Fort Worth’s 4th is along the Trinity River at Panther Island Pavilion in Trinity Uptown. Activities include live music, a water slide, jet ski and flyboard show, tubing and kayaking on the Trinity River, a bounce house, mini golf and an obstacle course, zip line, pony rides, AND MORE! Gates open at 2:00 p.m. and fireworks will start at 10. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and lawn chairs for front row seats to Fort Worth’s biggest firework display.
If you have a sitter: Willie Nelson’s Picnic is in Billy Bob’s Texas North Forty – in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. There will be LOTS of awesome live music including David Allan Coe, Folke Uke, Insects vs. Robots (Micah Nelson), Jamey Johnson, Johnny Bush, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Paula Nelson, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Josh Abbott Band, and it all starts around 11:00 a.m.
The city of Bedford’s 4thFEST will feature free live musical entertainment, a variety of themed family friendly activities, a birthday themed classic car show, yummy festival food, and spectacular fireworks.
Lake Grapevine’s Annual Fireworks Extravaganza can be viewed from any lakeside location as well as other spots throughout Grapevine. Fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m.
Arlington 4th of July will celebrate with a parade at 9:00 a.m. along Spaniolo Drive. Before and after the parade, you can shop at the UTA Bookstore for the newest Maverick gear, snacks, beverages, and enjoy a Kids Zone featuring face-painting, games, and bounce houses.
Burleson 4th Festivities will host its 10th annual a Burleson Lions Club Independence Day Parade at 9:00 a.m. All proceeds from this parade provide valuable services, resources, and programs to the community.
EARLY BIRD CELEBRATIONS
Southlake Stars & Stripes starts celebrating early on Thursday, July 3 in Southlake Town Square. Family fun begins at 6:00 p.m. and includes patriotic music, candy art, balloon artists, gourmet food trucks, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
This year the Fort Worth Symphony’s “Old Fashioned Fireworks Picnic” will run three days (Wednesday, July 2nd; Thursday, July 3rd; and Friday, July 4th) beginning at 8:15 p.m. This is one of the most popular concerts, so order your reserved table or general admission lawn tickets today!
Mansfield’s Rockin’ 4th (on the 3rd) at Big League Dreams Mansfield will have family activities, live music, and fireworks. Festivities begin at 7:00 p.m. and fireworks are at 9:30 pm. Admission is FREE, and there will be LOTS of fun for the whole family.
Light Up Arlington celebrates Independence Day one day early at Levitt Pavilion. Enjoy a night filled with live music, great food, retail booths, and children’s activities topped off with a thrilling fireworks show. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m and fireworks will be at 9:45 p.m.
FIREWORK SAFETY TIPS
We suggest you leave firework displays to the pros, but if Dad is determined to put on a show for the family, please note the tips below.
- Fireworks are not permitted within the city limits or within 5,000 feet of the city limits. If you are going to use fireworks outside the city limit, please be sure to check with the county’s website (Tarrant County) to verify burn bans are not in place.
- Read the instructions for all before lighting and keep as many people away from the lighting area as possible.
- Avoid areas of dry leaves/grass and make sure there is a fire extinguisher and/or water hose nearby. If no water source, a bucket of water is a good backup.
- If a firework fails to set off, it is most likely a “late bloomer” and not a dud. Be safe before going to inspect. Give it time to cool off before retrieving it.
- Do NOT use illegal fireworks. There is a reason they are illegal.
- Keep kids and pets a very safe distance from the fireworks, including when they are unlit.
On a personal note, I remember fondly my sisters and I playing with sparklers on July 4th. We lived beyond the city limits, and when the ground was so dry during summer, I remember it making my parents nervous when the neighbors set off their own displays. Be smart. Be courteous. Go enjoy yourself and let a professional handle the big fireworks shows!
What is your favorite part of the 4th of July? Any events around town we missed?
