The summer of 2021 is off to a promising start, as the Austin Symphony announced that the H-E-B July 4th Concert and Fireworks are returning this year! Here are some ideas of how to catch the Austin 4th of July fireworks in downtown Austin and enjoy all our town has to offer over the holiday weekend.
See The Fireworks Show
After a pandemic hiatus, it’s exciting to revive Austin’s favorite Independence Day celebration and see our skyline lit up with colorful fireworks! You’ll want to plan ahead to get a good spot to see the show, which starts at Vic Mathias Shores at 8pm and features an incredible combination of fireworks and music over the skyline. Patriotic classics will accompany the spectacle in the sky, thanks to the Austin Symphony Orchestra. The dazzling show is free and open to the public. You can purchase food and beverages from on-site vendors. Glass, Styrofoam and alcohol are not permitted, and organizers encourage you to leave dogs at home.
CapMetro is offering free rides all day to get downtown for the fireworks show. Click here for more information on nearby bus stops. If you are planning to drive downtown, keep in mind that Riverside from Lamar to 1st Street will be closed, starting at 10am, and that at 6pm Cesar Chavez between Mopac and Congress will also be shut down. Traffic on north and southbound Mopac will be diverted to 5th and Enfield during these street closures. In addition, the Hike & Bike Trail will be closed on the north side of Lady Bird Lake between Seaholm and South 1st at 10am and Lady Bird Lake will be closed between the railroad trestle bridge and the South 1st Bridge between 8pm and midnight. All streets will be reopened by midnight.
Cool Off on a Kayak
Join the Austin Rowing Club on the 4th of July from 8pm-10pm for a night paddle to get a unique vantage point to watch fireworks over the lake. Tickets include glow sticks and a phone pouch along with your two-hour kayak rental. Tickets are limited, so reserve yours in advance. You can also rent kayaks or SUPs from the Rowing Club during the daytime if you’re looking for some summer fun on the lake over the long weekend.
Listen to Live Music at Geraldine’s
Geraldine’s is the place to be to celebrate Independence Day with some great up and coming local talent. Head to Rainey Street to catch a show during a special lineup July 1 through July 4, with fireworks accompanying Paul Val on the fourth.
Here’s the schedule:
July 1: Jo James at 8:30pm
July 2: Blake Whitmire at 10pm
July 3: Vin Mott Blues Band at 10pm
July 4: Paul Val at 8pm
Picnic in the Park
Republic Square is a great place to spend the 4th of July before the fireworks show. Salt & Time, located right in the park, is celebrating in a big way! On the 4th starting from 4pm, you can take advantage of special $4 house made hot dogs, $4 Fireman’s Light draft beer, and $4 soft serve ice cream with choice of toppings. You can eat before the fireworks, or even stop by after the show, because Salt & Time is staying open until 10pm! Have a picnic in the park and enjoy the day with friends and family.
Take a Walking Tour of Shoal Creek
To snag a good parking spot before the fireworks or to make a day of it downtown, take advantage of the audio walking tour for the Shoal Creek walking trail, put together by our friends at the Shoal Creek Conservancy. Head to the Central Library, if you haven’t already, and look from the rooftop terrace at Shoal Creek to learn more about this hidden gem of downtown.
Go on an Art Scavenger Hunt
It’s no secret that Austin’s downtown is adorned with public art (with more to come). Take a stroll downtown with your crew for the day and pick your favorite mural and get a photo in front of it. Don’t forget art comes in all shapes and sizes, too. The Austin Art in Public Places has a self-guided walking tour with many of the artworks located downtown.
Revisit Austin’s Home of the Blues
Live music is back in Austin, and our local venues are eager to have you back to celebrate. Extend your 4th festivities at Antone’s Anniversary: Zapata’s July 4th Afterparty and Birthday Bash which starts at Antone’s at 9pm. Take the opportunity to walk down historic 6th Street and be a part of downtown’s thriving nightlife and revisit some of your favorite downtown destinations.
Enjoy your Fourth of July, have fun, and stay safe!