With America’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, this year’s Fourth of July promises to be ecstatic with events all over Austin dedicated to the holiday. From The Drag to the bat bridge just south of downtown, The Daily Texan found five events and activities to do in Austin to enjoy the holiday.
Zilker Park Fireworks Viewing – 2100 Barton Springs Rd.
For those looking for a good place to simply watch fireworks without spending an arm and a leg, Zilker Park, a staple for the Austin community, allows for clear viewing of the fireworks all over Austin. While the park will not be doing their own fireworks, Zilker’s open space allows for picnics, outdoor activities like volleyball and frisbee, and running room for pets. Parking prices at Zilker on weekends range from $3 an hour to $7 an hour. For a smaller price, the park is a great way to spend the Fourth of July outdoors with friends and family.
Hole-A-Palooza at Hole in the Wall – 2538 Guadalupe St.
Located on The Drag, Hole in the Wall dedicates their Fourth of July to a ‘90s tribute music fest with Hole-A-Palooza. With performances celebrating the music of Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam and other alternative rock bands from the ‘90s, the event serves as a day filled with nostalgic music and hot dogs with a pop-up from Horn Dogs. Hole-A-Palooza is 21+ and tickets can be purchased on PreKindle in advance for $20. Tickets will be available at the door for $25.
Hawk Dawg Hot Dog Eating Contest – 912 Red River St.
Hot dog eating contests are a staple of Fourth of July festivities. Mohawk, a live music venue located just south of the capitol building, will host Hawk Dawg, a hot dog eating contest coupled with a DJ set from Cut Copy. Attendees can sign up for the contest during the show and prizes will be awarded to those that win the contest. Priced at $20, the July 3 event is open to all ages, welcoming fun for the family.
Austin Symphony Orchestra July Fourth Concert and Fireworks – 900 W Riverside Dr.
The Star Spangled Fest features the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks at Auditorium Shores. Free to the public, attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to comfortably enjoy the live music and fireworks. Starting at 4:30 p.m., the event opens food trucks, activities and the general admission and VIP areas for the celebration of America’s 250th.
Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic – 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd.
Returning to Austin this summer, Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic features country artists like Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson and the Austin icon himself, Willie Nelson. Thirty minutes from campus at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater, music lovers from all over Austin can experience Nelson’s small festival that he created in 1972. Tickets can be purchased on Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from $76 to over $300.
