Fourth of July falling on a Friday means three days of all-American festivities. We're here to break down what’s going from downtown to the outskirts of town. Here are biggest and brightest Fourth of July events happening around Austin.
Central Austin and downtown
Awesome live music and parties are the name of the game downtown. Vulcan Gas Company will host the ‘Merican Dream: Yacht Rock and Blue party, featuring mellow tunes from Yacht Rock Revue that guests can dance to in their best ‘80s- or nautically- inspired attire.
If you prefer a Latin beat, hop on over to Empire Control Room for the Explosive Fiesta del Dia de Independencia, featuring a lineup of some of Austin’s best Latin groups, including Money Chicha, La Vida Buena ATX, Son de Rey and Los Federales.
The Fourth is also a traditional holiday for potluck dinners, and Spider House will celebrate with a Fourth of July Casserole Cook Off. Submissions are due by July 2, but you don't have to compete to sample the goods and enjoy live music from The Holy Smokes and Karaoke Underground.
You can also grab a ticket to see the Alamo Drafthouse’s presentation of the Team America: World Police Quote-Along on the 10th anniversary of the film’s release. All Drafthouse locations will screen this patriotic puppet film.
East Austin
Hop over to the other side of I-35 for more amazing events. First up, the North Door will host a Fourth of July Water Park and Music Picnic. Inflatable water slides and a dunk tank will be on hand — as well as booze and snow cones — to help you cool off.
If you're looking for craft beer, keep it local by partying at Hops & Grain from 1 pm – 6 pm and sampling some local brews in the taproom. A portion of the ticket proceeds will benefit 1400 Miles, an organization that helps raise awareness for prostate cancer prevention.
Hotel Vegas is hosting a special tribute to one of the greatest albums of all time, Born in the U.S.A., with a performance by the East Sixth Street Band. Expect tributes to Cheap Trick and The Beach Boys, too.
South Austin
South Austin has the true flavors of the Fourth of July, starting with Black Sheep Lodge's annual corn dog eating contest.
The food competitions continue at Little Woodrow’s in Southpark Meadows with a pizza eating contest against local competitive eater “Hungry” Todd Rungy. Little Woodrow’s will also feature its beloved turtle races at 8 pm, and an extended happy hour featuring buckets of beer until 9 pm.
Slide over to the Broken Spoke where Alvin Crow headlines Friday night, then come back on Saturday for Dale Watson's Austin-tinged country performance.
West Austin
Fitness fans and music lovers can unite out west this weekend. The fun starts bright and early Friday with the annual Freedom 5000 near Camp Mabry.
On Friday and Saturday, 512 Brewing hosts a summer music festival at The Backyard, featuring live music from Ben Kweller, Charlie Mars, Grupo Fantasma, Alpha Rev and many more. With artisan brews, food trailers, face painting and fire dancers, this could be the wildest Fourth of July celebration this weekend.
Austin favorite Bob Schneider's annual Fourth of July Bash takes place at the Nutty Brown Café on Friday. Bonus: the bash will not only feature a beautiful view of the Hill Country, but also a spectacular spot to watch the fireworks.
North Austin
Independence Day fun will be alive and well in Austin's burbs this weekend. The Pflugerville Pfirecracker Pfestival is a prime example, thanks to its live music, activities for kids and watercraft rentals.
Round Rock also knocks the celebrations out of the park with a weekend of Round Rock Express games. The team will wear special stars and stripes uniforms, and you can stick around for post-game fireworks shows on Friday and Saturday. What’s more American than baseball and explosions?
During the day, the July Fourth Frontier Days Celebration in Round Rock will kick things off with a parade, fireworks, carnival rides, pig races and more.
Outskirts of Austin
This year, the Austin Symphony Orchestra Fourth of July performance and fireworks is relocating to Circuit of the Americas for a celebration that is guaranteed to be worth the drive.
If you want to get farther from the city limits, head to the Shiner Half Moon Holidays, a weekend celebration that proves the small town of Shiner offers more than just good Texas beer.
Celebrate Fourth of July with our picks for the best events in Austin and beyond.
