One of Dallas’ biggest Fourth of July celebrations will return this year after a two-year break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Fair Park Fourth, held in Fair Park near East Dallas, will run from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Independence Day. As always, the event will be free, family-friendly, and completely open to the public.
“Fair Park Fourth has been our staple event bringing the Dallas community together for years to celebrate America’s independence,” Fair Park General Manager Peter Sullivan told ABC News. “It was a difficult call to cancel the event over the last two years due to the pandemic, but we are excited about its return this July.”
The event features many attractions, including children’s activities, live music from the U.S. Air Force Band, local market vendors, concessions, food trucks, and a wide variety of entertainment. Additionally, the traditional fireworks display will be held toward the end of the evening.
Visitors may choose to enjoy the festivities from inside the Cotton Bowl Stadium or at the park itself. The Midway will be closed in preparation for the State Fair, held from Friday, September 30, until Sunday, October 23.
Most of the rest of Fair Park’s attractions will also be open that day, including the Children’s Aquarium, Texas Discovery Gardens, and the African American Museum.
The official event website recommends guests arrive early, as the event is always top-rated.
On-site parking for the event will cost $10 per vehicle at the gate.
Attendees wishing to enjoy the festivities from inside the Cotton Bowl will be required to adhere to the stadium’s clear plastic bag policy and go through a metal detector upon entering.
For a complete list of security protocols, restricted items, and other information about the event, please check out the event page on the park’s website.
As the holiday is nearly seven weeks away, the full lineup of performances, events, and vendors has not yet been set.
Fair Park First, Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, and OVG360, the primary sponsors of the Fair Park Fourth, are expected to reveal that information closer to the event.
Fair Park is a 277-acre park that has been designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of Interior. It was created in 1886 for the Dallas State Fair.
The Cotton Bowl was the home of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1971.