LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – (News release from Civic Lubbock Inc.)
Organizers of Lubbock’s annual Independence Day announce a new parade route for the 2026 event. The 4th on Broadway, in its 36th year, will be Saturday, July 4 celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
The 2026 H-E-B Parade will again kick off at 9:45 a.m. now from Avenue M and head east down Broadway to Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
The entire event is being produced by Stage Left Productions, whose owner, Katie Sandifer, was executive director of Broadway Festivals Inc. She worked under the tutelage of event founder Don Caldwell, co-producing the celebration with Caldwell for four years before his passing and helped facilitate its transition last year. Stage Left will be responsible for all aspects, including the H-E-B Parade, Picnic Under the Stars, the Davis Smith Gorilla Law-palooza evening concert and the H-E-B Fireworks Extravaganza.
“We are thrilled to keep the parade in the heart of downtown Lubbock with a new kickoff point,” Sandifer said. “The incredible revitalization along Broadway has created such an energy and vibrancy in this area, and it feels like the perfect place to celebrate together. We can’t wait to see our community line the streets on July 4th.”
Parade entry applications are now open. Applications for vendors and volunteers are also open.
The 2026 event will be held at the South Plains Fairgrounds. After last year’s substantial rain brought conditions too wet to hold events in MacKenzie Park, the 2025 celebration was successfully moved to the fairgrounds location.
With afternoon and evening activities opening at 3 p.m., this year’s free festival also offers new events including the Sonic Classic Car Show hosted by Coffee and Cars, as well as an Arts Row, featuring local artists and art organizations. Attendees will also find familiar activities like the daytime stage showcasing musicians from Lubbock Music Now and the Leprino Foods Children’s Area.
Find information on the parade route, parking and other details on the Civic Lubbock Inc. website and follow 4th on Broadway on social media for updates and announcements.
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