It is hot, hot, hot this summer and it’s only getting started. Get ready to get sweaty and have a ton of fun this Independence Day. Here’s the inside scoop on how to catch the 4th of July fireworks in downtown Austin and enjoy all this city has to offer over the long holiday weekend.
Take on the Heat with Fireworks
Enjoy the revival of 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. The Austin Symphony Orchestra will provide the soundtrack for the spectacle in the sky. The dazzling show is free and open to the public. You can purchase food and beverages from on-site vendors. As a reminder, glass, styrofoam and alcohol are not permitted, and organizers encourage you to leave dogs at home.
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 the 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.
Join a Celebration
Head over to Half Step for the 4th of July Party x2 on Sunday or Monday night. This celebration is complete with a water slide, cold drinks, water guns and more. Sunday night features live music by the Outlaws of Punk and Monday evening will have music by Heavy Mellow.
Check out the city from a rooftop at Speakeasy for their Rooftop Day Party: 4th of July (on the 3rd). Dance to DJs spinning a variety of Hip-Hop, Reggae, Afrobeat, R&B and more. You can reserve space for large groups, hookah or bottle service in advance.
Looking for fun on the US’s actual birthday? Head to Rain on 4th at 3pm for a Fourth of July party. Don’t miss the interactive drag show featuring three of your favorite Austin queens – Nadine Hughes, Jezebel and Vylette Ward and next-level music by DJ Kahlu.
Live Music and Performances
Does your ideal holiday weekend feature live music, movies, and performances galore? Here’s your weekend roundup:
Friday
Cancer Takeover Party at the Belmont – 8pm
Antone’s Anniversary with Bigg Robb and the Peterson Brothers – 8pm
TC Superstar Tour Kickoff with Omni at Cheer Up Charlies – 8:30pm
The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Paramount – 9pm
Saturday
Austin is Doomed: Punk Comedy at Mohawk – 7pm
Kairos, Souls Extolled and Futon Blonde at Empire Control Room – 7pm
Judivan Roots and Cosmic Cowboys at Flamingo Cantina – 9pm
Nightlife at Elysium – 9:30pm
Gear Night at Iron Bear – 10pm
Sunday
One Year Anniversary Drag Brunch at Fourth & Co – 1pm
Antone’s Anniversary: Miss Lavelle’s Birthday Bash – 7pm
Ardalan, Luke Andy, KrazySucio at the Venue ATX – 9pm
Noche Latino at Oilcan Harry’s – 10pm
Go on an Art Scavenger Hunt
It’s no secret that downtown is the spot in Austin for public art and murals. Take a stroll downtown with your crew and pick your favorite mural or sculpture and take some pics in front of it. Check out our Downtown Mural Tour to see some of our mural favorites or take the Austin Art in Public Places self-guided walking tour, featuring many of the artworks located downtown.
Enjoy your Fourth of July long weekend- have fun, and stay safe!