2012 4th of July Events in Austin and Beyond

Happy (almost) Independence Day, Austin! There are tons of festivals, parades, and fireworks shows in Austin and the surrounding areas, so find one close to you and get on out there to celebrate!

Please make sure to double check all dates, times, and locations before heading out. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and take place on Wednesday, July 4, 2012.

Austin

• Austin Symphony Concert & Fireworks --  Gather at Auditorium Shores for the largest Independence Day celebration in Austin with patriotic music and fireworks over Lady Bird Lake. The Austin Symphony Orchestra will begin playing at 8:30 p.m., with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. This event gets very crowded (but is very fun!) so get there early! (800 W Riverside Dr)
• Pre-4th of July Celebration -- On Friday, June 29, Metz Recreation Center will host festivities from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Stay for a free screening of Free Willy, starting outdoors at dusk. (2704 Canterbury Street)
• Fourth Fest in Wells Branch -- Fourth of July parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Wells Branch Community Center, followed by an afternoon of activities including games in the pool, a balloon clown, inflatables, and a caricature artist. There will also  be live music and concessions, ending the evening with fireworks over Willow Bend Pool starting at 9:45 p.m. (2106 Klattenhoff Dr)
• NWACA (Northwest Austin Civic Association) Parade -- Parade participants line up at Far West, west of Waterline, at 8:30 a.m. The parade starts at 9:00 a.m. There will be festivities following the parade at Doss Elementary (7005 Northledge Dr)
• Westlake's 7th Annual Fourth of July Parade -- The City’s 7th Annual Fourth of July Parade starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot of parade sponsor Treaty Oak Bank and proceeds down Westlake Drive to Rocky River Road, then to Reveille Road and back to the bank where we’ll have food and entertainment for the whole family. Everyone and everything is welcome in the parade – vintage cars, trucks and trailers, floats, bikes, scooters and pets. The Westlake Fire Department and the West Lake Hills Police Department will lead the parade again this year. Local eatery Texas Honey Ham Company will have breakfast tacos, P. Terry’s will hand out cookies, Randall’s will provide cold bottled water and Amy’s Ice Creams will serve up dessert. 
• Barton Hills Neighborhood Parade -- Decorate your kids, bikes, scooters pets, strollers, wagons, and whatever else you can think of adding to the parade. There will be great prizes and awards. Line up at 8:30 AM at Barton Hills Market, 1220 Barton Hills Drive. The parade starts at 9 AM to Barton Hills Elementary School Park for after-parade festivities including the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, awards for parade decorations, cookies, watermelon, and games. (1220 Barton Hills Drive)
• Rosedale 4th of July Festivities -- The Rosedale Neighborhood holds several Independence Day events every year, centered around Ramsey Park. The annual Children's Parade begins at the NW corner of Ramsey Park at 10 a.m. At 9:30 a.m, all neighborhood children are invited to come to the park and decorate their bikes and wagons with streamers before the the parade begins. You can also enjoy a watermelon feast, children's carnival, antique car show off, and more. (4301 N. Rosedale Ave.)
• Mueller 4th of July Parade -- Every resident is invited to decorate their bicycles, kids, pets, strollers & wagons to march from Lake Park to the Ella Wooten swimming pool. Those not marching are encouraged to line the parade route in support of Patriotic Paraders. At the conclusion of the parade everyone is invited to cool off at a swim party at the Ella Wooten Pool! Pre-Parade line up begins at 9:30 a.m. in Lake Park, on the East side of the rest rooms.  The parade will leave Lake Park at 10 a.m. It will travel from Simond to Mattie, and then Mattie to Pinckney, stopping at Ella Wooten Park. (Simond Avenue)
• Independence Day at Pioneer Farms -- Celebrate Independence Day pioneer style with horse-drawn wagon rides from 10-3, artisan vendors, historical reenactments, a watermelon seed-spitting contest, a "42" tournament in the Big Barn Loft, horse-shoe games and other family-fun activities. See the artisans busy at the forge in the blacksmith shop, and smell the sweet smell of wood-stove pioneer cooking at the 1873 Texian Farm. A real old-fashioned hay ride will be running for visitors and food will be available at our Sprinkle Corner town square. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for kids over age 2. This event takes place Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (10621 Pioneer farms Dr)
• The Invincible Czars Family Picnic -- A family-friendly event celebrating not only the 1812 Overture album release, but also the band’s affinity for culture in retrospect. The Sunday afternoon event, held at Austin Scottish Rite Theater, will feature themed food and beverage, roaming performers, old-fashioned entertainment, classic cartoon shorts and oddities from the Museum of Natural and Artificial Ephemerata, et al. Guests are also invited to bring their own picnic blankets to the event.  Admission is $12 ($13.01 with service fee).  This event takes place on Sunday, July 1 at 2 p.m. (207 W 18th)
• Fireworks at Volente Beach -- Starting at dusk, listen and watch and celebrate our nations birthday. Waterpark open until 8. Admission is $8 after 8 p.m. Before 8 p.m., regular daily admission is $20.99 plus tax for 42" and taller, $15.99 plus tax under 42" (all ages). Two yrs old & younger are free. (16107 FM 2769, Volente)

Lakeway

• July 4th Celebration & Concert -- Events will take place all over town starting at 8:30 a.m. with a Parade up Lakeway Drive from the Live Oak Golf Course to the Activity Center. At 10:30 a.m., the Pageant of Flags takes place at the Lakeway Activity Center with patriotic music, a keynote address from the Grand Marshals and parade awards. The Swim Center opens at noon with a special $3 admittance fee, and will remain open until 9 p.m. Evening festivities will begin at 7 p.m. featuring live music from Duck Soup, a SuperSlide and LaserTag for the kids, and food for purchase from Kona Ice Austin, Dock 'n Roll Diner and WhaTaTaco food trailers. This event
  is BYOB. Unfortunately there will be no fireworks due to ongoing drought conditions. (3103 Lakeway Blvd)
• Lakeway Resort & Spa's 10 Days of Independence -- The resort has fun activities scheduled from June 29 - July 8. You must be a resort guest to participate and additional fees may apply. During the 10-day celebration, guests will enjoy horseshoes, tetherball, dodgeball, and Wii games in the Kids Zone, pizza/pasta buffets with kids movies, s'mores, and live music. On the 4th, guests are invited to the 4th of July parade along Lakeway Dr, and an Independence Day BBQ with kids movie. For the full calendar and details, visit the events calendar.

Round Rock

• Red, White, & BOOM -- What's more American than hot dogs, baseball and fireworks? Join the Round Rock Express Tuesday, July 3 for an Independence Day Celebration and the biggest fireworks show of the year as the Express host the New Orleans Zephyrs at 7:05 p.m. Ticket prices are $6 for berm seating, $7 for the Home Run Porch, or $12 for reserved seating. Fireworks show to take place after the game. (3400 Palm Valley Blvd)
• July 4th Frontier Days Celebration -- July 4, 10 a.m. Start off with the Sertoma July 4th parade through downtown Round Rock at 10 a.m., then head over to the festival, which opens at noon, with carnival rides, Sam Bass Shootout, cowboy sing-a-long, a performance by Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, and more. The Austin Symphonic Band will perform at 8:30 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. and Movies in the Park featuring Captain America immediately after the fireworks at the Lakeview Pavilion. Downtown Round Rock (around 211 E main St), Old Settlers Park (3300 E Palm Valley Blvd)

Pflugerville

• Pflugerville Pfirecracker Pfestival -- From 4 - 11 p.m. at Lake Pflugerville, enjoy live music, festival food, games for kids, community washer and horseshoes, live music by Brian Burns (5 - 7 p.m.), a performance by the Austin Civic Wind Ensemble (8:05 p.m.), a fabulous fireworks display, and a live concert from Ruby Jane to top off the evening (9:45 p.m.). Attendees can park at Hendrickson and Pflugerville High Schools and take buses to the event. (Weiss Ln and Pflugerville Parkway)

Cedar Park

• 4th of July Festival -- Come celebrate from 4 - 10:40 p.m. at Elizabeth Milburn Park. Enjoy a dance with live music, bingo, a washer tournament, air castles, free watermelon and a fireworks display. Fees apply for food concessions, face painting, carnival games, hamster balls, video games, laser tag, spinner ride and rock wall. (1901 Sun Chase Blvd)
• JT's Sports Grill's 7th of July Party -- Enjoy a car show, pork rib cookoff, poker tournament at 2:30 p.m., water balloon fights at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.,  and a wing eating contest at 4 p.m. There will also be live music, bouncy house, petting zoo, and a dunking booth for charity. (200 Buttercup Creek Blvd)

Georgetown

• Sertoma's 20th Annual 4th of July -- Festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. with a hometown parade at the low water crossing and ending at the gazebo in San Gabriel Park. Enjoy over 60 arts and craft booths, 20 food vendors. Kiddie rides, bounce houses, games, and a petting zoo are provided for the children (fees apply). Musical entertainment will begin at the Gazebo at noon and will continue all day, with a spectacular fireworks finale at dusk. San Gabriel Park (455 E Morrow St, Georgetown)

Leander

• Leander Liberty Fest -- Entertainment by The Emotions, with a variety of food and beverage concessions.  Fireworks at dusk. North side of H-E-B Plus (651 Hwy 183)

Bee Cave

• Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival  -- Join in a unique experience showcasing the finest artwork and artisans, live music by Vallejo, Guy Forsythe, and more, delicious local and international foods, fireworks, and performing arts. Bring the entire family for a day of fun and excitement. The festivities will be capped off with a fabulous 4th of July Fireworks display that will be sure to impress. This event takes place on Saturday, June 30 from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Hill Country Galleria (12912 Hill Country Blvd) 

Buda

• Red, White, n' Buda Independence Day Celebration -- Bring a picnic, a blanket or your lawn chair to Buda City Park and enjoy a children’s parade at 9 a.m., children’s activities and a magician from 9 - 11 a.m., and fireworks at 9 p.m.!  (121 Main St, Buda)

Kyle

• Independence Day Celebration Fireworks Show -- The City of Kyle once again has planned for a spectacular fireworks show, scheduled to begin around 9:30 p.m. Before it gets dark on July 4th, find a safe and secure location around the Hays CISD Performing Arts Center or anywhere around the intersection of Kyle Parkway and Kohler's Crossing. The show can also be seen from the parking lots around H-E-B, Subway, What-A-Burger and Kohl's.

Elgin

• 4th of July Parade -- Join the City of Elgin for the annual 4th of July Parade from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. in downtown Elgin, featuring the Girl Scouts of Illinois serving as Grand Marshall. The theme of this year’s parade is “Red, White and Food” – a celebration of Elgin’s great tastes and unique flavors.
• Elgin 4th of July Spectacular -- Second annual Family Friendly Party and Fireworks display sponsored by Southside Market & Barbeque. Event to be held on Southside’s property at the corner of Hwy 290 and Hwy 95 N. at darkthirty. For more information on this event, contact Southside at 512-281-4650 or email them at sausage@southsidemarket.com.

New Braunfels

• 4th of July Fireworks -- Rock out to Jeff Keith & Band from 7 - 9:15 p.m. at the Landa Park Dance Slab, followed by a fireworks show. (362 Aquatic Circle, New Braunfels)

San Marcos

• Summerfest 2012 -- This FREE event will feature live entertainment, food booths, children's activities, children's costume competition and parade, all at San Marcos Plaza Park from 6 - 10 p.m. The fireworks show is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. (202 N CM Allen Parkway, San Marcos)

Driftwood

Movies in the Vineyard -- Enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars at Duchman Family Winery on July 5 with Sugar Shack BBQ and a showing of True Grit, presented by Blue Moon Cinemas. Arrive early to roam the vineyard, visit the tasting room, and grab dinner from a guest vendor. (13308 FM 150 W, Driftwood)

Bastrop

• Annual Patriotic Festival -- Celebrate the Good Old USA and our nation's history at Fisherman's Park on Saturday, July 7. Lots of food vendors and kid's activities and games. Live music from The Bastrop Community Chorus & Band at 6 p.m. and a patriotic concert by the Austin Symphonic Band at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at dark. (1400 Willow St, Bastrop)

Fredericksburg

• 4th of July in Fredericksburg -- The annual Fourth of July Parade is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 4. This year’s parade will honor the Veterans of the Global War on Terror as the Grand Marshals.  The parade starts behind the Courthouse on S. Adams and travels on Main Street east to Washington St. There it turns and proceeds west on Main St. to Bowie St. Arrive early for a good spot and bring your chairs!  A patriotic program will follow the parade at Marktplatz and will feature guest speakers and entertainment. Refreshments will be available.