Independence Day Events
8 best things do on 4th of July in Austin, from boozy bashes to fabulous fireworks
Honor the red, white, and blue at water parks, picnics, boozy bashes, all-day concerts, and more during the eight best things to do on the Fourth of July in Austin. Whether you’re hosting out-of-towners or you want a quaint family-friendly celebration, we’ve got you covered.
Stunning and free firework displays are set to light up the Austin sky at several locations across the city. If the traditional pomp and circumstance isn’t your thing, opt for an evening at the drive-in movies or raise a glass of cold American beer at a local brewery. For a full list of events, visit our calendar.
Saturday, June 30
The Roundup Outdoor Music Venue presents Independence Celebration
The Roundup Outdoor Music Venue hosts a majorly patriotic party ahead of the holiday complete with fireworks and family-friendly fun. JR Herrera will perform live while guests explore the playground, food trucks, and more. Stick around after the show for a memorable fireworks finale. Admission is free.
Wednesday, July 4
City of Cedar Park presents 4th of July Parade and Celebration
Venture to Cedar Park to celebrate Independence Day at the traditional 4th of July Parade down Discovery Boulevard. Following the parade, the party moves to Milburn Park with carnival rides, bingo, a washer tournament, air castles, free watermelon slices, and a fireworks display. Musical guest Jake Gill is also slated to perform live. The 4th of July Parade and Celebration is free and open to the public.
NLand Surf Park presents Fourth of July Beach Bash
It wouldn’t be a summer holiday without a little tubing. NLand Surf Park is hosting a beach bash for all ages as the perfect way to stay cool all day long. Guests can enjoy cold beers, burgers, kid's crafts, music, and more. Sunbathe on the beach or catch a wave in the surfing area. Tubing is open to ages 8 and up.
The 4th at ABGB: Partyin’ and Bikin’ to the Fireworks
Get a workout in ahead of the fireworks at The ABGB. Guests are invited to a dance party featuring live music by The Soul Supporters. Enjoy pizza and beer while the music plays, and following the shindig, attendees can go for a group bike ride to Auditorium Shores to watch the epic fireworks display. Additional party highlights include a watermelon eating contest, cornhole games, and a bike safety check by the pros at Ghisallo Cycling Initiative.
Hops & Grain 4th of July Party
Raise a glass in the name of Uncle Sam at the annual Hops & Grain 4th of July Party. The brewery will offer 16 beers on tap and will provide attendees with a special glass that commemorates the holiday. Your $20 ticket includes three pours and a take-home glass to add to your collection.
Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic
Austin icon Willie Nelson hosts his annual 4th of July Picnic at Austin360 Amphitheater. The all-day event features two stages of nonstop musical performances for country and rock music fans alike. In between set changes, settle in at a picnic table to eat, drink, and watch your favorite artists in comfort. Attendees can also snag unique finds from a variety of Texas-based vendors in the shopping area. This year’s performers include Willie Nelson & Family, Asleep at the Wheel, Sturgill Simpson, Ryan Bingham, The Wild Feathers, Ray Wylie Hubbard, and many others. Tickets still available.
Blue Starlite presents Independence Day and Fireworks
Pay your respects to Team USA with popcorn, film, and fireworks at the Blue Starlite Drive-In. Movie fans can watch a screening of blockbuster hit Independence Day in the comfort of their own vehicles or seated on the lawn. Following the film, guests can stay for a digital onscreen fireworks show. Select tickets still available.
H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks
Austin's largest and most beloved Independence Day celebration returns to Auditorium Shores for another year. Don your red, white, and blue and bring a picnic blanket and portable chairs to soak up the sights and sounds of Independence Day. Enjoy a spectacular fireworks display and listen as the Austin Symphony Orchestra performs patriotic classics in front of an illuminated city skyline. Admission is free.






DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri