Where can you watch Fourth of July fireworks in the Austin-area? Check out our list

Amethyst Martinez, Austin American-Statesman
Updated ·5 min read

It’s almost America’s birthday again, which means it’s time for those around the country to celebrate that special day in 1776 with a favorite U.S. pastime: fireworks.

A plethora of options are offered for those who want to view fireworks on July 4 in the Austin area, including the H-E-B Austin Symphony show that lights up the city skyline for thousands of spectators every year. However, if you’re looking for a different place to go this year in the greater Austin area, this list has information for everyone.

1. H-E-B Austin Symphony Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks: July 4

The annual show is making its way back this year across the Austin skyline. Park grounds open at 5 p.m. for picnics and recreation, with the Austin Symphony concert at 8:30 p.m. and the fireworks show starting an hour later. Parks where the fireworks can be viewed include:

  • Vic Mathias Shores (formerly Town Lake Metropolitan Park)

  • Zilker Metropolitan Park

  • Deep Eddy Park

Some other spots include:

  • Lady Bird Lake

  • Congress Bridge

  • Rooftop places such as Azul Rooftop Bar, which offers tables on a first-come first-serve basis, along with the option to make a reservation.

These are just some of the places that have been recommended to view the show, but, for the most part, fireworks can be viewed across the city. Admission is free. Find more information: my.austinsymphony.org/julyfour

Austin residents pack the lawn at Auditorium Shores for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in Downtown Austin, Texas
Austin residents pack the lawn at Auditorium Shores for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in Downtown Austin, Texas

2. Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic: July 4

Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Austin tradition lives on, this year being held at Q2 stadium. The event, which began in 1972, will feature performances from Willie Nelson and family, Tyler Childers, Dwight Yoakam and more. Tickets range from $49-$179. Information on the event: www.austintexas.org/event/willie-nelsons-4th-of-july-picnic/372976/

3. Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival: July 4

The Hill Country Galleria is holding its annual July 4 festival, this year featuring 40+ vendors, live music, fair rides and a fireworks show to complete the night. Admission and parking are free. More information: www.hillcountrygalleria.com/event/Independence-Day-Festival/2145561598

4. Belton Backyard Party at Schoepf’s Concert & Fireworks: July 4

The town of Belton is offering a concert and fireworks on America’s birthday, with celebrations beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 10 p.m. The event is non-ticketed and free, but VIP areas can be reserved. Find more information: www.business.beltonchamber.com/events/details/backyard-party-at-schoepf-s-concert-fireworks-17831

5. Red, White and Buda: July 4

Buda, Texas is holding its annual Red, White and Buda Fourth of July event, starting at 9 a.m. and spanning over the course of 13 hours. The event includes vendors, live music, a cornhole tournament, bike parade and more. Admission is free. More information: www.budaamphitheater.com/redwhitebuda

Thousands filled the lawn at Auditorium shores for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in Downtown Austin, Texas
Thousands filled the lawn at Auditorium shores for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in Downtown Austin, Texas

6. July 4 Celebration at San Gabriel Park: July 4

The 40th annual Sertoma Club Family July 4 Celebration begins at 11 a.m. in San Gabriel Park, and will feature the July 4 Hometown Parade, live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, a petting zoo, classic cars and more. The event ends with a fireworks show at around 9:30 p.m. The event is free, but some activities have fees. More information: www.georgetown.org/2023/05/30/july-4-celebration-at-san-gabriel-park-6/

7. Hutto’s 4th of July Celebration: July 4

The Brushy Creek Amphitheater is hosting Hutto, Texas’ free 4th of July Celebration this year, with live music, kids activities and food trucks, with a fireworks show. Admission is free. More information: www.brushycreekamp.com

8. Kyle’s Independence Day Fireworks: July 4

The annual Independence Day Celebration Fireworks show in Kyle’s Plum Creek Neighborhood features an Austin cover band, The Grooves, a community countdown to the fireworks show, followed by a 20-minute fireworks show for families to enjoy. Admission is free. Find more information: www.cityofkyle.com/recreation/kyles-independence-day-fireworks-show

9. Liberty Fest 2023: July 3

Leander is celebrating Independence Day at Devine Lake Park with the annual Liberty Fest, featuring live music, food, children’s activities, and a fireworks show as the cherry on top. Admission is free. More information: www.leandertx.gov/parksrec/page/liberty-fest-2023

An Austin resident watches the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in Downtown Austin, Texas
An Austin resident watches the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in Downtown Austin, Texas

10. Independence Day Spectacular: July 3

Liberty Hill is celebrating the holiday with the Independence Day Spectacular, including events like a homemade apple pie contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, hot dog eating contest, children's activities, a snowball fight, live music and a fireworks show. The festivities take place the day before Independence Day at Liberty Hill Middle School from 6-10 p.m. Admission is free. Find more information: www.experiencelhtx.com/independence-day-spectacular/

11. Independence Day Pfireworks: July 4

The city of Pflugerville is hosting a fireworks show beginning at 9 p.m. in partnership with Typhoon Texas. Admission is free. Find more information on the event: www.pflugervilletx.gov/for-visitors/events-and-pfestivals/july-4th-pfireworks

12. FourthFest Parade and Activities: July 4

Wells Branch is holding its July 4th celebrations at Katherine Fleischer Park with a parade, free watermelon, a cornhole tournament, local food vendors and more, the event concluding with a fireworks show. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. Admission is free. Find more information: www.wellsbranchmud.com/parks-a-recreation/events/2549

13. July 4th Parade and Frontier Days: July 4

Celebrate the holiday in Round Rock with the annual Sertoma Independence Day parade, Frontier Days, live music, a pepper eating contest, Swifty Swine Racing Pigs, vendors and more. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and concludes at 11:30 p.m. Admission is free. Find more information: www.roundrocktexas.gov/event/sertoma-independence-day-parade-frontier-days/

14. Cedar Park July 4 Celebration: July 4

Cedar Park is ringing in Independence Day with live music, inflatables, concessions, food trucks and a movie screening of ‘The Incredibles’ in the park following the fireworks show. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. in Milburn Park and concludes at 11:30 p.m. Admission is free. Find more information: www.cedarparktexas.gov/335/July-4-Celebration

No matter where you’re celebrating, make sure to check alcohol regulations and pet rules for each place you plan on attending. Happy Fourth, y’all!

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 15 places to watch Fourth of July fireworks in and around Austin