Looking for 2019's fireworks shows and Fourth of July events? Click here for those.
2018 story: North Texas celebrates Independence Day like nobody's business. Every year, we compile meticulous lists of Fourth of July and fireworks events in D-FW.
Still game-planning? Browse 40 of the top local festivals, parades, parties and observances below or scroll through the alphabetized list to find your city.
Please note, many events take place during the weekend before and days leading up to July 4. That means you can party, hydrate, and party again all over the area.
ADDISON
Addison Kaboom Town
It's known as one of the top places to see fireworks in the nation. More than 400,000 are expected to descend upon Addison Circle Park for this 33rd annual extravaganza. Taking place on Tuesday, July 3, this year's festivities include an airshow with skydivers and aerobatics, patriotic live music performances and a showstopping fireworks display when the sun goes down (approximately 9:30 p.m.). Admission is free, but space is limited and it's wise to arrive early, as traffic delays are a given. A number of surrounding restaurants and bars -- from Bitter Sisters Brewery to the Londoner and Cantina Laredo -- host watch parties, so bring cash for food and drink purchases and game tickets at the children's carnival.
July 3 from 4 p.m. to midnight, Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle, Addison. Free. addisonkaboomtown.com.
ALLEN
USA Celebration
Taking place on June 30, Allen takes pride in early planning as the area's self-professed "first to the fourth." General admission is free to Celebration Park, where more than 80,000 are expected to enjoy live music from two stages featuring tribute bands -- Infinite Journey and The M80s (which plays hits from the 1980s) -- and celebrated top 40 cover group Emerald City Band. (Fun trivia: they played Mark Cuban's wedding, among other notable celebrity gigs.). There will be a Ninja Challenge through an obstacle course and a chance to meet local competitors from American Ninja Warrior and the "Are You As Tough as a Cowboy" Combine Challenge with a chance to meet Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Lance Lenior. The night will be capped off with a fireworks display that features "ground effects that can only be experienced from Celebration Park, which will amaze attendees," according to a statement.
June 30 beginning at 4 p.m. Celebration Park, 701 Angel Pkwy, Allen. Free. allenusa.org.
Patriotic Salute
The Allen Philharmonic Winds will play "marches and classic Americana melodies" at Watters Creek from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on June 29. The free performance includes a "dazzling laser light show" and bucolic garden space at the center of the shopping center with running water, a rolling lawn and playground equipment. There will be military veterans groups in attendance and crafting activities for children before the concert. Grab a selfie with Uncle Sam, enjoy a balloon artist and get patriotic glitter in your hair, compliments of the Watter's Creek Toni & Guy salon.
June 29 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Watters Creek, 970 Garden Park Drive, Allen. Free. watterscreek.com.
ARLINGTON
Light Up Arlington
This event features children's zones and a fireworks display set to music by country station 95.9 The Ranch in downtown Arlington, plus free live music and festivities at Levitt Pavilion and The Grease Monkey on Tuesday, July 3. In downtown, three separate family-friendly areas -- Boomtown, Firecracker Alley and Kids Corner -- feature bounce houses, trackless train rides, pony rides, carnival concessions, a petting zoo, games and vendors. General admission is free, but bring cash for food trucks and souvenirs. Legal Draft Beer Co. and J. Gilligans Bar & Grill will host partner watch parties.
July 3 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at Municipal Office Tower, 101 S. Mesquite St., Arlington. Free. lightuparlington.com.
Arlington 4th of July Parade
What began in 1965 as a parade of patriotically decorated bicycles, has evolved into one of North Texas' longest-running Fourth of July traditions. The event now features 150 entries and all 6 of the city's high school bands in a 2-hour spectacle. Some of previous years' 75,000-plus spectators camped out overnight to ensure a great vantage point, and homeowners along the route host lawn parties. Note: This year's route has been altered due to construction.
July 4 from 9 to approximately 11 a.m. starting at Arlington City Hall, 101 West Abram Street, Arlington. (Here's a parade map.) Free. arlington4th.org.
