Independence Day will bring a variety of celebrations to the Austin area this weekend. Here’s what residents need to know before the holiday approaches.
Fireworks
Fireworks are illegal to possess or use within Austin city limits unless a permit has been issued for a professional display by the Austin Fire Department Special Events Division. Violations can result in a fine of up to $2,000, and reckless use that results in injury or property loss may meet the criteria for other offenses, a spokesperson with AFD said.
The city allows these without a permit: wire sparklers, smoke devices, snakes/glow worms and trick noisemakers such as party poppers and snappers, per AFD.
In unincorporated Travis County, fireworks are permitted but cannot be discharged within 600 feet of a church, child care center, school or hospital, from a vehicle or in Travis County parks, according to Travis County Emergency Services.
Travis County is not currently under a burn ban, per the Travis County Fire Marshal's Office at the time of press. The county ban was lifted after early April showers, according to Community Impact reporting. Residents can contact their local Emergency Service District for permitting information.
AFD asks residents to report illegal fireworks activity to 311 and call 911 for active fires.
Wherever fireworks are legal, the fire marshal and AFD recommend following all manufacturer safety instructions, keeping a water source nearby, lighting one firework at a time, never relighting a malfunctioning firework and keeping children away.
In 2025, an estimated 13,000 people were injured by fireworks nationally, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Residents in surrounding municipalities should check with their local municipality for applicable rules.
Travel
Riverside Drive will close between South First Street and Lee Barton Drive starting at 9 a.m. July 4 for the Star Spangled Fest at Auditorium Shores and reopen at 10:30 p.m., according to the Downtown Austin Alliance. The fireworks show is scheduled for 9:45 p.m.
The American Automobile Association Texas projects 5.7 million Texans will travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and July 5, with the vast majority driving. July 2 is expected to be the busiest day on the road, and drivers should expect heavy traffic and prepare with routine vehicle maintenance before departing, officials said in a June 17 news release.
Pets
Fireworks can be distressing for animals. AFD recommends keeping pets indoors in a secure, familiar environment and leaving a television or radio on as a distraction. County emergency services recommend ensuring microchip and ID tag information is current before the holiday.
Heat
Heat-related illness can happen quickly in hot weather conditions. AFD advises residents to pre-hydrate before going outside, wear light-colored loose-fitting clothing, take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning and know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Anyone experiencing heat stroke symptoms—confusion, hot red skin, rapid pulse or body temperature above 103 degrees—should be moved to a cool area immediately and 911 called, according to AFD.
For a list of Fourth of July events in the Austin area, visit www.communityimpact.com.
