Thousands filled the lawn at Auditorium Shores for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in downtown Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
One of the year’s most wholesome traditions is back this week, ready to make you feel like you own the night — like the Fourth of July, as Katy Perry reminds us.
The City of Austin and the Austin Symphony Orchestra will once again bring one of the city’s biggest Independence Day traditions to Auditorium Shores on Saturday for the July 4 Concert & Fireworks Celebration.
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This year’s festivities mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, making Austin’s celebration part of a nationwide commemoration of the country’s semiquincentennial.
Where to see fireworks in Austin for July 4
Austin residents pack the lawn at Auditorium Shores for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in downtown Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman
The event, presented by H-E-B, will bring an evening of live music and family activities, plus a fireworks display accompanied by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.
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The celebration begins at 4:30 p.m. with live entertainment, food trucks, market vendors and family-friendly activities throughout Auditorium Shores.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy performances on the shoreline stage and Long Center lawn throughout the evening.
The evening will conclude with the annual fireworks display beginning around 9:45 p.m., synchronized to a live performance by the orchestra.
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Admission is free, though VIP upgrades are available. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Pets are not permitted, except for trained service animals.
How to attend the Fourth of July celebration at Auditorium Shores
Thousands filled the lawn at Auditorium Shores for the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in downtown Austin, Texas.
Aaron E. Martinez / American-Statesman
Drivers should expect heavy traffic throughout downtown, particularly along Barton Springs Road, South Lamar Boulevard and Riverside Drive. Multiple roads surrounding Auditorium Shores will be closed for the event and are expected to reopen by midnight.
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Officials encourage attendees to consider alternative transportation. CapMetro will offer free rides after 5 p.m., with bus service operating on a Sunday schedule and MetroRail running on a Saturday schedule.
Cyclists can access the event via the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, while ride-share drop-offs will be located along Lee Barton Drive south of West Riverside Drive.
Public parking will be available in downtown garages, including One Texas Center, the Palmer Events Center, River South Garage, City Hall Garage and State Garage N. ADA-accessible parking will be offered at the Palmer Events Center Garage and One Texas Center.
More Fourth of July fireworks in Central Texas
The Austin celebration is one of several Fourth of July events taking place across Central Texas throughout the holiday weekend, with festivals and fireworks also planned in Buda, Cedar Park, the Hill Country Galleria, Leander and Round Rock.
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Cedar Park
Cedar Park’s annual Independence Day celebration takes place in Milburn Park from 5 to 11 p.m. Activities include live music, carnival rides, inflatables and a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. There will be a screening of “Despicable Me 4” after the fireworks.
Parking is available at Cedar Park Middle School, Cedar Park High School and Austin Community College.
Buda
Two men ride a tandem bike through downtown Buda, in the Red, White and Buda bike parade on July 4, 2021.
Aaron Martinez / American-Statesman, Austin American-Statesman
Buda’s annual Fourth of July celebration will take place at Buda Amphitheater and City Park beginning at 9 a.m. The free event includes a bike parade, a splash pad, live music and a fireworks show beginning at 9:15 p.m.
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The bike parade lines up at 8:30 a.m., followed by family activities starting at 4 p.m. Singer Elle Townley performs at 6:30 p.m., with Shinyribs taking the stage at 7:40 p.m.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own beverages, though glass containers and Styrofoam are prohibited. Food will be available for purchase, and free parking, including ADA-accessible parking, will be available inside the park.
Hill Country Galleria
Thousands of people gathered at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave to watch live music, shop, eat and participate in holiday activities for the Fourth of July.
Jenny Hoff
The Hill Country Galleria’s annual Independence Day Festival runs from 4 to 10 p.m., featuring live music, more than 40 local vendors, family activities and a fireworks display after sunset.
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Performances begin at 4 p.m. Families can also enjoy carnival rides, water games and complimentary face painting for children.
Admission and parking are free. Food will be available from Hill Country Galleria restaurants and festival vendors, and attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs for the concerts.
Leander
Leander’s Liberty Fest returns July 3 at Devine Lake Park with food, live music and a fireworks show.
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Gates open at 6 p.m. and the drone and fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. The event is free to attend, with parking available at Glenn High School and Danielson Middle School.
Entrance for children to the kids zone requires a $10 wristband from the City of Leander information booth.
Round Rock
Fireworks at the end of the evening. The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department hosted Lakeview Kickoff: A Stone in the Park on Saturday, November 15th, 2025 at the new Lakeview Stage at Old Settlers Park. To cap off the evening there was a fireworks show, originally prepared for Frontier Days on July 4th, but canceled due to weather.
Henry Huey @HenryHueyPhoto/Special to American-Statesman
Round Rock’s Fourth of July celebration begins with the annual Sertoma Independence Day Parade at 8:30 a.m. along Mays Street. The parade travels the 1.5-mile route from Mays Crossing to Sunset Drive.
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Festivities continue at noon with Frontier Days at Old Settlers Park, where attendees can enjoy live music, food vendors, family activities, a pepper-eating contest and other attractions.
The celebration concludes with a fireworks show after dark.
Note: The city of Pflugerville is not sponsoring a fireworks display this year.