Texas Rangers Post-Game Fireworks
Baseball fans can watch the Rangers take on the Houston Astros on July 3 and July 4 at Globe Life Park and stick around for post-game fireworks both nights. On July 4, hot dogs are $1 and children ages 13 and under can get autographs from former players and coaches before the game.
July 3 and July 4 at Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. Purchase tickets.
BEDFORD
4thFest
At Bedford Boys Ranch on July 4, this celebration includes a free children's activity area with crafts and games, a food court, an inflatable games area ($20 for an all-day wristband, or pay-per-play), live music from The Inspiration Band, a classic car show, a salute to soldiers and fireworks extravaganza at 10 p.m. General admission and some activities are free; parking ranges from $10-20 (details here).
Pro-tip: Bedford Splash will be open from noon to 7 p.m. Admission is $6.50 for adults and $5.50 for ages 3-17.
July 4 starting at 4 p.m. at Bedford Boys Ranch, 2801 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford. Prices vary per activity. bedfordtx.gov.
THE COLONY
Liberty by the Lake
This 21st annual festival kicks off early with 10K, 5K and 1-mile races before a morning parade at 9:15 a.m. and a family-friendly expo at Stewart Creek Park on July 4. Entertainment includes a kid zone and recurring performances of Barks 5th Ave. Dog Trick and Dive Show, Dangerous Edison's Science Show and a BMX Stunt Show. There will be a main stage with live music in the afternoon and evening and a Salsa Shootout competition with "people's choice" judging. In the evening, there will be a watermelon eating contest and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. On-site parking is $20; free parking and shuttle service is available at Lakeview Middle School.
July 4 starting at 7:45 a.m. (for runners); 4 p.m. for the expo at Stewart Creek Park, 3700 Sparks Rd., The Colony. Free. thecolonytx.gov.
COPPELL
Party in the Park
Coppell's two-part independence day celebration kicks off on June 30 with a morning 5K race before afternoon activities begin at 4 p.m. at Andrew Brown Park. Free admission includes an inflatable obstacle course, rock wall and zip line (with a special inflatable area for younger children), plus art stations, face painting and a sports booth. Live music begins at 4 p.m. on the main stage and a special family stage features presentations from Blackland Prairie Raptor Center and Magic and Juggling by Guinness World Record holder David Slick. Bring cash or credit cards for carnival concessions including funnel cakes, turkey legs and deep fried Twinkies, and stick around for a fireworks display when the sun goes down around 9:30 p.m. Check out these handy parking maps.
June 30 from 4 to 11 p.m. at Andrew Brown Park, 260 Parkway Blvd., Coppell. Free. celebratecoppell.com.
Parade Down Parkway
Coppell's community celebration continues on July 4 with the annual Parade Down Parkway, featuring patriotic floats, decorated bicycles and marches from local sports teams, organizations and businesses. The route begins at Samuel Blvd. and runs down Parkway to Town Center.
July 4 beginning at 9 a.m. Free. celebratecoppell.com.
DALLAS
Dallas Marathon Five on the Fourth
This inaugural event from the BMW Dallas Marathon features a 5-mile run, a 5-mile family bike ride, a 2-mile walk (dogs welcome) and a variety of shorter distance races for children beginning at 8 a.m. on July 4. All events start and end at Klyde Warren Park (here's a route map), which will also feature an after-party with face painting, live music, balloon artists and more. Registration fees range from $10 to $50, and include a t-shirt, finisher's medal and entry to the after-party, with two complimentary beers for those over 21. A portion of proceeds benefit the YMCA.
July 4 beginning at 8 a.m. at Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rogers Freeway, Dallas. From $10-50. bmwdallasmarathon.com.
Red, White and Blues Music at the Dallas Arboretum
Stroll through the Dallas Arboretum, the city's shining gem near the shores of White Rock Lake, on June 30 and July 1 and 4 and enjoy the jazzy sounds of bluesmen Rob Holbert (with his saxophone on Saturday and Wednesday) and David Brashier (Sunday).
