Your Guide To The Best Fourth Of July Celebrations In Austin And Houston

As the sweltering summer sun rises over the vast plains and bustling cities of Texas, the Lone Star State prepares for one of its most cherished holidays: the Fourth of July. If you still don’t know what to do today, keep reading our guide of the best Independence Day celebrations in Austin and Houston.

Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4 Concert & Fireworks Celebration – Austin

This is the largest Independence Day Celebration in the city, and also it’s free. The celebration will include live performances featuring the Austin Symphony playing patriotic music and a fireworks display at night. The event will start at 4 p.m. Thursday at Auditorium Shores, at 800 W. Riverside Drive.

Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival – Austin

The event will include live performances by Ruthie Craft, Pearl Z, The Saddle Sores, Lena Luca and Vallejo. The celebration will also feature fair rides, water games, face painting, vendors and fireworks display at night. Celebrations start at 4 p.m. at the Hill Country Galleria, located at 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Suite T-100 in Bee Cave

Freedom Over Texas – Houston

The festival will feature local, regional, and national entertainment at different stages along Allen Parkway and different food and drinks vendors. A percentage of the sales will be donated to the Houston Food Bank. Sadly, this event is not free, but you can buy $10 tickets here. The event will start at 4 p.m. at Eleanor Tinsley Park along Allen Parkway.

Independence Day Bike Parade & Pool Party in West U – Houston

If you’re looking for free and family friendly events in Houston, this is perfect for you. You can go to a bicycle parade with your kids and decorate their bicycles, trikes and wagons.  At the end of the parade, there will be a lot of games and an open pool. The parade will start at 8:45 a.m. at West U Elementary.

Other things to keep in mind this independence day is that if you’re wondering if liquor stores are open, the answer is yes, you can buy liquor today, though you should note that some stores may close at different hours than usual.

Banks and government offices are closed today.