Austin, TX

When I was a kid my dad used to get annoyed with us if we referred to Independence Day as “Firecracker Day”. That’s quite possibly because he was in the military. Heh. The funny thing is that you don’t hear people calling it Independence Day much anymore. Let’s face it, though, figuring out where to go for the fireworks is something most of us think of at this time of year! Or perhaps you’re wondering where you can set off your own fireworks.

What is the law regarding fireworks in Austin?

It is illegal to use fireworks in Austin or within 5000 ft of the city limits.

For a list of fireworks you can use you can find a check out the City of Austin Fire Departments website.

What’s happening in and around Austin for Independence Day? Well let me tell you!

H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks:

HEB annually hosts Zilker Park’s July 4th Fireworks and Concert. Parking can be fiendish so get there early to stake out your territory. You’ll want to bring a blanket to sit on and your own snacks and beverages. Free shuttles will be available from Waterloo Park, thanks to Capitol Metro, and will run from 4pm-11pm. You can park your vehicle at the Capitol Visitor’s Parking Garage which borders the park. The Austin Symphony will be in attendance to wow the audience with the traditional 1812 Overture among other great works. The concert begins at 8:30pm and the fireworks should kick off around 9:30pm. Zilker provides the biggest display in Austin and you’re sure to enjoy yourself. Just remember to get there early!

Round Rock July 4th Fireworks and Frontier Days Celebration:

Round Rock really gets into the Independence Day celebration with events kicking off at 8:30am with a Main Street Mile walk and a parade through downtown Round Rock. After the parade head over to Old Settler’s Park for the reenactment of the Sam Bass shootout, free watermelon, arts and crafts, fireworks and lots more! You won’t want to miss The Austin Symphonic Band, who will be lending their sound to this event. This is a pet free event so be sure to leave your pets at home. Fireworks tend to upset some pets. As with Zilker Park, expect congestion and go early for the best parking.

Pflugerville Pfirecracker Pfestival:

This year will mark the 1st Pflugerville Pfirecracker Pfestival at our new Pflugerville Lake and we couldn’t be prouder! Have I mentioned that I live in Pflugerville where we’re very pfond of adding Pf wherever possible? Celebrations will begin at 3pm. A free shuttle will be available from Hendrickson High School Parking Lot from 3:00 pm until 1 hour after the fireworks are over. Pets and glass bottles are prohibited. Date: July 1, 2007

Georgetown’s July 4 Celebration at San Gabriel Park:

If you’ve never visited the historic town of Georgetown and you love history and architecture, you should add it to your list of things-to-do. This years celebrations start at 11am at San Gabriel Park. I’ve never been to the Georgetown celebration but it sounds like it has all the usual things you’d expect plus pony rides! If you go, I’d love to hear all about it!

Cedar Park Fourth of July

Located at Milburn Park, Cedar Park’s events will start at 4pm and run until 11pm. This may well be the only Independence Day celebration where you can play Bingo! As with the Round Rock celebration, HEB will be providing watermelon which leads me to ponder whether Independence Day is the biggest watermelon eating event of the year?

San Marcos Summerfest:

This years festival will include live entertainment, food, activities and even a Golf Tournament! Food and fun starts at 11am at Sewell Park on the Texas State University-San Marcos campus. You’ll find parking at Texas State’s Bobcat Stadium and Coliseum parking lots. This event is focused around the beautiful San Marcos river and the Lion’s Club will be there providing tube rentals. If you haven’t tubed down the San Marcos River, this could be your opportunity! Be forewarned, Summerfest is an alcohol-free event and coolers are subject to inspection. I can imagine that tubing and alcohol don’t make a great combination.

Dripping Spring’s Fire in The Sky Independence Day Celebration

Held at Sports Park on Ranch Rd 12. Gates open at 6pm. Call 858-4740 for information. That’s all I know about this event and I can’t find much information online. Rumor has it that there is also a nudist event.

Last but not least, if you’re a pet owner concerned about keeping your pet safe during the July 4th celebration, the TLAC has some guidelines for you. Just follow this link!