Purchase $2 hot dogs and $2 root beer floats or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the gardens. On these dates, general admission is free for active and retired members of the military and first responders with a valid I.D.
June 30, July 1 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas. $15 general admission for adults, free for active/ret. military and first responders. dallasarboretum.org.
Red, White and Boom on the Bridge
Celebrate on the western side of downtown Dallas on July 3 at the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge. Festivities include food trucks, live music and activities for children, plus a fireworks display over the city's sparkling skyline.
July 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge, 109 Continental Ave., Dallas. Free. kluv.radio.com/red-white-boom.
Pro-tip: If you love craft beer, watch the Red, White and Boom fireworks display from Texas Ale Project during the brewery's 3rd annual 'merica the Beer-tiful Party. Admission is free and food will be available for purchase. The party begins at 1 p.m. and features rare tappings, games and live music.
Old Fashioned Fourth
For those with littles too young to stay out late, the Old Fashioned Fourth at Dallas Heritage Village offers Independence Day fun during the daytime on July 4. Children under 12 are free, and all others are $5 each. Festivities include an "All-Join-In" parade at noon, crafts for children, Victorian-era games -- like a stick pony race -- and a Junior Historian Carnival. Bring a picnic lunch and dress in red, white and blue.
July 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dallas Heritage Village, 1515 S. Harwood St., Dallas. $5 for those over age 12. official website.
Fair Park Fourth
This annual all-day spectacle features children's activities, rides, Midway games, State Fair concessions, museum access, live music and fireworks on July 4.
Admission to Fair Park is free, but parking is $10 and State Fair Midway admission is $5 in advance or $8 at the gate.
July 4 from noon to 10 p.m. at Fair Park, 1121 1st Ave., Dallas. Free to $8. fairpark.org.
DENTON
4th of July Yankee Doodle Parade and Liberty 5K
The celebrations kick off with the Liberty 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run starting at Denton Civic Center on the morning of July 4 (register here). Next up, is the Yankee Doodle Parade at 9 a.m., which runs from the corner of Hickory and Locust on the Square to the Civic Center.
Ages 50 and up can enjoy the annual Senior Picnic from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Denton Senior Center, and all ages are welcome to the Jubilee Family Fun & Games from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (location TBD) featuring a hot dog eating contest.
In the evening, head to Apogee Stadium for the 26th annual Denton Noon Kiwanas Club fireworks display. There will be concessions available for purchase and a kids' activity area and live bands leading up to the fireworks display after dark. General admission is free, but parking is $10 per car.
July 4. Various times and locations with fireworks at Apogee Stadium, 1251 South Bonnie Brae, Denton. Free-$10. discoverdenton.com.
Duncanville
Independence Day Celebration
This two-part celebration starts on the morning of July 4 with the Duncanville Lions Club parade, beginning at Reed Middle School from 9 to 10 a.m. (Here are details on the parade route.)
In the evening, festivities move to Armstrong Park for food, bounce houses, live music and fireworks from 6 to 10 p.m. Entry is free to the public, but all guests need a wristband, "available upon request at the Duncanville Recreation Center (201 James Collins Blvd.), while supplies last," according to the website. (More details on that here.) The city will also offer a free parking shuttle service from designated lots.
July 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Armstrong Park, 100 James Collins Blvd., Duncanville. Free. duncanville.com.
FARMERS BRANCH
Farmers Branch Independence Day Celebration
What's a low level fireworks display? Well, exactly what it sounds like: Sparkling pyrotechnics that take place on or near the ground like roman candles, comets and mines, to name a few.
Farmers Branch proudly stands apart, offering one of the few professional low level fireworks displays in the state of Texas on July 3. Other festivities also include a "high energy dance band," a kids zone and festival concessions.
Admission is free to residents with a Firecracker Fast Pass (which should be mailed to you in a water bill or picked up at select city locations) or $5 to non-residents.
