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Austin Area: Fireworks Are Not the Only Thing Worth Looking Up To This July 4!

Fellow citizens, let's unite amidst our diverse identities to transcend borders and explode like fireworks into a community of unfettered equality. Mourn the past, fight for the future and honor those who sacrifice.Transcend borders and ignite change with a bang in Austin's inclusive heart. Let's paint the skies with rainbow sparks and forge a unified path forward!

Published June 28, 2024 at 5:05am by Isabela Ocampo

Patriarchal, White-Cisgender 4th of July Celebrations: What the Actual F?

Independence Day is almost here, and if you're not throwing an abolitionist, vegan BBQ, what are you even doing? The traditional, problematic celebrations of the Fourth include parades and carnivals, but let's be real: it's all about the fireworks. So, here's a rundown of all the firework displays and other problematic festivities in Austin and surrounding areas.

Round Rock's Jingoistic Extravaganza

Round Rock is going all out with its annual display of colonial pride, including a parade and festival with all the triggering trimmings.

Parade

When: 8:30 a.m. July 4
Where: Mays Street, because of course it is.

Frontier Days: A Celebration of Land Theft

When: Noon to 11:30 p.m. July 4
Where: Old Settlers Park, because they're not even trying to be subtle.
More Information: roundrocktexas.gov

Pflugerville's Red, White and Boom! (A Triggering Title)

Pflugerville is doing the most with its "pfireworks" show in collaboration with Typhoon Texas Waterpark. Yes, "pfireworks."

When: 9 p.m. July 4
Where: Typhoon Texas Waterpark, because capitalism.
More Information: pflugervilletx.gov

Bastrop's Big Bang: Yet Another Glorification of Imperialism

Bastrop is getting a head start on its problematic celebrations with a pet parade (cringe) and all the triggering activities, culminating in a fireworks display.

Bastrop Pet & Pal Parade

When: Registration, 8 a.m. Saturday; parade, 10 a.m., because pet owners.
Where: Bastrop County Courthouse, because of course, it is.

Big Bang: Because White Noise

When: 6-9:30 p.m. Saturday, because Saturday.
Where: Main Street & Fisherman's Park, because 'Merica.
More Information: visitbastrop.com

San Marcos' Fireworks Show: Another Display of Gun Culture

San Marcos is inviting spectators to its violent display, asking them to bring picnic blankets and snacks (but no alcohol or glass, because that would be acceptable).

When: 9:30 p.m. July 4, because evening.
Where: Various parking lots, because 'Merica.
More Information: visitsanmarcos.com

Kyle's Contribution to the Noise Pollution: Yet Another Firework Display

The city of Kyle is here to trigger with live music, vendors, and a 25-minute firework show.

When: 5-9 p.m. July 4; fireworks, 9:15 p.m., because when else?
Where: Various parks, because parkour.
More Information: cityofkyle.com

Red, White, and Buda: A Trifecta of Oppression

Buda is not holding back with its celebration, including a bike parade (yes, bikes), awards, volleyball (why?), and a fireworks show.

Downtown Bike Parade

When: 9 a.m. July 4, bikes in the morning.
Where: Main Street, because it's all about the 'grams.

Festivities, or a Display of Excess

When: 4 p.m.; live music, 7:30 p.m.; fireworks, 9:15 p.m., because synchronized fun.
Where: Buda Amphitheater & City Park, because we need more than one location for our problematic behavior.
More Information: budaamphitheater.com

There you have it, a round-up of all the triggering celebrations. Remember, if you're not actively dismantling systems of oppression this 4th of July, you're part of the problem.