After two years of cancelations or limited gatherings, more and more public Independence Day celebrations are returning across the San Antonio, and are the focus of activity planning for local residents and visitors this first weekend of July.
June 30
John Courage, San Antonio City Council member for District 9, will lead community meeting to gather public input on developing the city’s fiscal year 2023 budget. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Coker United Methodist Church, 231 E. North Loop Road, San Antonio. www.sanantonio.gov
July 1
Latino Bookstore and Gift Shop anchors a tour stop visit from Salvadoran American poet Claudia Castro, who will present her collection of poetry, “Cipota Under the Moon.” This event also features a reading by Chicana writer Ire'ne Lara Silva, who will present excerpts from her new book, “Hibiscus Tacos.” 6 p.m. Free. Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, 1300 Guadalupe St., San Antonio. www.facebook.com/events/1049522232606300
July 2
The Armed Forces River Parade features 15 patriotically decorated floats representing all branches of U.S. military personnel as well as local businesses and nonprofits who honor and support active and retired soldiers. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Westin Riverwalk Hotel, 420 W. Market St., San Antonio, travels all along the Riverwalk between Travis and Villita streets and The Shops at Rivercenter, and ends at the Westin Riverwalk. Free. www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com/events/armed-forces-river-parade
July 2
Shavano Park will present its annual Independence Day picnic with live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, face painting, a miniparade and water park activities. Residents are invited to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, bathing suits, towels and water shoes. 5-8 p.m. Free. City Hall campus, 900 Saddletree Court, Shavano Park. 210-493-3478. www.shavanopark.org
July 2
The Castle Hills Forest Homeowners Association holds an Independence Day pooch parade and costume contest. Pet owners take their pups up and down George Road in the San Antonio neighborhood. There will also be refreshments. 9 a.m. Free admission. 13750 George Road, San Antonio. www.facebook.com/events/1464287870692021
July 2
The Castle Hills Community Organization presents a Patriotic People and Pet Parade to celebrate Independence Day. The parade begins and ends at The Commons next to City Hall. Prizes will be awarded to paradegoers. Attendees may purchase snow cones during the event. 9:30 a.m. Free admission. 209 Lemonwood Drive, Castle Hills. www.facebook.com/CastleHillsCommunityOrganization
July 2
The public is invited to Travis Park for Independence Day celebration fun, including food, shopping, music and family activities. 4-9 p.m. Free admission. Travis Park, 301. E. Travis St., San Antonio. www.facebook.com/events/304185258593944
July 2-3
Market Square is the setting for Freedom Fest, a two-day, family-friendly event that includes food and arts vendors and live entertainment. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. both days. Free admission. 514 W. Commerce St., San Antonio. www.marketsquaresa.com/Whats-Happening/PgrID/27523/PageID/2
July 3
Cornerstone Church hosts an daylong Independence Day celebration. Daytime activities include a market with more than 50 local vendors. The evening brings a concert with Jason Crabb, an appearance by “Duck Dynasty” star "Uncle Si" Robertson, food trucks and outdoor games—all culminating in a fireworks display. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (day market), 6:30-9:30 p.m. (evening party). Free admission. 18755 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio. 210-490-1600. www.sacornerstone.org/event/family-events/4th-of-july-celebration
July 4
Hollywood Park Community Association presents Hollywood Park’s annual Fourth of July parade, which begins at City Hall, 2 Mecca Drive, and ends at Voigt Park, 701 El Portal Drive, Hollywood Park, where residents may enjoy a family-friendly picnic and swimming. Attendees may donate an unused pet toy or item at the “Hollywood Bark” station to receive a free shirt. 10 a.m. Free. www.hpcatx.com
July 4
San Antonio Parks Foundation and H-E-B present San Antonio’s Fourth of July Celebration with music, food, children’s activities and more. The event concludes with a fireworks show. 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Free admission. Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave., San Antonio. 210-212-8423. www.saparksfoundation.org/event/fourth-of-july-celebration
July 4
Alamo Heights’ Fourth of July parade begins at Estes and Patterson avenues and ends at Cathedral Park, 111 Torcido Drive. Afterward, there will be light refreshments and singing of patriotic songs. 10 a.m. Free. www.alamoheightstx.gov
July 4
Terrell Hills’ Independence Day parade starts at Ivy Lane and Eldon Road and ends at Eldon and Geneseo Parkway, where community members are invited to stay for a block party, which will include free food, beverages, children’s activities and music. www.terrell-hills.com
July 4
Monte Vista Historical Association’s Fourth of July parade starts at Lynwood Avenue and Howard Street, and ends at Landa Library, 233 Bushnell Ave., where there will be a picnic featuring light refreshments and prizes awarded to parade-goers. Additionally, there is a pie-baking contest. 10:15 a.m. Free. www.facebook.com/Montevistasanantonio
July 4
Oak Park-Northwood Neighborhood Association’s Independence Day parade begins and ends Northwood Presbyterian Church, 518 Pike Road. Visitors before and after the parade may enjoy light refreshments and other family-friendly activities. Prizes will be awarded to paradegoers. 8:30 a.m. Free. www.facebook.com/OakParkNorthwoodNeighborhoodAssociation
July 4
Hidden Forest Homeowners Association invites residents in the north San Antonio neighborhood to take part in a morning of community activities commemorating Independence Day. First, there is a 5K Fun Run/Walk around the neighborhood swimming pool area with awards and refreshments to follow. Then, a neighborhood parade takes place, beginning and ending at the volleyball court parking lot on Sugar Pine. Afterward, residents may enjoy a picnic and social at the neighborhood pool. 7:30 a.m. (walk/run), 10:30 a.m. (parade). Free (parade and picnic); walk/run: free (age 5 and under), $5 (age 6 and older), $15 (per family). www.hiddenforesthoa.com/
July 5
This week’s Movies by Moonlight free movie screening is “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” There will be food trucks and other family activities. The film starts at sunset. Bring snacks and lawn chairs or blanket. Free parking is available at the St. Mary’s Street public garage beginning at 5 p.m. 7 p.m. Free admission. Travis Park, 301 E. Travis St., San Antonio. www.facebook.com/travisparksa
July 6
Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy presents an “Art in the Park” activity where attendees head out onto the trails on the west side of the park for a short walk to find inspiration before returning to Urban Ecology Classroom to work with air-dry clay. Art supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. No art experience is necessary. 9-11 a.m. Free admission. 8400 NW Military Hwy., San Antonio. www.philhardbergerpark.org/calendar-events/art-in-park-air-dry-clay
