Where to watch Fourth of July fireworks in the Austin area? Our 2025 last-minute guide

As Texans in the Austin area prepare to celebrate Independence Day, there is no shortage of events to choose from, with options for families, late-night party crowds, and everyone in between.

Several firework displays will be viewable for free in Austin, Round Rock, Buda, Pflugerville, and other nearby towns and cities.

Austin Symphony H-E-B July 4th Concert & Fireworks

• 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• 800 W Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704 (and viewpoints throughout the city)
• Free general admission, VIP starts at $45

Austin's largest Independence Day celebration on July 4 combines the Austin Symphony with a grand fireworks finale over Austin’s iconic Lady Bird Lake. The best views of the show will be from the Long Center lawn, South First Street Bridge, Congress Bridge and Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, but expect crowds. Artists throughout the evening will play a diverse range of music, from rock to country, R&B, and soul. Symphony begins at 8:30 p.m.

Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival

• 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Hill Country Galleria
• Free entry

Over 40 vendors, live music, dining and fireworks fill this festival with all the Independence Day essentials. Fair rides and face painting provide entertainment for all ages. Admission and parking are free.

Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks

• Starts at 4 p.m.
• Germania Insurance Amphitheater
• $60 entry fee

A tradition since 1973, Austin legend Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic grows every year, this year including performances from Bob Dylan, The Avett Brothers, and The Mavericks alongside Nelson himself.

4th (of July) Annual Hotdog Eating Contest by Grandpa’s Glizzys

• 6 p.m. – 2 a.m.
• Hotel Vegas & The Volstead Lounge
• Free to attend

Hosted by comedian Avery Moore, this hot dog eating contest will feature performances by local artists The Point and Bubba Lucky, as well as a late-night DJ set by DJ HEXXX GF that is slotted to run until 2 a.m. Ages 21 and up.

Red White & Buda

• 9 a.m. bike parade, 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. festivities
• Buda Amphitheater
• Free

Buda's Independence Day bike parade will begin at 9 a.m., but anyone who wants to take part in the parade should arrive by 8:30 a.m. with their decorated bicycle. Festivities will kick off at 4 p.m. with food and entertainment for all ages, a performance by country singer Aaron Watson on the Great Lawn at 7:30 p.m., and a fireworks finale scheduled for 9:15 p.m.

Independence Day Pfireworks

• 9 p.m. fireworks show
• Typhoon Texas (18500 SH 130, N Service Road)
• Park admission $43+, but fireworks are viewable from outside

Typhoon Texas Waterpark's fireworks will be synchronized to music for those who tune into KPEZ FM 102.3, The Beat, for the 9 p.m. show.

Round Rock July 4th Parade and Frontier Days

• 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Mays Street and Old Settlers Park
• Free

Round Rock's all-day celebrations will include a parade throughout downtown, pig races, a speech by Mayor Craig Morgan, and musical performances. The Elevation Band will take the stage at 7 p.m., and the Austin Symphonic Band will perform alongside the fireworks show around 9:30 p.m.