Are you looking for July 4 events in 2018? You've hit our 2017 story. Click here to find the best events for 2018.
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America is one year older, and it's time to party. If you're in need of Fourth of July plans, the Dallas-Forth Worth area is bursting with patriotic festivities. From community parades to fireworks extravaganzas, here are your best ways to celebrate Independence Day in all-American style.
ADDISON
Addison Kaboom Town
Named one of the top firework shows in the country, Addison's Kaboom Town on July 3 starts the Fourth of July week with a bang. Festivities include performances by Texas National Guard's 36th Infantry Division Band and the Dallas Winds as well as an Addison airport air show featuring the Cavanaugh Flight Museum. The 30-minute firework show begins at 9:35 p.m. Many Addison restaurants, including Cantina Laredo and Addison Point Sports Grill, are hosting watch parties. Expect nearly a half-million people, so arrive early and pack some patience.July 3 from 4 p.m. to midnight, Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle, Addison. Free. addisonkaboomtown.com.
ALLEN
Patriotic Salute
Enjoy a performance of patriotic music and anthems by the Allen Philharmonic Winds, then stop by one of the Fourth of July booths at Watters Creek. Show off your American spirit with free hair chalking by Toni & Guy from 6-8 p.m. and pick up a free mini American flag to wave around during the concert. For the little ones, the children's craft booth is open from 5-6 p.m., and balloon artists will make Fourth of July themed balloons from 5-7 p.m.June 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, 970 Garden Park Drive, Allen. Free. watterscreek.com.
ARLINGTON
Light Up Arlington
Celebrate Independence Day in the heart of Downtown Arlington with entertainment and events for the entire family. Before the fireworks start, visit three kid-friendly zones -- Boomtown, Firecracker Alley and Kids Corner -- for age-friendly festivities such as train rides, face painting and bounce houses. Starting at 6 p.m., local bands and singers also perform on stages located around the downtown area. Tune into 95.9 The Ranch at 9:45 p.m. to watch the firework show set to music.July 3 from 6 to 10:30 p.m. in Downtown Arlington. Free. lightuparlington.com.
Arlington Fourth of July Parade
It's fitting to ring in America's oldest holiday with Arlington's longest running event. Since 1965, the Fourth of July Parade in Arlington features professionally-done floats as well as home-made entries. Many Arlington homeowners also host watch parties on their porches and lawns.July 4 beginning at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Mitchell and West streets, Arlington. Free. arlington4th.org.
DALLAS
Red, White and Brew
Oh, now this is fun. Noble Rey Brewing Company is hosting its third annual Fourth of July celebration. For each ticket with purchase, enjoy three pints of beer, live music and an epic water balloon fight. Pair your beer with bites from on-site food trucks.July 1 from noon to 9 p.m, at Noble Rey Brewing Company, 2636 Farrington St., Dallas. $40. noblereybrewing.com.
Red, White and Boom on the Bridge
For the second consecutive year, the city of Dallas is hosting a family-friendly night of fireworks, food and music. Watch as the firework show, which will be set to a soundtrack airing on 98.7 KLUV, lights up the Dallas skyline from the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge. Note, the westbound side of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge will be shut down for the festivities and spectators.July 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge, 109 Continental Ave., Dallas. Free. kluv.com/redwhiteboom.
Old Fashioned Fourth
Starting at 10 a.m. on July 4, celebrate the Fourth of July at Dallas Heritage Village. An All-Join-In-Parade starts at noon, but throughout the day, enjoy musical performances and Victorian era games like the stick pony race.Bring along the kids, picnic baskets and wagons, which you can decorate at the craft station. Tickets are $5, but kids under the age of 12 can join the festivities for free.
July 4 beginning at 10 a.m. at Dallas Heritage Village, 1515 S. Harwood St., Dallas. $5. dallasheritagevillage.org.
Fair Park Fourth
From patriotic performances to a fireworks spectacular, Independence Day festivities at Fair Park are not to be missed. Expect 32 rides, 14 games and 17 concession stands -- including Fletcher's Corny Dogs! -- on the Midway. Also open to the public are the Texas Discovery Gardens, the Children's Aquarium at Fair Park and the African American Museum. Enjoy live music with The Razzmajazz Dixieland Band at the Midway or the Dallas Winds at the Hall of State. Grab a seat at the Cotton Bowl to watch a free fireworks display at 9:45 p.m.July 4 beginning at noon at Fair Park, 112 First Ave., Dallas. Free; $5-7 Midway admission, $10 parking. fairpark.org.
