Events are popping up throughout Central Texas to commemorate the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified July 4, 1776. Here are details to some of those events to celebrate.

Austin

Hear a symphony

The Austin Symphony will host a July Fourth celebration at Lady Bird Lake. They will perform a concert of patriotic music, ending with a fireworks show over the lake. The event is free, but residents can choose to purchase the VIP experience if they wish to have more amenities.See Willie Nelson in concert

Q2 Stadium in Austin will host Willie Nelson & Family along with other bands during the Fourth of July picnic. The event was created by Willie Nelson in 1973 and is celebrating 50 years of entertainment. Residents can purchase tickets online through Seat Geek.

Georgetown

Celebrate Independence Day

The Georgetown Sertoma Club will host its annual patriotic celebration July 4 with food, live music and fireworks. This year’s celebration will also include bounce houses, rides, axe-throwing, laser tag, soccer drills, an auto show and an interactive play station.
  • 11 a.m. (activities begin), 9:30 p.m. (fireworks)
  • Free
  • 445 E. Morrow St., Georgetown
  • 512-354-7707
  • www.georgetown4th.org

Lake Travis/Westlake

Attend a parade and celebration

The city of West Lake Hills will host a parade and celebration for the Fourth of July. Residents can enter for their chance to win the award for the “Best Thing on Wheels.” There will be costume contests and free food as well. The parade will meet at Independence Bank, and the celebration will be held in the parking lot.Celebrate with a parade and hot dogs


The city of Lakeway will host a Fourth of July parade and hot dog reception. The parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. Hot dogs will be served at 9:30 a.m. in the Lakeway Activity Center. This year's theme is "63 and Free," honoring the opening of Lakeway Inn and the expansion of the town.Have fun at a festival

The Hill Country Galleria will host the annual Fourth of July festival. Shop the local stores and vendors, or enjoy some live music. Children are welcome to enjoy the fair, complimentary face painting and more. There will be a firework display at sunset.

Leander/Liberty Hill

Party for liberty

Leander’s annual Liberty Fest at Devine Lake Park will feature live music, children’s activities, food and a fireworks display. This year’s performers are Texas country artist Madison Rodges and Austin-based band Departure ATX.See fireworks

Liberty Hill’s Independence Day Spectacular will feature watermelon seed spitting, hot dog eating and homemade apple pie contests as well as a snowball fight. Children’s activities include an obstacle course, a Velcro wall to jump on and a trackless train. Fireworks will wrap up the evening.

New Braunfels

Attend a patriotic parade


Celebrate America’s birthday by watching the early morning parade around downtown New Braunfels. The parade route will begin at Castell Avenue and Bridge Street before moving to San Antonio Street around the Main Plaza and disbanding at Seguin and Zink streets. The parade is followed by a short patriotic musical program by the New Braunfels Community Band on the Main Plaza.Celebrate Independence Day

The annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular can be seen in the New Braunfels skies this Independence Day. Those attending are encouraged to come early and tune in to KGNB 1420 AM to listen to the live broadcast of patriotic music timed to accompany the fireworks display. The J Abram Band will perform at 7 p.m. on the Dance Slab.
  • 9:15 p.m. (fireworks show)
  • Free
  • Landa Park, 164 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels
  • 830-221-4000
  • www.nbtexas.org
Fill up on hot dogs

A hot dog-eating contest in which participants have a set amount of time to eat as many hot dogs as possible will take place at the Silos at Freiheit Village. The contestant who consumes the most hot dogs within the given time limit will be crowned the champion and take home the top prize of $200. Other prizes, including gift cards and Silos merchandise, will be given to other top participants.
  • 5-10 p.m.
  • $10 (to participate)
  • Silos at Freiheit, 2064 Central Plaza, New Braunfels
  • 830-837-5600
  • www.silosatfreiheit.com

Taylor

Attend a festival

Enjoy a fun-filled day featuring a parade, ice cream social, live music and fireworks in Murphy Park put on by the American Legion Graham D Luhn Post 39 and the city of Taylor.