When the 4th of July rolls around, celebrate in great traditional style! The food, the music, the games, the flag, the family time, watermelon, and of course, the fireworks are mainstays of any outdoor celebration. Whether you’re hanging out with friends or family, the tradition of watching fireworks runs long and deep. If you’re going to be in town instead of traveling, here’s our list of Fourth Festivities being put on right here in the Mid-Cities!
Bonus Fun Stuff:A Place to Bury Strangers Says “Goodnight Brooklyn” and Hello Oak Cliff.
City of Bedford 4th Fest
This year’s 4thFEST will feature free live musical entertainment, a variety of themed family friendly activities, a classic car show, yummy festival food and of course, the spectacular fireworks. Admission is FREE. Folks may bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and non-alcoholic beverages (No glass containers). The fireworks go off at 10:00pm from the Boys Ranch Park! See the website for full schedule and other activities that do have minimal fees. BONUS FUN STUFF: Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel is on at 3, 5, 7 and 9p. Whaaat, America, you so crazy.
Southlake Stars & Stripes
Fire it up a day early in Southlake! On July 3rd, events begin at 6:00 with the Southlake Community Band in Family Park followed by an uplifting patriotic ceremony. Activities like balloon artists, musicians, games, crafts, inflatables and of course food, will be available at various locations all around Southlake Town Center culminating with fireworks at 9:30pm.
Hurst Stars & Stripes
Hurst begins their celebration at 5:00 p.m. at Hurst Community Park at 601 Precinct Line Road. Plans include a children’s area. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. No onsite parking, but there is free shuttle service from North East Mall. If you are new to Hurst activities, you may be surprised at how big their events can get. Over Christmas we were surprised at the amount of fun stuff Hurst had at their tree lighting. “Whoa!” is an understatement. (You know I had to fit Christmas in here somewhere.)
Grapevine Annual July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
On Monday, July 4th, Grapevine celebrates in true patriotic style with the 34th Annual July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza. It’s almost 30 minutes long and starts at 9:30p. It’s taking place at Oak Grove Park in Grapevine. With the Friday lake fireworks cancelled until 2017 because of high water, this will (probably) be the only opportunity to see fireworks in Grapevine this season.
Kiwanis Fireworks Show in Denton
For an optimal viewing situation, there’s a fireworks show at the UNT Apogee stadium in Denton. It’s free entry, with $5 parking (so cram that car full o’ kids). The festivities start at 6:30 and the whole shebang wraps up at 10:15. No lawn chairs or outside food or drink. Couple of bands will play – Stage Fright, for one – with a color guard and rah-rah UNT kind of stuff. (My daughter attends UNT, so GO MEAN GREEN! ahem.)
Northeast Tarrant County’s Annual Family 4th Celebration
This free celebration will feature food, fun and entertainment starting at 5:00pm at the Hills Shopping Center with kid’s activities, a salute to veterans, stage performances of local talent and plenty of food and drink. The free concert (8-9pm) features contemporary country music artist Derek Anthony. May bring chairs, blankets, and games to play. Fireworks start at approximately 9:30pm! See website link for specifics on where to park and sit. If it rains, this will reschedule to July 5th.
City of Irving Independence Day Parade & Fireworks
Irving is pulling double duty on the 4th, with a parade (9a) and reception (10-noon) at Irving Heritage Park (free entry, free parking).
Reception after Irving parade
Then the fireworks fun begins at 6p with the lightshow at full dark, usually at 10p. Things to note: parking for the evening fun is $10 CASH ONLY. Outside food IS permitted. Leashed pets need to be removed before the fireworks though (you know how it can make them nuts; it’s the kindest thing we can do for our four-legged friends).
Fort Worth’s Fourth at Panther Island Pavilion
Ok, so this event isn’t really “small town” especially because it has so much going on PRIOR to the ‘works. Zip lines, pony rides, water slides, tubing, face painting, flyboard shows and somewhere in all that, some fireworks at 10pm. You can get a reserved seat for $40, but general admission is free. $20 parking for all. If you know me, you know I always invest in VIP if it’s available but it’s a crowd-phobia, “holy crap what if I can’t find a seat” thing. Read those FAQs at the link, and check out all the other activities besides fireworks. It’s kind of a big deal.
You probably have your own 4th of July story to tell of watching from a rooftop one year as a kid or at Disney or another memorable place. Designate a driver, grab your peeps and celebrate the USA!
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