Where to find the biggest and brightest star-spangled events in North Texas this Fourth of July

DALLAS — As the Texas summer heats up, it can be tempting to stay indoors and revel in the marvel that is air conditioning. 

But one birthday celebration in particular is an obvious exception. On Independence Day, Americans unite to light up the skies in honor of their country — and, as anyone from around here knows, North Texans know how to go big when celebrating the Fourth of July. 

How big? Well, who wouldn’t pause their Netflix binge to witness one of the country’s most well-known fireworks shows? And that’s not all. Around the region, North Texans can enjoy all kinds of celebrations of America — from one of their city’s biggest block parties of the year to perfectly patriotic parades.

This year’s offerings are no different — except for the fact that, with July 4th being on a Friday this year, the party doesn’t have to stop; rather, the celebration can last all weekend long, with some events around the area spanning even through Sunday. 

Whether you’re into fireworks shows, parades, live music performances or, of course, just filling up on some classic all-American food, this list will help make sure you don’t miss a beat this holiday weekend. 

Fair Park Fourth is an annual July 4th celebration just east of Downtown Dallas. The event is free and open to all. It includes food trucks, entertainment, local vendors and activities for kids, plus it finishes by lighting up the sky with a  big ol’ fireworks show. Guests can arrive as early at 5:30 p.m.

Klyde Warren Park’s Independence Day Celebration

This July 4th celebration at  Klyde Warren Park includes music, children’s activities and a pyrotechnic show. Along with the variety of activities at the event, attendees can also enjoy a number of food truck options and on-park restaurants. The event is free to attend. More information about timing for the event can be found on their website.  

Independence Day Family Fun Weekend 

This event lets you spend Independence Day in a garden! Nature-lovers can attend this three-day event at the Dallas Arboretum, where there will be a petting zoo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and live music every day between July 4 and 7 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Star Spangled Spectacular

The Star Spangled Spectacular features the Dallas Winds and their American tribute performance to July 4 at the Morton H. Myerson Symphony Center. This celebration, which starts at 1 p.m. on the Fourth, also promises “indoor fireworks,” according to the event’s description. Is that just a metaphor? Guess you’ll have to attend to find out! Tickets to this event range from $35 to $91 and can be purchased on their website. 

The small town of Addison has been home to one of the most impressive fireworks shows in the country since 1985. Each year, around 500,000 guests venture to see it themselves. This year’s July 3 show can be viewed from the Addison Circle Park festival grounds — or, basically, any other venue in town. You can buy official tickets on their website.

The City of Allen will hold its annual Fourth of July celebration at Celebration Park on Saturday, June 28. Here’s the full schedule and how to get a free ticket. 

Fort Worth’s Fourth will once again be hosting their annual celebration and fireworks show on the banks of the Trinity River. At this event, you can find festival-style foods, drinks, live music and activities for kids. The gates of Panther Island Pavilion will open at 5 p.m. on July 4, and admission is free.

Celebrate Independence Day at this downtown parade and block party in McKinney. The Hometown Parade starts at 10 a.m.  on July 4, and runs into the Yankee Doodle Block Party that goes from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Families are also encouraged to explore the many dining and shopping options found around Downtown McKinney. 

The City of Frisco hosts this two-day celebration starting on July 3 at 6 p.m. to honor veterans and military heroes. This event is free to attend. More information on locations for this offering can be found on their website.

Arlington Independence Day Parade 

The Arlington Independence Parade begins at 9 a.m. on July 4 in Downtown Arlington. The parade bills itself as the biggest in Texas and one of the biggest in the country. 

Star-Spangled Nights at Six Flags Over Texas

The Arlington theme park’s celebration with fireworks, patriotic music, and other entertainment returns from 6-9 p.m. July 4 and July 5.  

Denton’s July Jubilee is an annual celebration that includes a variety of fun activities and food. One of the first Fourth of July celebrations in region is Denton’s Yankee Doodle Parade, which takes place at 9 a.m. on June 28 along the Downtown Denton Square. On July 3, the city will also host a fireworks show at the North Texas Fairgrounds after dusk.

Red, White & You is Garland’s Independence Day celebration that’s located at the Downtown Garland Square. The event features music, food, games for attendees of all ages and a fireworks show. Admission to the event is free and begins at 5 p.m. on July 3 with the Presentation of Colors. 

The City of Wilmer’s annual fireworks show — this year featuring a drone show as well — will be held Friday, June 27 at 200 Blackwell, an open field area behind Denny’s. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Melissa’s annual Sparks and Spangles event will be held Friday, June 27, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9:10 p.m. Admission is free.

Rowlett’s annual Fireworks on Main Event will be held Friday, July 4, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The celebration will feature live music, food trucks, and kids’ games.

Celebrate at Generations Park at Boys Ranch on July 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with live music, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and a fireworks show around 9:30 p.m. Admission is free, and lawn chairs, coolers, and blankets are welcome.

Cleburne’s Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration

At La Moderna Field, gates open at 5:30 p.m. on July 4. Features live music, on-field family fun, vendors, and a massive fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Free admission and parking; VIP and upgrade options available.

Duncanville 4th of July Celebration

The celebration kicks off with a 9 a.m. parade, followed by an evening festival at Armstrong Park from 4–10 p.m. Free event includes live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a 9:30 p.m. fireworks show. Wristband registration is required for entry.

Grapevine’s 43rd Annual July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

A dazzling 18-minute show launches at 9:30 p.m. from Oak Grove Soccer Complex over Lake Grapevine. Synchronized patriotic soundtrack available at GrapevineTexasUSA.com. Viewing from lakeside parks is $20 per vehicle.

FC Dallas Postgame Fireworks

The largest post-match fireworks show in North Texas will follow FC Dallas’ game vs. Minnesota United FC on July 4. Kickoff is 7:55 p.m.; fireworks start around 10 p.m. at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.