AUSTIN, Texas — The Fourth of July is typically spent grilling hamburgers and hot dogs, swimming and, of course, watching fireworks shows.
You might be wondering where to spend this year's holiday in the Austin area. While Willie Nelson has moved his big party to New Jersey, there are still plenty of events scheduled in Central Texas this Independence Day.
Travis County
When and where: Starting at 4 p.m. Thursday at Auditorium Shores, located at 800 W. Riverside Drive
What to expect: The free 47th annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4 Concert & Fireworks Celebration will include a series of live performances, a symphony show and a fireworks display to finish up the night.
Red, White & Boom Pfireworks Show in Pflugerville
When and where: Fireworks begin at approximately 9 p.m. Thursday at Typhoon Texas, located at 18500 State Highway 130 northbound service road
What to expect: The city of Pflugerville, in partnership with Typhoon Texas, will launch fireworks from the field next to the water park.
When and where: From 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday at the Hill Country Galleria, located at 12700 Hill Country Blvd, Suite T-100 in Bee Cave
What to expect: Live music starts at 4 p.m., with performances by Ruthie Craft, Pearl Z, The Saddle Sores, Lena Luca and Vallejo. Attendees can also expect fair rides, water games, complimentary face painting and a fireworks show.
When and where: Parade at 8:30 a.m., followed by hot dog reception at 9:30 a.m. at the Lakeway Activity Center
What to expect: A parade will start at the Live Oak Golf Course at 510 Lakeway Drive at 8:30 a.m. and make its way to the Lakeway Activity Center (105 Cross Creek), where a hot dog reception will follow at 9:30 a.m.
Williamson County
When and where: Starting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. The parade will be along Mays Street and Frontier Days will be held at Old Settlers Park, located at 3300 E. Palm Velley Blvd.
What to expect: At 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Round Rock residents and visitors can head to the Annual Sertoma Independence Day Parade along Mays Street.
Then at noon, the city will host Frontier Days at Old Settlers Park, with live performances, a pepper-eating contest, carnival rides, a fireworks show and more.
American Rhapsody in Hutto
When and where: 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Thursday at Brush Creek Amphitheater, located at 1001 County Road 137
What to expect: This free celebration will feature live performances by Tyler Braden, Harvest Thieves and Mayeux and Broussard, as well as local vendors, food trucks, a fireworks show and more.
When and where: 5 to 11:30 p.m. Thursday at Elizabeth Milburn Park, located at 1901 Sun Chase Blvd.
What to expect: This event will feature food trucks and vendors, inflatables and carnival rides, live music from Suede, a fireworks show and a screening of "The Lorax."
July 4 Celebration in Georgetown
When and where: Activities begin at 10 a.m. Thursday. The July 4th Hometown Parade begins at 11 a.m. at San Gabriel Park, located at 445 E. Morrow St., and the day's events will conclude with a fireworks show around 9:30 p.m.
What to expect: Attendees can expect live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, a petting zoo, food vendors, games and rides throughout the day.
When and where: 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday at Devine Lake Park, located at 1807 Waterfall Ave.
What to expect: Leander residents and visitors can celebrate Independence Day a day early at Leander Liberty Fest. The event includes food, live music from Hannah Kay and The After Party, children's activities and a fireworks show.
Independence Day Spectacular in Liberty Hill
When and where: 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday at Liberty Hill Middle School, located at 13125 State Highway 29
What to expect: Liberty Hill residents and visitors can also get the party started a day early with the Independence Day Spectacular, which includes a homemade apple pie contest, a watermelon seed spitting contest, a hot dog eating contest and more. The event concludes with a fireworks show.
4th of July Parade and Fireworks Show in Taylor
When and where: The day's events start at 9 a.m. and are spread around Taylor
What to expect: The 4th of July Parade will start at 9 a.m., making its way from 7th and Davis streets to Murphy Park. At 10 a.m., there will be an ice cream social at the American Legion Hall (1310 Sycamore St.). Then at 6:30 p.m., the evening festivities kick off, including live music by Dale Watson, at Murphy Park Pavilion. At sunset, a fireworks show will commence along the greenbelt at Bull Branch Park (904 Dellinger Drive).
Hays County
July 4th Fireworks Show in San Marcos
When and where: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. and residents are encouraged to watch them from various parking lots
What to expect: The city of San Marcos says residents and visitors should pack up a picnic blanket and snacks and head to the parking lots of the San Marcos Activity Center (501 E. Hopkins St.), San Marcos Public Library (625 E. Hopkins St.) City Park (170 Charles Austin Drive) or Bobcat Stadium (1100 Aquarena Springs Drive) for great views of the fireworks display.
Independence Day Fireworks Show in Kyle
When and where: 5 to 9 p.m. at La Verde Park, located at 3901 Burnham
What to expect: Attendees can expect live music from the Cap City, vendors and a community countdown culminating in a fireworks show that starts around 9:15 pm.
When and where: Bike parade begins at 9 a.m. Festivities last from 4 to 10 p.m. at City Park, located at 204 San Antonio St.
What to expect: The Downtown Bike Parade begins at 9 a.m. Festivities begin at City Park at 4 p.m, including food trucks, sand volleyball, a splash pad, rock climbing, axe throwing and bounce houses. Live music from Josh Abbott Band begins around 7:30 p.m. at the Buda Amphitheater Stage and a fireworks show is planned for 9:15 p.m.