How to: celebrate the 4th
By Ken Klefisch
July 4th is a tremendous holiday! With this date representing America’s birthday (the second best birthday after mine of course), you need to know how to celebrate it in the best way possible; so, let’s talk about that.
Fireworks at the UT Austin Tower
During my time at the University of Texas, one summer sticks out to me the most: my sophomore summer. This time marks the first summer I spent fully away from home. A time where I had nothing I needed to do at all, and everything to do that Austin offered. One moment that I look back on fondly is heading to my friends’ apartment in West Campus, on the 4th of July. We made our way to the rooftop pool, red, white, and blue twisted teas in hand, and we’re ready for what was said to be a stunning firework show over Lady Bird Lake. As the clock crawled past 8pm, and one too many remarks of “when do you think it's going to start” were made, a bright explosion in the shape of the Lone Star hit the sky, quickly followed by another, and another… A phenomenal firework show, from a phenomenal perspective is one core memory that I’ll have forever to look back fondly on during my time at UT Austin.
Although, you don’t need to be in a rooftop pool in West Campus to have a great time on the 4th of July, in fact, I’d argue you can find many better locations to watch the firework show over Lady Bird Lake. Perhaps you’ll even want to venture out of Austin to catch another city’s show, for a more quiet atmosphere. No? Well, if you’re committed to Austin, then let’s go over the run-down on where you might want to be during the festivities.
Fireworks Over Lady Bird Lake
Hosted at Auditorium Shores and the Long Event Center—two venues right next to each other—this is the heart of Independence Day celebrations in Austin. Sponsored by H-E-B, a Texas based grocery chain that if you ask any Texan about, they can immediately provide 10 reasons why they love their H-E-B, and this July 4th celebration might be one! Expect food, crowds, and good times, with some great, patriotic music performed by the Austin Symphony and a grand conclusion to the night with a massive firework show over Lady Bird Lake. This event ranks at the top of the list, because if you’re visiting Austin for your first time on July 4th, you’re going to want to be here, I know I’ll be in attendance.
Details:
Time: 5-11pm
Address: Auditorium Shores and the Long Event Center
Tickets: $0-$25 a person
Fireworks in the country
Now not technically the “country” country per say, this firework show deserves a mention, as it takes place in the beautiful city of Bee Cave. Enrique and I refer to Bee Cave as an odd, yet endearing little town, as at the heart of it lies a charming outside mall called the Hill Country Galleria. Expect family fun, relaxed vibes, and friendly people, at a place where you can get food, drinks, or even go shopping, all while celebrating the 4th! Will conclude the night with a firework show, though, likely not as large as the one in Austin, will still fulfill those patriotic cravings.
Details:
Time: 4-10pm
Address: 12700 Hill Country Blvd., Bee Cave, TX 78738
Tickets: Free!
fireworks with a star
And by that I mean a country star, and an Austin legend—Willie Nelson.
Details:
Time: 4-10pm
Address: Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle, TX 78617
Tickets: Free!