FARMERS BRANCH
Farmers Branch Independence Day Celebration
Expect lots of fireworks, food and family fun at Farmers Branch Historical Park on July 3. Grab snacks from the concessionaires selling festival favorites such as pies from Red Oak bakery Uncle Willie's and ice cream from Fort Worth's Gypsy Scoops. The KidZone keeps the kiddos happy with bounce houses, inflatables and other free activities. Before the low-level firework show, enjoy live music from the D-FW-based Inside Out band. Gates will close once the park reaches capacity.July 3 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at Farmers Branch Historical Park, 2540 Farmers Branch Lane, Farmers Branch. Free. farmersbranchtx.gov.
FORT WORTH
Fort Worth's Fourth
It's a day of family fun at Fort Worth's Independence Day party at Panther Island Pavilion. Pack swimsuits, towels and tubes for an afternoon of swimming and tubing in the Trinity River. Tubes and life jacket rentals are free on a first served basis. Enjoy flyboard shows from 3 to 7:45 p.m as well as live music events, including a performance by the Tejas Brothers at 6 p.m. and high-energy cover band Party Machine at 8 p.m. Kids can also head over to the kid zone for age-friendly activities such as zip-lining and face painting from 2 to 8 p.m. Fireworks, with live coordinated music on 95.9 The Ranch, begin at 10 p.m.July 4 starting at 2 p.m. at Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St., Fort Worth. Free. fortworthsfourth.com.
IRVING
Independence Day Parade and Fireworks Show
Irving's Fourth of July celebrations begin at 9 a.m. in the Irving Heritage District with a community parade featuring floats and vehicles by local businesses, community organizations and families. Cool off from the summer heat with free watermelon at Heritage Park immediately following the parade. Festivities resume at 6 p.m. with a packed evening schedule at Lake Carolyn. On the main stage, enjoy performances by the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra, DJ Chris Brown and Downtown Fever. The 20-minute fireworks grand finale starts at 9:30 p.m.July 4 starting at 9 a.m. in the Irving Heritage District, followed by community reception from 10 a.m. to noon at Heritage Park. 217 S. Main St., Irving. Evening festivities run from 6 to 10 p.m., with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. at Lake Carolyn, 601 E. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving. Free. cityofirving.org.
MCKINNEY
Red, White and Boom Concert and Fireworks
McKinney celebrates July 4th with a firework show and family-friendly activities all day long. To kick off the festivities, a hometown parade starts at 10 a.m. in historic downtown McKinney, followed by a Yankee Doodle block party and a car, truck and cycle show. In the evening at McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch, attendees will find food vendors, children's activities, a concert and a fireworks extravaganza which starts at 9:45 p.m. Note, pets will not be allowed during the night festivities.July 4 from 10 a.m. to the end of the firework show in historic downtown McKinney and the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch, 111 N. Tennessee St. and 6375 Collin McKinney Parkway, both in McKinney. Free. mckinneytexas.org.
PARKER
Celebrate Freedom Festival
Head over to Southfork Ranch for the Celebrate Freedom Festival, a one-day concert featuring Christian artists and bands. The performance lineup includes Britt Nicole, Matthew West and Crowder. Merchandise and food options will also be available during the festival for purchase. Bring the kids along, too, and visit the Children's Village for free family activities and an inflatable amusement park.June 24 from 12 to 11 p.m. at Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Road., Parker. Free. celebratefreedom.com.
PLANO
Plano Lions Independence Day Parade
Start of your Fourth of July morning with a patriotic parade in Plano. Spot familiar faces as drill teams, cheerleading squads, marching bands, local businesses and families go by. The parade will start in the Plano ISD Administration Building parking lot and will end in the Plano Senior High School parking lot.July 4 from 9 to 11 a.m. starting at the Plano ISD Administration Building, 2700 W. 15th St., Plano. Free. parades.planolions.org.
All-American Fourth
Plano is throwing a Fourth of July party and everyone is invited! Attendees can snack or have dinner from food trucks on-site, then enjoy pre-fireworks music with a live DJ. The firework show starts at 9:30 p.m. and will be synchronized with music on 97.5 KLAK. Pack lawn chairs, blankets and drinks for a night out in Plano.July 4 from 5 p.m. to the end of the firework show at the Amphitheater at Oak Point Park, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano. Free. visitplano.com.
RICHARDSON
Family Fourth Celebrations
Call up the family and spend your Fourth of July at Breckinridge Park in Richardson for the city's annual patriotic festivities. With the climbing wall, bounce houses and kid-oriented activities, there's plenty for the young ones to do. Another highlight of the evening is the Star Spangled Safety Event, which includes a firetruck slide, police car bounce house, goodie bags for the kids and pamphlets on fire safety, crime prevention and emergency preparedness. There are 29 picnic areas and three pavilions to enjoy the firework show at 9:30 p.m.July 4 starting at 6 p.m. at Breckinridge Park, 3555 Park Vista Road, Richardson. Free. cor.net.
