Austin’s Star Spangled Fest returns on July 4 after last year’s cancellation, featuring fireworks, live music and a moment of silence for flood victims.

AUSTIN, Texas — The stage is set for Austin’s annual Star Spangled Fest, as crews put the finishing touches on one of the city’s largest Fourth of July celebrations.

Organizers expect tens of thousands of people to gather in Downtown Austin on Saturday for a full day of live music, food and a fireworks display over the city skyline. Gates open at 10 a.m., with crews spending Friday preparing the main stage, vendor areas and amenities for attendees.



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Festival producer Teri Smart said preparations include installing large video screens, setting up vendor tents and ensuring power is available for 27 food trucks. Organizers are also placing multiple water refill stations throughout the festival grounds to help guests stay hydrated in the summer heat.

“We’re making space for water monsters,” Smart said. “We’re gonna have huge things of water for people to refill their bottles with.”

The celebration marks the return of Star Spangled Fest, after last year’s event was canceled at the last minute after catastrophic flooding claimed multiple lives across Central Texas.

This year, organizers plan to honor those victims before the festivities begin. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson is expected to join festival leaders on stage for a moment of silence before the Austin Symphony’s performance.

The orchestra will once again perform patriotic favorites leading into the festival’s signature fireworks show.

Austin Symphony CEO Justus Zimmerman said this year’s performance carries added meaning after the community was unable to gather for the holiday celebration in 2025.

“It’s meaningful that we can be back here this year and all together and celebrating together instead of alone like we had to do last Fourth of July,” Zimmerman said. “All we can do now is remember people and then celebrate the great country we live in.”

With high temperatures expected throughout the day, organizers are encouraging attendees to wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water and take advantage of the festival’s hydration stations.

Star Spangled Fest opens at 10 a.m. Friday, with live entertainment scheduled throughout the day before the Austin Symphony’s performance and the evening fireworks finale.