The hardest part about celebrating Independence Day in the Lake Travis area is choosing where to go, because all of the events are so much fun.
We’re lucky to have such tough decisions! And now that we have beautiful blue water in the lake again, it feels like an extra-special reason to celebrate.
We’ve hand-picked some of our favorite July 4th events, so if you’re trying to decide where to go and what to do, here’s a handy guide of local and local-ish events. Bring on the red, white & blue!
Hill Country Galleria
News of the Hill Country Independence Day Festival has been buzzing for months, because this year the Hill Country Galleria is throwing a HUGE party to celebrate ‘Merica. If you’ve been to this festive event in the past, you know there’s lots to do and kids of all ages will have a blast. It’s a terrific freebie event with local art vendors, festival food, fair rides, games, music and, of course, fireworks!
Kiddos can enjoy the Red, White & Blue Petting Zoo, the Amazon Zipline, Slip n’ Slide, Water Tag, Screamin’ Demon, Super Slide and Bungee Trampoline. Hill Country Galleria restaurants and eateries will be serving up BBQ, iced coffee, beer, wine and more.
Live music starts in the afternoon and plays until the fireworks show at 9:45pm: Vallejo (4:15-5:30pm), Dawn & Hawkes (5:45-6:45pm), T Bird & the Breaks (7-8:15pm) and Uncle Lucius (8:30-9:45pm). Pack a swimsuit (and a towel) for the kiddos. Dogs are welcome.
City of Lakeway
If you decide to celebrate the 4th of July with The City of Lakeway, you’ll enjoy a day-long party that starts with a parade at 8:30am.
8:30am – This fun-filled community tradition is a great way to kick-off the day with candy, classic cars and plenty of fun surprises. The parade starts on Lakeway Drive will wind its way from the Live Oak Golf Course to the Lakeway Activity Center at Cross Creek Road. This year’s theme is “Preserving Our Freedom.”
10:30am – Immediately following the parade, the Activity Lakeway Center at 105 Cross Creek Road has a Pageantry of Flags program featuring a keynote address by Grand Marshal Brig. Gen. Richard T. Drury (Ret.) USAF, patriotic music by The Wildflowers and parade awards. Plus, courtyard music will be provided by the Lake Travis Fiddlers.
12 noon – 6:00pm – The Lakeway Swim Center will open for fun with special pricing – $3.00 per person, all day, with in-and-out privileges. It is located at 3103 Lakeway Blvd. It has two big water slides, a small froggy slide for youngsters, a lily pad obstacle course and more.
Lago Vista
Celebrate your independence on the north shore of Lake Travis at the Lago Vista 4th of July Celebration. You’ll have a full day of family-friendly events that kick off at 7:30am with the Firecracker 5K & Fun Run. From there, the celebration continues with a patriotic parade followed by a classic car show.
The rest of the day will be filled with live music, talent shows, family games and so much more. Just be sure to save enough energy to last until dark:30 (9:30-9:45) for the spectacular fireworks at the Bar K Recreational Park on Lake Travis.
Krause Springs
If you haven’t been at Krause Springs to celebrate July 4th, it’s something you should definitely consider! Their annual fireworks show has been called one of the best shows in Austin. It begins as soon as the sun completely sets.
Prior to the evening celebration, they’ll have Mighty Fine Burgers and Shakes Food Truck out at the springs from 12 noon until 9:00pm. If you plan on camping there, arrive early to claim your stake! They don’t take reservations, so it’s a first-come, first-serve basis.
Nutty Brown Cafe
If you’re looking for something fun to do in the evening check out Bob Schneider’s 4th of July Bash. General admission tickets ($17) and VIP for groups of four are still available, but the rest have sold out!
It’s going to be a fun show with Wink Burcham and The Digital Wild opening for Bob. Doors open at 6:00pm and the show starts at 7:30pm. Plan on staying for the fireworks after the show.
Vic Mathis Shores (Huh? Formerly known as Auditorium Shores. Ahh.)
If you feel like being declaring your independence with the rest of the city — literally, tens of thousands — you can head downtown for the 39th Annual Austin Symphony H-E-B July 4th Concert & Fireworks.
This wildly popular event is FREE and it is BIG. The “mile high” fireworks display cascading over the city skyline backed by gorgeous patriotic classics is exhilarating. It is something every Austinite and/or Lake Travis-ite should experience at least once.
Make sure you check out the website before you go to avoid road closures and find parking options.
Whatever you decide to do, have fun and be safe! Remember, no texting while driving LT friends! 😉
Post image via Creative Commons, Angi English on Flickr.