July 3 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at Farmers Branch Historical Park, 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, Farmers Branch. Free to residents with a Firecracker Fast Pass and children under 3, $5 for non-residents. farmersbranchtx.gov.
FORNEY
Independence Day Celebration
Forney fests early with an evening event on June 30 featuring rides and face painting for children, food trucks, carnival concessionaires and live music from party dance band Inside Out before a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
General admission is free and parking is available at Community Park, Forney Baptist Church and Forney High School.
June 30 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Community Park, 241 South FM 548, Forney. Free. cityofforney.org.
FORT WORTH
Fort Worth's Fourth
This extensive annual event at Panther Island Pavilion features all-day activities on and around the Trinity River on July 4.
The free kids zone offers bounce houses, a zip line, face painting, a water slide and more -- not to mention pony rides from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. There will be acrobatic flyboard shows throughout the day and a special after-dark performance with LED suits, plus live music from cover bands and a local music battle of the bands showdown. There will be an F-16 flyover at 8 p.m. and a massive fireworks display set to music from country radio station 99.9 The Ranch at 10 p.m.
Free tubes and life jackets will be offered to everyone -- on a first come, first served basis; feel free to bring your own -- for floating on the river, and there will be festival concessions like street tacos, nachos, corn dogs, shaved ice and more. General admission and kids zone admission is free but parking is $10-20, and you can purchase a VIP pass for $50-60 for access to areas with preferred fireworks views, private bathrooms and cash bars.
July 4 beginning at 2 p.m. at Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth. Free-$60. fortworthsfourth.com.
FRISCO
Frisco Freedom Fest
The two-day festivities begin with the Hotter 'n Firecrackers 5K Glow Run and Dachshund Dash on the evening of July 3. The next day, head over to the Party in the Plaza, which begins at 4 p.m. on July 4 and features a children's expo with hamster ball races, zip lines, a rock climbing wall and bounce houses, plus a community state with live performances and a Hometown Hero Exhibit highlighting the city's police and fire departments. Taste of Frisco offers a variety of popular menu items from local restaurants and you can shop local businesses at the Vendor Village. Across the street at Toyota Stadium, FC Dallas will take on Atlanta United, and the evening ends with a 20 minute fireworks display following the game. General admission to the festival is free, but some children's attractions and concessions range from $1-6. FC Dallas game tickets are $40-150.
July 3 and 4 at Frisco Square, 6100 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco. Free. (FC Dallas Game tickets run $40-150). friscofreedomfest.org.
GARLAND
Star-Spangled Spectacular
This free community event at Firewheel Town Center will feature live music by cover band Hi Definition and family-friendly activities before a Flag Presentation Ceremony and patriotic fireworks display on July 4.
There will be face painting, bounce houses, balloon twisters, food trucks and specials and deals from local retailers. The 92.1 Hank FM Party Patrol will provide games and giveaways. Bring lawn chairs and blankets; on-site parking is limited, so please consider carpooling.
July 4 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Firewheel Town Center, 245 Cedar Sage Drive, Garland. visitgarlandtx.com.
GRAND PRAIRIE
Lone Stars and Stripes Celebration
This annual event at horse racing track Lone Star Park includes two nights of fun on July 3 and July 4. Special programming includes live music by '70s, '80s and '90s party band Vegas Stars and a Family Fun Park with bounce houses, face painting, temporary tattoo artists, pony rides and a petting zoo from 3 to 9 p.m.
There will be a fireworks display choreographed to music after the races conclude. General admission to the park is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 4 to 12. Parking is $20 or $10 if purchased in advance.
July 3 and 4 with gates opening at 3 p.m. at Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie. Starting at $3. lonestarpark.com.
Fourth of July at Epic Waters
Lakes aren't for everyone: Grand Prairie's city-owned Epic Waters opened in the winter to epic fanfare, but the 80,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor water park is a smart stop in summer, too, thanks to its UV-protected retractable roof and climate controlled air and water temperatures. Add on unique slides, a children's area, cabana space to rent, an arcade and a concession stand, and you've got a spot some families won't want to leave.
