Here in the Lone Star State, July sizzles with festive fun. From patriotic fireworks celebrations exploding across the state to fruit-themed festivals bursting with activities for the whole family, here are 10 Texas towns where you’re sure to have a blast this month.
Fredericksburg
Now – July 4: Take part in an All-American small-town celebration in Fredericksburg with patriotic events and activities slated now through July 4. From July 4 activities including a Texas Fourth of July Parade down Main Street and a patriotic program at Marketplatz followed by the City of Fredericksburg fireworks display at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park later that night, to a festive lineup of fun including live pari-mutuel horse racing on July 2 and 3, farmers markets and a community dance, Fredericksburg is an ideal destination to celebrate the nation’s independence. More at www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/july4.
Celebrate the Fourth at The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Contributed by Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Dallas
July 2-4: The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is blooming with Independence Day celebrations. There’s a $5 admission for those 2 years old and up, which includes free entrance to the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Weekend activities span petting zoos, bird shows, live concerts on the lawn and yummy treats like brownie sundaes, hot dogs and root beer floats. More at https://www.dallasarboretum.org/.
July 4: While in the Big D, celebrate your love for America with a day of family fun and fireworks at Fair Park Fourth. Returning after a two-year hiatus, Fair Park Fourth is free, open to the public and packed with community, fun and fireworks. Expect hands-on kids’ activities, local vendors, live music, entertainment, food trucks and a spectacular fireworks show. More at https://www.fairparkdallas.com/events/detail/fair-park-fourth.
Enjoy the 25-minute fireworks show and highly anticipated Addison Airport Airshow. Contributed by Addison Kaboom Town!
Addison
July 3: For more than three decades, Addison Kaboom Town! has ranked as one of the top fireworks displays in the country according to People.com, the American Pyrotechnics Association, Yahoo, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal and Travel + Leisure Magazine. The impressive celebration draws more than a half million guests from across the nation who come each July 3 for a 25-minute fireworks show, the anticipated Addison Airport Airshow, Caliber Auto Care Splash Zone, inflatable waterslides, high-energy music and more. Activities take place from 5 to 11 p.m. in Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle. Admission is free but tickets are required to attend. More at addisonkaboomtown.com.
Fort Worth
July 4: Celebrate the nation’s independence with the largest fireworks show in North Texas at the 15th Annual Fort Worth’s Fourth. At this free event, you can space out along the banks of the Trinity River at Panther Island Pavilion and enjoy an evening of festival food, drinks, kids’ activities, live music and a fireworks show. Gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. More at www.fortworthsfourth.com.
Houston
July 4: Following two years of a reimagined celebration, Houston’s Official Fourth of July Celebration –– Shell Freedom Over Texas –– returns this year at full capacity. Celebrate America’s birthday at Houston’s annual July 4th event featuring live music and activities for the whole family, live music by Step Rideau and the Zydeco Outlaws, country sister duo Walker County, rapper, singer Blanco Brown, country music band Sawyer Brown and headliner Clay Walker. The live performances will be followed by extraordinary fireworks courtesy of Shell. The festive fun unfolds at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks and admission is $10 per person online and at the gates (free for children 5 and under). More at http://www.houstontx.gov/july4/.
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Get your fill of all the watermelon-themed fun you can handle at McDade Watermelon Festival. Contributed
McDade
July 9: A quintessential summertime celebration of watermelons, cars and an old-fashioned street dance unfolds each year in McDade. This year marks the 73rd annual McDade Watermelon Festival, where you can fill up on all of the watermelon-themed fun you can stomach, enjoy a parade, arts and crafts vendors, beautifully polished classic and antique cars and more. More at www.mcdadetexas.com.
Weatherford
July 9: It’s sure to be a peachy time at the 37th annual Parker County Peach Festival. Take a trip back to yesteryear at this festival held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in historic downtown Weatherford. Last year’s event drew a record 40,000 folks. Get spinning early with the Peach Pedal Bike Ride before enjoying more than 200 arts, crafts, food and activity booths, live music, children’s activities, a 42 Domino Tourney and plenty of peaches. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. More at www.parkercountypeachfestival.org.
Head to Laredo this month for the International Sister Cities Festival. Contributed
Laredo
July 15-17: Laredo’s International Sister Cities Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that showcases the city’s unique, bi-national charm and Mex-Tex authenticity. Over the three-day period, the Sames Auto Arena is transformed into a beautiful indoor mercado where nearly 200 artisans from all over Mexico, Central and South America showcase and sell authentic goods from their native city. In addition to products like leather goods, home décor, hand-crafted jewelry and clothing, the free festival also features authentic Mexican eats and an array of cultural exhibits, some in the form of performing arts and others on display. More at www.laredosistercities.com.
Float Fest is the only festival blending the Texas tradition of floating the river and live music. Contributed by Chad Wadsworth
Gonzales
July 23-24: Coca-Cola presents Float Fest, the only festival in the world to combine the Texas tradition of floating the river and live music. The eagerly awaited 2022 headliners include Marshmello, Vampire Weekend, Cage the Elephant, Deadmau5, Chance the Rapper, Lord Huron, Chvrches, Kaytranada, Quinn XCII, 100 Gecs and Pusha T. With 27 artists on two identical stages, there will be no overlapping performance times, allowing attendees to watch every set. The festival will take place at a 765-acre private ranch in Gonzales, located just over an hour from both Austin and San Antonio. Float Fest music general admission and VIP tickets, tubing on the Guadalupe River and camping passes are available for purchase at https://www.festicket.com/eventgenius/float-fest.
The Great Texas Mosquito Festival is buzzing with fun. Contributed
Clute
July 28-30: Buzz over to Clute for the town’s annual Great Texas Mosquito Festival, which draws thousands of attendees and features three days of family-friendly fun including live entertainment, barbecue and fajita cookoffs, a Mosquito Chase 5K Run and kids run, mosquito calling and mosquito legs contests and more. More at www.mosquitofestival.com.
If You Go
Getting there:
Fredericksburg is 1.5 hours from Austin.
Dallas is 3 hours from Austin.
Addison is 3 hours, 20 minutes from Austin.
Fort Worth is 3 hours, 10 minutes from Austin.
Houston is under 3 hours from Austin.
McDade is 45 minutes from Austin.
Weatherford is 3 hours, 15 minutes from Austin.
Laredo is 3.5 hours from Austin.
Gonzales is 1 hour, 15 minutes from Austin.
Clute is 3 hours, 20 minutes from Austin.
