Everything is bigger in Texas, including the Fourth of July. This year is no exception, as there are many celebrations and events right here in the metroplex to commemorate the country’s independence. The Dallas Express compiled a list of notable events in the area to help with your holiday planning, and the list was so big we had to split it into three parts! Here’s Part One:
Addison
Addison will host Addison Kaboom Town! on Sunday, July 3, from 5 to 11 p.m.
The fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m. with easy viewing from anywhere in Addison. Several local restaurants and hotels will offer food and drink specials during the show. If you wish to get up close and personal to the fireworks at the Addison Circle Park venue, tickets are available online starting June 22 at 10 a.m.
Addison Kaboom Town! hotel packages are also available for purchase online and include a complimentary blanket and guaranteed admission for up to six.
Arlington
Arlington Music Hall will host its annual Light Up Arlington celebration on Sunday, July 3, from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. In addition to the free fireworks, VIP tickets include Babe’s chicken, two drink tickets, free water, live music, and other perks. VIP tickets are available for purchase. At 9:50 p.m., the fireworks display begins, with fireworks shot from the roof of City Tower, just east of City Hall.
The 101 Center Parking Garage will be the only place to park during the event, and parking on the street in front of the building is strictly prohibited from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. Once the event begins, vehicles parked in the garage or on the roads around the building will not be permitted to leave.
On Monday, July 4, enjoy one of the largest Fourth of July parades in Texas at the Arlington Independence Day Parade in downtown Arlington. The parade begins at 9 a.m.
Bedford
Enjoy live music by local bands, lawn games, and food from local vendors at the Bedford 4th Picnic at Old Bedford School at 2400 School Lane. The fun begins at 5 p.m. and will include a fireworks show after the sun goes down.
Fireworks will be set off from Generations Park at Boys Ranch. However, there is no designated viewing at the park because it is still under construction and is not open to pedestrians or vehicles at this time. Pyrotechnicians plan to launch the fireworks 200 feet higher to allow better viewing from a distance.
The public can park across from Bedford City Hall at 4 p.m. Parking is $10 per car, cash only. There will be no shuttle service available.
Carrollton
Carrollton will hold its annual Fourth of July Community Fireworks Display over Josey Ranch Lake on Saturday, July 2, at 9:30 p.m. The 15-minute show will also be streamed live on Facebook by the city of Carrollton. In inclement weather, the city will postpone the event until July 5 at 9:30 p.m.
Dallas
Fair Park Fourth is returning to Fair Park on July 4 from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. after a two-year hiatus. Fair Park Fourth will include music from the United States Air Force Band, local market vendors, children’s activities, entertainment, food trucks, and other concessions.
The Esplanade Fountain at Fair Park will be transformed into “dancing water” for a patriotic performance, and there will be a fireworks display starting at 9:45 p.m.
Enjoy an “Old-Fashioned Fourth” at Old City Park (formerly Dallas Heritage Village) at 1515 Harwood Street on Monday, July 4. There will be face painting, Kona Ice, wet and dry slides, a train, and more beginning at 10 a.m.
Don’t forget to wear your red, white, and blue and bring your trikes, bikes, and scooters for the All-Join-In Parade down Main Street. Tickets are $10 for children 5-12 and $20 for ages 13 and up, with proceeds benefitting the non-profit Vogel Alcove.
Klyde Warren Park’s Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 2, from 7 to 10 p.m., will feature live music, airbrush tattoos, food trucks, live music, and a fireworks show.
The Sound at Cypress Waters community will host a Sensory Sensitive 4th of July Celebration on Sunday, July 3. Individuals sensitive to loud noises can enjoy a patriotic laser light show at the event, from 6 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, along with picnics, face painting, a Windy City concert, and more.
Red, White, and Groove at the AT&T Discovery District in downtown Dallas offers a full day of yard games, music, and food on July 4. Games, beer, and barbecue will be available for purchase from local establishments such as JAXON Beer Garden or The Exchange Hall at the free festival.
Starting at 4 p.m., the Texas country music duo of Matt Hillyer and Summer Dean will perform. Then, Nikki Lane and Devon Gilfillian, followed by Old 97’s. The finale will be a display of digital fireworks on the 104-foot media wall.
If you’re looking for a fun place to plan the Fourth of July and have a few beers, head down to Dallas’ Design District for the Independence Beer Bash at Texas Ale Project on Sunday, July 3rd, from noon to 10:00 p.m. BBQ will be available for purchase at Southern Gentleman’s Table beginning at 3:00 p.m. From 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Vine will perform live music. The Texas Ale Project is located at 1001 N. Riverfront Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207. Children and dogs are welcome, and admission is free. Dogs must be leashed.
Check out Part Two of our Fourth of July event series, where we will feature celebrations in Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Frisco, Grand Prairie, and more!
Check out our final Part Three of the Fourth of July series.