On July 4, the park offers half-off of full day admission for military veterans (active or retired), and activities including American flag airbrush tattoos, line dancing, trivia, a hula hoop contest, water balloon toss and a Mom & Dad dance-off. Reservations for admission and cabana rentals recommended.
July 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m . at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, 2970 Epic Place, Grand Prairie. $10-29. epicwatersgp.com.
GRAPEVINE
Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza
See a patriotic spectacle reflected on a beautiful lake at Grapevine's 36th annual fireworks extravaganza at 9:30 p.m. on July 4. The city is currently compiling a playlist, which will be posted online before the event -- you just press play when you see the first firework shell launch for "perfectly timed music" to accompany the 26-minute pyrotechnic display. The show is free, but some private businesses or docks charge for parking. Check out this list of suggested viewing areas. (Please note that the top floor of the Gaylord parking garage, a traditional favorite viewing deck, is closed this year for renovation.)
Bonus: The show goes on all summer long. Grapevine SummerBlast Friday Fireworks shimmer over Lake Grapevine weekly through Labor Day.
July 4 from 9:30 to 10 p.m. at Lake Grapevine, various locations including Oak Grove Park at 2500 Dove Loop Road, Grapevine. Free, but various viewing areas may charge for parking. grapevinetexasusa.com.
IRVING
Independence Day Parade
This event on July 4 features a parade at 9 a.m. and a reception at Irving Heritage Park from 10 a.m. to noon. The parade begins at Sowers Street and Irving Boulevard near Millennium Park (here's a route map) and features 80 entries with floats, costumes and cool vehicles. This year's theme is Continued Commitment to our Troops -- Show Them We Care, and it's free to participate; just submit this form before June 26. The reception that follows features free watermelon, live music and children's activities like airbrush tattoos and balloons.
July 4 from 9 a.m. to noon at Irving Heritage Park, 217 S. Main St., Irving. Free. cityofirving.org.
Fireworks on Lake Carolyn
On the evening of July 4, bring a blanket or lawn chair to Lake Carolyn and enjoy live music, a children's zone -- featuring face painting and Uncle Sam on stilts -- and food vendors (you may also bring your own food, but no alcohol is allowed). The fireworks display is shot from a barge on the lake, producing "special effects that can only be produced on the water." Entry is free, but garage parking is $10.
July 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Lake Carolyn, 501 E. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving. Free. cityofirving.org.
LANCASTER / DESOTO
Old Fashioned Fourth Fireworks Celebration
These two cities south of Dallas-proper have partnered again for an annual July 4 celebration at Lancaster's Community Park. The free evening festival features live music including headliner -- and founding member of Blackstreet -- Dave Hollister, plus Shy Speaks, Malik Heard (featured on The Voice), Mark Ayers, Jr., and Orchards Bloom. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy food, games and fireworks.
July 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lancaster Community Park, 1700 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Lancaster. Free. lancaster-tx.com.
LEWISVILLE
20th Annual Freedom Festival and Fireworks
The 20th annual Freedom Festival kicks off at Castle Hills Village Shops and Plaza on the evening of July 4 with a DJ and free children's activities including a "the largest inflatable maze in Texas," bounce houses, water slides, a foam and bubble area, caricature artists, face painting and trackless train rides. Food trucks and area restaurants will provide food for purchase. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to grab a good spot around Lake Avalon for a view of the fireworks spectacular at dusk.
July 4 beginning at5 p.m. at Castle Hills Village Shops and Plaza, 2520 King Arthur Blvd., Lewisville. Free. castlehillsvillageshops.com.
Little Elm
July Jubilee
This annual lakefront celebration features retro hits party band Time Machine and an after-dark fireworks show set to music by alt-country radio station 95.3 The Range on July 4.
