July 4th Family Festivities in Texas You Should Know About

We all know the drill. Hit the beach, cook out and watch fireworks. Most of us have the Fourth of July down pat by now. For those looking to mix it up this year, the Lone Star State has some family-friendly celebrations and down-home festivities your herd should know about.

For the Older Kids

Keep it weird in Austin and celebrate Independence Day with Texas native and living legend Willie Nelson. Bring the family to Austin360 Amphitheater for Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic for great music and a lot of fun. Headlining performances include Willie Nelson, The Head and the Heart, Sturgill Simpson and Ryan Bingham — preceded by a dozen others. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the show starts at noon. Tickets range from general admission lawn to pit, $42.40–99.50, with special Royal Club seating available, priced upon request.

© Valentin Armianu | Dreamstime.com

For All Ages

Over on South Padre Island, guests of the 4th of July Fireworks on the Beach

celebrate the holiday with a bang, literally. Known locally as the Fireworks Capital of Texas, South Padre’s Fourth of July show is quite the spectacle. Fireworks explode over the bay beginning at 9:15 p.m., and the locals know to get there early and scope out a spot with a view from Louie’s Backyard and the entertainment district.

For the Kids and Grandparents

For something catering to the little ones, Denton’s Fourth of July Jubilee is an all-day affair. This free event begins with an early morning run (for those feeling ambitious) followed by the Yankee Doodle Parade at 9 a.m. After the parade, kids and families enjoy carnival games for all ages and horseshoe tournaments for adults. Participate in the hot dog-eating contest or save room for fair food before the big fireworks display. Pick and choose your fun depending on your kids, ages and interests, but definitely stick around for the grand finale.

Hosted by Denton Noon Kiwanis Club since the 1970s, the 4th of July Fireworks Show is a free all-ages event hosted at the Apogee Stadium. Concessions and refreshments are available throughout the show and there is a kid-friendly activity area for the lead up to the fireworks. Enjoy live music in anticipation of the main event and for those driving, parking is just $10 per carload, so fill ‘er up.

Whether a first-time Texas traveler or this is an annual pilgrimage, your family will have plenty of July 4th celebration options to choose from.