth’s Fourth July 4, 5:00 p.m.

You’re invited to the biggest fireworks show and Independence Day celebration in DFW is hosting an evening of festival food, cold drinks, kids’ activities, live music, and incredible fireworks along the banks of the Trinity River at Panther Island Pavilion. This is a huge event and popular. Arrive early and expect a bottleneck leaving the event. The main lot is at 395 Purcey Street, Fort Worth.

Frisco July 3 and 4

Frisco celebrates Independence Day all weekend long. 

July 3. 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: This event kicks off with its “Party in the U.S.A. 5K Run”, a Dachshund dash, a patriotic pet parade, an annual corn hole tournament, and a Texas ice cream festival. 

July 4, 6:00 p.m.: Live music, a car show, kids activities, and a 20-minute fireworks show.

Granbury July 4

Granbury’s old-fashioned July Fourth starts with a parade featuring floats, marching bands, and community organizations and ends with a bang with a fireworks show over Lake Granbury. Granbury also hosts = artisan vendors around the courthouse, demonstrations, live music, and hot dog- and pie-eating contests. The parade steps off July 4 at 9 a.m. at Granbury High School, and fireworks start at 9:45 p.m. 2000 West Pearl Street, Granbury.

Irving

Sparks & Stripes 2024: Live Music & Fireworks July 3 and 4

Irving’s Independence Day Celebration annual event features a parade, live music, drones, and fireworks at Levy Event Plaza on Wednesday, July 3 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and a parade through the Heritage District on July 4 at 9 am. Arrive early for both events. Public parking near the event is $10. 

Garland July 3, 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Red, White, and You

An unforgettable Independence Day celebration awaits you in Garland. It features great music, delicious food vendors, games for all ages, and a drone show in the heart of the Downtown Garland Square. The event starts with the Presentation of Colors at 5 p.m., followed by Military songs by Vocal Majority. Downtown Garland Square, 520 W State St, Garland.

Waxahachie July 3 and 4

July 3, 6:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m. Crape Myrtle Festival 

Waxahachie celebrates Independence Day at the annual Crape Myrtle Festival on July 3 with a concert by Endless Summer, followed by fireworks. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Waxahachie Sports Complex located at 151 Broadhead Road.

July 4, 10 a.m. The parade rolls from Getzendaner Park down Main Street to Downtown Waxahachie. Getzendaner Park, 400 S Grand Ave, Waxahachie.


Central Texas 4th of July Parades

Austin, July 4

July 3: Veterans and active military personnel will join the Independence Eve Party for free, presented by Thomas J. Henry. This is a live recording for broadcast, showcasing amazing performances like Wade Bowen’s. 1412 E 6th St #3304, Austin.

July 4: The Star Spangled Fest features a live performance with Austin’s H-E-B Austin Symphony playing through a stunning fireworks display over Lady Bird Lake. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. Get free tickets here: https://www.starspangledfest.com/july-4.

July 4th, 4pm-10pm

The Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival combines local shopping with 40+ vendors, live music, and a spectacular fireworks show. 12700 Hill Country Blvd. Bee Cave.

Live Music Lineup: 

  • 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.: Ruthie Craft
  • 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.: Pearl Z
  • 6:00 p.m. to 6:45p.m.: The Saddle Sores
  • 7:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m.: Lena Luca
  • 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Vallejo

Lake LBJ/Kingsland Boat Parade

Visitors to this event will find three parades, an arts and crafts show, a patriotic costume contest, a classic car show, live music and entertainment, charity dinners, a golf tournament, a pageant, a poker run, horseshoe and washer tournaments, street dances, a rubber ducky race. The best spots to watch are Wakepoint LBJ at 14757 RR 1431 West and Boat Town Burger Bar at 151 Melodie Lane. For information on locations of events, contact the Kingsland Chamber of Commerce.

  • Children’s Parade: July 4th, 9:00 a.m.
  • Grand Parade: July 4th, 10:00 a.m.
  • Boat Parade: July 4th, Wakepoint, LBJ, 6:00 p.m.
  • Golf Tournament: July 5, Legends Golf Course, 9:00 a.m.
  • Poker Run on the River: July 6, Wakepoint, Lake LBJ, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

New Braunfels July 4

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular 

The annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular returns to the skies over Landa Park this Independence Day, starting at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, July 4th, 2024. Landa Park attractions like the Landa Park Aquatic Complex and the Miniature Train will be open throughout the 4th of July weekend. 

The annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular returns to the skies over Landa Park this Independence Day, starting at approximately 9:15pm on Thursday, July 4th.The Independence Day festivities in Landa Park begins at 6 p.m. at the Dance Slab with the Live at Landa concert featuring Monte Good opening for the J. Abram Band. 

Tune into local radio station KGNB 1420 AM/103.1 FM to listen to the live broadcast of patriotic music synced to the fireworks display. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come early, expect large crowds, and over park rules.


South Texas 4th of July Parades

Corpus Christi July 4

Corpus Christi’s Mayor’s Big Bang Celebration features a patriotic parade, live entertainment, a stunning fireworks display over the bay, and a fajita cookoff. 