Once you're in Little Elm Park, you're at the Lakefront District where you can play (for free) at Little Elm Beach, one of the largest open swim areas in North Texas, open 24/7. Play sand volleyball, go wakeboarding or stand-up paddleboarding and hang out at the nearby (privately owned) Aqua Park, which features climbing walls, slides, jungle gyms and more. Rent a kayak or bike for a bit or head out for a hike or run on the scenic trail system.
Reserved parking for July 4 is $35 for non-residents and $30 for Little Elm residents, if picked up in person at Little Elm Rec Center. There will also be a $25 cash lot and free shuttle service. Able to stay and play awhile? Camping permits start at $5 on June 30 and range to $45 per tent on July 3. With a 5-day pass over June 30-July 4 for $55 per tent.
July 4 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Little Elm Park, 701 W. Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm. Parking is $25-35. Camping permits are $5-55. lakefrontlittleelm.com.
MCKINNEY
Red, White and BOOM! Parade and Yankee Doodle Block Party
Events kick off with a morning parade starting in downtown McKinney at 10 a.m. on July 4, followed by a free Yankee Doodle Block Party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a classic car, truck and cycle show from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Here's a map for downtown activities.)
July 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the downtown McKinney square, 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney. Free. mckinneytexas.org.
Red, White and BOOM! Fireworks at Craig Ranch
Evening events resume at 5:30 p.m. at the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch with family fun activities, live music and a fireworks display beginning at 9:45 p.m. All events are free, but alcohol is not allowed, and the city asks guests to not bring pets to the Soccer Complex.
July 4 from 5:30 p.m. to approximately 10 p.m. at McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch, 6375 Collin McKinney Parkway, McKinney. Free. mckinneytexas.org.
Cookout instead: Consider watching this fireworks show at 4th at the Creek, Cottonwood Creek Church's annual tailgate and grill out.
PLANO
Plano Lions Independence Day Parade
This annual event features a patriotic parade of drill teams, cheerleaders, local businesses and organizations marching down Independence Parkway to Plano Senior High on July 4. This year's theme is Plano: All-American City. Here's a map of the parade route.
July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. starting at the Plano ISD Administrative Building, 2700 W. 15th Street, Plano. Free. id4planolions.org.
All American Fourth Fireworks at Oak Point Park
Food trucks parked at Collin College begin selling food at 5 p.m. on July 4 and a DJ will begin playing music at 7:30 p.m. across the road at Oak Point Park, the city's bucolic nature preserve. The fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. with synchronized music on radio station 97.5 KLAK. General admission is free and so is plentiful parking at Collin College, Plano Event Center and First United Methodist Church. (But, please note that portions of Spring Creek will be closed down starting at 4 p.m., so route accordingly.) Bring blankets or lawn chairs and cash for vendors.
July 4 beginning at 5 p.m. at Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. Free. plano.gov.
Swim instead: The Texas-shaped saltwater pool is hosting an Independence Day Pool Party from noon to 6 p.m. There will be pool games and the snack bar and grill will be fired up and cooking. (Coolers are welcome if you'd like to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.) Veterans and active military are free, everyone else is $10 or $30 per family.
RICHARDSON
Family 4th Celebration
This annual free picnic takes place against a beautiful 10-acre lake on the evening of July 4 at the city's Breckinridge Park in northeast Richardson. The event kicks off with live music from funk-rock dance band Don't Tell Mama before a patriotic salute from the Richardson Community Band and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. On-site parking is limited, so a free shuttle will run from the Rockwell-Collins International Campus (pets are not allowed on the shuttle). There will be concessions for purchase and, for children, there will be bounce houses, a climbing wall and a "Star Spangled Safety" event with educational goody bags.
July 4 starting at 6:15 p.m. at Breckinridge Park, 3555 Park Vista Road, Richardson. Free. cor.net.
ROCKWALL
Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Show
This old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration starts with a parade in Downtown Rockwall at 11 a.m. on July 4. (Here's a map of the parade route.)
