Few summer celebrations match the size and popularity of the Fourth of July. This year’s holiday falls on a Tuesday, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from celebrating the 241st anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Whether you have the whole day off or just a few hours to celebrate, there are a number of events across the city that will offer fun, food, and fireworks.
Locals and tourists alike can soak up the red, white, and blue spirit with Fourth of July-themed additions to the cityscape, such as the star-spangled luminarias that will be on display along the River Walk from June 30-July 4.
A notable change from years past is that this year, hobby pyros may purchase and use fireworks without restriction in unincorporated areas of Bexar County. Dry weather conditions have previously prohibited non-professional firework users from lighting up the sky.
“Earlier this year, we were fortunate to have an abundance of rainfall,” Bexar County Fire Marshal Chris Lopez said. “However, that also means there is abundant vegetation on the ground, which provides fuel for fires to spread, as that fuel is now starting to dry out. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch a public display put on by professionals.”
City officials want to remind residents to consider the well-being of their pets during the holiday. Pets may be frightened or stressed by the sound of loud fireworks and would be best left in a quiet place during any loud parties. They should not be left unattended outside (even in a fenced yard or chained to a post), in vehicles, or left without a collar or tracking microchip ID.
This city loves to party. In the interest of its residents and visitors doing so safely, take the pledge to not drink and drive by designating a sober driver, taking taxis, using ridehailing apps, or celebrating at home with friends and family. You don’t want to get burned on the Fourth of July.
Firework Shows
Fourth of July Celebration at Woodlawn Lake
Tuesday, July 4, 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
1103 Cincinnati Ave.
The City of San Antonio’s official celebration is held at Woodlawn Lake. The day-long party will feature games for guests of all ages, food of all sorts, musical entertainment, a zumba class, a mechanical bull, and a half-mile walk. A fireworks show will wrap up the day’s festivities at the lake.
The event is free and open to the public.
4th of July Fireworks at San Antonio Botanical Garden
Tuesday, July 4, 7-10 p.m.
555 Funston Pl.
This year, firework enthusiasts can watch the show from the lush grounds of the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Attendees may bring a picnic or enjoy American-style fare by The Box Street Social accompanied by beer and wine. Doors open at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at dusk.
This event is free to members of the Botanical Garden. Tickets for non-members run $10-12 and are available at the door.
Fun Around Town
Fourth of July at Stinson Airport
Tuesday, July 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
8535 Mission Rd.
Visit Stinson Airport this Fourth for its free Family Fun Fair. The festival will offer a variety of events and entertainment suitable for attendees of all ages throughout the day. Some of the classic aircrafts at the second oldest general aviation airport in operation in the U.S. will also be on display.
The event is free and open to the public.
Independence Day at the Alamo
Tuesday, July 4, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
300 Alamo Plaza
Celebrate the Fourth of July at the Alamo with music, living history, readings of the Declaration of Independence, and more. A must-see for history buffs, long rifle and musket demonstrations will take the place of a large fireworks show. Free paletas will be available around 1 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public.
4th of July Parade & Picnic 2017
Tuesday, July 4, 9:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Corner of West Lynwood Avenue and Howard Street
The Monte Vista Historical Association is teaming up with the Landa Library for a Fourth of July parade. Dress up your kids, dogs, wagons, or bikes and join the parade starting at 10 a.m. Alternately, you can take in the entertainment from the sidelines. Prizes for the best adult, child, and dog costumes, as well as non-motorized float will be awarded at the library following the parade.
The event is free and open to the public.
4th of July Celebrations at Morgan’s Wonderland
Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
5223 David Edwards Dr.
Morgan’s Wonderland’s festivities will start with the singing of the National Anthem by Sierra Belmares and students from The Academy at Morgan’s Wonderland, followed by free hot dogs and apple pie between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (while supplies last). Children of all ages can enjoy Independence Day at the first waterpark designed with special needs children in mind, but built for everyone.
The park is offering special $9 tickets for military service members, first responders, and their families. Standard ticket rates apply for non-military or first responder families, and may be viewed here.
Market Square Freedom Fest
Sunday, July 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
514 W. Commerce St.
Explore the Historic Market Square during this Independence Day season and enjoy tasty food, crafts, live music, and dancing throughout the day.
Admission to the market is free.
Red, White & Blues
Tuesday, July 4, 12-6 p.m.
303 Pearl Parkway #300
Visit the Pearl for a picnic, live music, family activities, and more. Music starts at noon and continues through 6 p.m. Purchase a picnic lunch from Pearl restaurants Larder and Bakery Lorraine, or grab a barbecue sandwich from the Granary.
Traders Village Independence Day Celebration
Sunday, July 2, 12:30-4:30 p.m.
9333 SW Loop 410
This early celebration is aimed at entertaining the kiddos: the flea market’s Brown Expo will host face painting, a magician, a balloon artist, a mechanical bull, chalk drawing, and free American flags for the first 3,000 guests. Food, rides, and other activities will add to the fun throughout the day.
Admission to the event is free, and parking is $4.
Amusement Parks
Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ Coca-Cola® July 4th Fest
Sunday, July 2 – Tuesday, July 4
17000 I-10 West
One day just won’t cut it for Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ Fourth of July celebrations, so the beloved theme park is extending the party to a three-day pachanga. The park’s signature fireworks display will conclude each day’s celebrations.
Tickets are $63 and available here.
SeaWorld’s Fourth of July Celebration
Tuesday, July 4, Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
10500 Sea World Dr.
SeaWorld will display a fireworks show set to a dramatic musical score. Visit the park and enjoy an all-you-can-eat picnic. Reserved seats are available in SeaWorld’s Ski Stadium.
Tickets are $34.99-$39.99, but do not include all-day admission. For tickets, click here.
This story was originally published on June 26.
