Grilling, chilling, and a hefty amount of concerts are on our agenda for the next few days. Celebrate the Fourth of July at local hot spots such as Carpenter Hotel, Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Black Gold, Hotel Magdalena, and more. Check out the top seven things to do in Austin this holiday weekend. For a complete list of events, visit our calendar, and for more Fourth of July events, check out these top 10 picks.

Thursday, July 3

  

Photo by Pamela Springsteen

Willie Nelson and Family will perform live along with other musical guests at Germania Insurance Amphitheater on July 4.

Hotel Magdalena presents Independence Day Weekend
Celebrate Independence Day all weekend long at Hotel Magdalena. Guests can enjoy three days of activities inspired by the star-spangled holiday. Activities include a happy hour featuring music by DJ Clemente Castillo, a retro pool party with live music from Willy McGee, pre-fireworks grilling, and a free screening of the 2001 comedy film Wet Hot American Summer. For tickets and more information, visit the hotel website.

Fly Unfeathered presents Divine Carnival: Reimagining the Odyssey
Homer’s Greek epic The Odyssey is retold through aerial artistry at Ground Floor Theatre. Audiences will experience a production that combines aerial movements, circus acts, and storytelling to reimagine main character Odyssius’ long and chaotic return home. Performances are scheduled through July 5.

Friday, July 4

Black Gold's Inaugural 4th of July Family Day Party
Barbecue joint Black Gold hosts a day of patriotic fun complete with drinks, food, and live music. Highlights of this inaugural party include cover song performances by The Glenn Collins Band, face painting, water balloons, themed cocktails, specialty hot dogs, and more. Admission is free and open to the public. Advance reservations are encouraged.

Carpenter Hotel presents Backyard Splash Pool Party
Austin’s Carpenter Hotel backyard pool party series continues with a special celebration of the Fourth of July. Guests can enjoy pop-up food specials, pool-friendly cocktails, and a live music set from Pedal Steel Noah. Secure your spot by purchasing pool passes on Eventbrite.

Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks
Austin music legend Willie Nelson performs live in celebration of Independence Day at Germania Insurance Amphitheater. The evening lineup also includes shows by Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, The Mavericks, Asleep At The Wheel, and Tami Neilson. Various ticket options are available now.

Star Spangled Fest
Vic Mathias Shores and The Long Center host an evening of Fourth of July festivities ahead of the highly-anticipated fireworks show on the city’s lakefront. Fest highlights include live music performances, a taco eating contest, children’s activities, and the main event: 48th Annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th Concert. Admission is free and open to the public.

Saturday, July 5

Haute Spot presents Bob Schneider in concert
Austin music artist Bob Schneider performs live at Haute Spot. Schneider is best known for his decades-long tenure as one of the city’s prized musicians. He will perform selection of songs from across his 20-album discography. A limited number of tickets are available now.