Schedule:

  • Veterans Affairs’ Patriotic Ceremony
    • 9:30 a.m.: Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park
  • The Mayor’s Cup Regatta
    • 10:30 a.m.: Corpus Christi Yacht Club
  • Coastal Comida Food Truck Festival
    • 12 p.m.: The Water’s Edge Park
  • The Mayor’s Big Bang Fireworks Show
    • 9 p.m.: Corpus Christi Bayfront

Galveston July 4, 6 p.m.

The annual 4th of July Seawall parade will kick off on July 4, with floats, decorated vehicles, and performers.. The parade lines up at Seawall and 22nd Street and proceeds west to 45th Street along the Seawall, where it ends. Galveston’s Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Show is a beachside celebration and a fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico at approximately 9:15 p.m.

Houston July 4

Houston’s Freedom Over Texas, is held at Eleanor Tinsley Park along Buffalo Bayou with Texas-sized fireworks. This event features live performances from headliner Russell Dickinson, special guest Jo Dee Messina, and ten more acts. 

Freedom over Texas features six hours of six-hours of festivities, with live concert stages lining Allen Avenue and dining options. It attracts an average of 50,000 attendees and is broadcast live in Houston. Arrive early and expect traffic bottlenecks.

Event parking is available for a fee at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts parking garage located at 800 Bagby Street, Houston. Enter parking garage on Rusk between Houston Avenue and Bagby Street. More event parking also available in the Theater District Parking Garages with access on Rusk between Bagby and Smith Streets.

City Centre’s Independence Day Spectacular

July 4, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: City Centre’s Independence Day Spectacular, features live music and dining before the grand finale. The concert opens with Heather Rayleen, followed by the People’s Choice Band. The Daily Gather truck will serve up snow cones and snacks for purchase, along with beverages available at The Moran Hotel tent in the Plaza. 

San Antonio July 4, 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

San Antonio’s Fourth of July Celebration at Woodlawn Lake Park

This event features giveaways, wrestling matches, Que Sabor lotería, carnival, and a postage stamp unveiling. It is is filled with family-fun, live entertainment, food, live music, and fireworks. 1103 Cincinnati Ave, San Antonio.

Wimberley

The Annual Wimberley Valley 4th of July Parade

July 4, 10:00 a.m. to12:00 p.m.: Find a spot along Ranch Road 12 to see over 100 entries of parade floats, cars, and organizations sponsoring this event.


West Texas 4th of July Parade

Canyon July 4, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Canyon’s 4th of July Parade begins at the First United Bank Center on the east end of West Texas A&M University. The parade travels down 4th Avenue ending just past Canyon’s downtown square, approximately at 11th Street. This parade usually runs about 2 hours.

Midland July 4, 10:00 a.m. (Registration: 9:30 a.m.)

Downtown Midland hosts the 2024 Star-Spangled Salute. It is a family-friendly celebration that begins with the 61st Annual Children’s Sidewalk Parade and closes with fireworks. It features a family fun zone and delicious food and beverages from local vendors. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets for live music from local bands during the evening concert.

Lubbock July 4, 9:45 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

4th on Broadway Events

  • 9:45 a.m., Bolton Oil Parade
  • 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.: The Gandy’s Kids Area. Arts & crafts, carnival games, inflatables, rock wall, spider wall, water slides, dunk tank, face painting, music, pony rides, petting zoo, bouncers and more.
  • 11 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.: BMW of Lubbock Daytime Stages: Four major outdoor stages feature the best of West Texas music, including the BMW of Lubbock Red, White, and Blue stages as well as the West Texas Roots Stage. 
  • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Cabela’s Youth Fishing Tournament hosts FREE fishing for ages 18 and under, along with prizes in several categories. Pre-registration is encouraged.  
  • 5 p.m.: River Smith’s Catfish and Cobbler Eating Contests for kids and adults; pre-registration is encouraged. 
  • 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.: The Gorilla Law Firm Evening Concert features headliner Smash Mouth. Also: Tribute to Selena featuring Gabriella Flores, Blackwater Draw, and  Rockin’ ‘80s Tribute featuring the Caldwell Collective.  
  • 10 p.m.: The United Supermarkets Fireworks Extravaganza choreographed live to classic and contemporary patriotic music. 

San Angelo

Star Spangled Banner Concert and Fireworks

Fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. at the Bill Aylor Sr. Memorial River Stage. Vendors will be open from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Bart DeWitt Park. Live music features Rita Capuchina and Kevin Collins. An after party presents Take Two. 

Also, check out Pops, Pints, and Music from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Martial Pint, 19 East Concho Ave, San Angelo.

Kendall Davis
Author: Kendall Davis

Author: Kendall Davis Company: Lumini Services Kendall currently lives on the shores of Lake Texoma in Texas. She traveled across two-thirds of the U.S. for many years camping at lakes, rivers, and three oceans before motels and hotels if at all possible, and she continuously saw God's presence in nature. Writing for Lakehub allows Kendall to share her experience with God's creations. https://kdavis1836.wixsite.com/luminiwrites

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