WYLIE
Bluegrass on Ballard
Wylie is the place to be on July 1. This free festival has a little something for everyone. Events include a 200+ car show, arts and crafts activities, pony rides, a chili cook-off and performances by local bands such as Bethlehem Bluegrass Band and the Becky Buller Band in Olde City Park. If you've got some musical talent yourself, bring your instruments and jam out on the streets or in restaurants with fellow musicians.July 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Historic Downtown Wylie, Ballard Avenue and Olde City Park, Wylie. Free. wylietexas.gov.
Other fireworks festivities in Dallas-Fort Worth:
Allen
Fourth at the CreekTailgating, live music, fishing, food trucks, water slides, bounce houses and, finally, a firework show. Allen knows how to put on a Fourth of July party! Festivities start at 7 p.m. on July 4. Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, 1015 Sam Rayburn Tollway, Allen. cottonwoodcreek.org.Arlington
Texas Rangers vs. Boston Red Sox Post-Game FireworksThe Texas Rangers take on the Boston Red Sox during a July 3 game. Win or lose, stay in your seats for Fourth of July fireworks immediately following the game. Globe Life Park, 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington. globelifepark.com.Bedford
Bedford Fourth FestVisit the newly-renovated Bedford Boys Ranch Park for live music, a car show, a salute to soldiers and a firework show at 10 p.m on July 4. Bedford Boys Ranch Park, 2801 Forest Ridge Drive, Bedford. bedfordtx.gov.The Colony
Liberty By the LakeThe celebration starts at 4 p.m. on July 1, and festivities include BMX stunt displays, percussion performances and magic shows. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Stewart Creek Park, 3700 Sparks Road, The Colony. libertybythelake.com.Coppell
Parade down ParkwayThe patriotic parade begins at 9 a.m. on July 4 on Samuel Blvd. and ends at Town Center. coppelltx.gov.Forney
City of Forney Independence Day CelebrationFood vendors on-site and live dance music by In10City for pre-firework festivities on July 1. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Forney Community Park, 241 S. FM 548, Forney. cityofforney.org.Frisco
Frisco Freedom FestFestival begins at 4 p.m. on July 4, with the firework extravaganza at approximately 10 p.m. Frisco Square, 8874 Coleman Blvd., Frisco. friscofreedomfest.org.Garland
Star Spangled SpectacularAfternoon of family fun with face painting, bounce houses and a firework display at 9:15 p.m. on July 3. Firewheel Town Center, 245 Cedar Sage Drive, Garland. visitgarlandtx.com.Grand Prairie
Lone Stars and Stripes CelebrationWatch live horse races, with first races at 5 p.m., and firework shows for Grand Prairie's Fourth of July party on July 3-4. Lone Star Park, 1000 Lone Star Parkway, Grand Prairie. lonestarpark.com.Grapevine
July 4th in GrapevineGrapevine celebrates Independence Day with its 35th annual fireworks spectacular, which starts at 9:30 p.m. July 4. Oak Grove Park, grapevinetexasusa.com.Lewisville
July 4th Freedom FestivalStarting at 5:30 p.m. on July 4, take part in family activities such as carnival games and face painting before the firework show at dusk. Castle Hills Village Shops and Plaza, 2540 King Arthur Blvd., Lewisville. castlehillsvillageshops.com.Sachse
Red, White and Blue BlastEvent starts on July 3 at 5 p.m. with a Fourth of July parade followed by a fireworks display that evening. Heritage Park, 4408 Hudson Drive, Sachse. cityofsachse.com.Southlake
Southlake Stars and StripesFestivities start at 6 p.m., with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. on July 3, but continue to enjoy live music and kid-friendly activities after the show. Southlake Town Square, 1256 Main St., Southlake. visitsouthlaketexas.com.Waxahachie
Crape Myrtle Festival and ParadeJuly 3 festivities include food trucks, live music and fireworks. Activities continue on July 4 with a parade honoring veterans in Historic Downtown. Waxahachie Sports Complex, 151 Broadhead Road, Waxahachie. waxahachiecvb.com.CORRECTION, 2:42 a.m., July 3: An earlier version of this story listed Garland's Star Spangled Spectacular as happening on July 4. The correct date is July 3.
CORRECTION, 10:50 a.m., July 3: An earlier version of this story listed the Allen Patriotic Salute as happening on July 3. That date was from a previous year. 2017's event happened on June 30.