Festivities resume at 5 p.m. at Harry Myers Park with free live music and a fireworks show synchronized to music at dusk.
July 4 beginning at 5 p.m. at Harry Myers Park, 815 E. Washington St., Rockwall. Free. playrockwall.com.
Rowlett
Fireworks on Main
This outdoorsy fest for active families includes laser tag, a cornhole tournament and bounce houses among other games for children, teens and adults starting at 6 p.m. on July 4. Live music includes Memphis Soul and Southern rockers the Georgia Satellites -- of "Keep Your Hands to Yourself" fame -- who will play hits for 90 minutes before dark. That's when the fireworks display begins and "this year's fireworks show will be extra special and is something you definitely want to be in attendance to witness," according to the website.
July 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. at 5300 Main St., Rowlett. Free. ci.rowlett.tx.us.
SACHSE
Red, White and Blue Blast
Sachse celebrates on July 3 with an old-fashioned Fourth of July family festival. The parade starts at 6 p.m. before live music from Party Machine (created and produced by the band leader of local legend Emerald City Band.) There will games and prizes and a chance to win Whataburger for a Year gift baskets. For children, there will be bounce houses, water slides, a foam machine, lawn games, carnival rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and a splashdown by Sachse Fire Department before fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
July 3 starting at 6 p.m. at Heritage Park, 4408 Hudson Dr. Sachse. Free. cityofsachse.com.
SOUTHLAKE
Southlake Stars & Stripes
This elaborate event on July 3 includes three stages around Southlake Town Square with a variety of live entertainment from country and party bands to swing dancing music and classical melodies. Each stage will feature a Patriotic Ceremony at 8 p.m. and a fireworks countdown at 9:25 p.m.
Family activities include candy art, balloon artists, strolling characters, temporary tattoos, trampoline jump tests and a craft creation station. Food trucks and concessionaires including State Fair favorite Fletcher's Corny Dogs and Funnel Cakes, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Steel City Pops will offer food and treats for purchase. Bring lawn chairs and blankets, but no pets, please. General admission and parking are free, as is a shuttle. (Check out a parking map and an event map.)
July 3 from 6 to 11 p.m. at Southlake Town Square, 1560 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake. Free. visitsouthlaketexas.com.
WAXAHACHIE
Crape Myrtle Festival and Parade
This 21st annual "flower-filled Fourth of July" event kicks off on July 3 with tailgating, food trucks, a children's play area, a DJ, live music by Memphis Soul and fireworks show when the sun goes down. On July 4 the city celebrates again with a patriotic parade honoring military veterans at 10 a.m. with a picnic in Getzendaner Park to follow.
July 3 starting at 5 p.m. at Waxahachie Sports Complex, 151 Broadhead Road, Waxahachie.
July 4 starting at 10 a.m. in historic downtown Waxahachie, starting at College Street and ending at Getzendaner Park, 400 S. Grand Ave., Waxahachie. Free. waxahachiecvb.com.
WYLIE
Bluegrass on Ballard
This all-day fest on June 30 starts at 10 a.m. with arts and crafts vendors, a chili cook-off and food concessions and runs through the evening with a 200+ classic car show on Ballard Ave. and live bands from 2 to 9 p.m. in Olde City Park.
The city encourages Picking and Jamming throughout the streets; it's free and open, and anyone with an instrument is encouraged to bring it along and play. Official live music performances take stage at 2 p.m. and conclude with Beatles tribute Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Bluegrass Band beginning at 7:30 p.m. Here's a full schedule of events.
June 30 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Ballard Ave. in historic downtown Wylie (State Highway 78 to Brown St.) and Olde City Park, 112 S. Ballard Ave., Wylie. free. wylietexas.gov.
CORRECTION, 10:05 a.m., June 15: This story has been updated with an alternative address for Frisco Freedom Festival.
CORRECTION, 10:58 a.m., July 2: This story has been updated with an alternative website for the Lancaster / DeSoto Old Fashioned Fourth Fireworks Celebration.
