After a few cloudy and rainy days, a sunny weekend is in the forecast, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday. In Bexar County, there are plenty of events planned to help you celebrate your independence.
From festivals, to fireworks and parades, this Fourth of July guide lists your options on where to celebrate Independence Day, and tips on how to care for your pets and ways to quietly observe your freedom.
Six Flags July 4th Fest
Beginning Friday, Six Flags Fiesta Texas hosts a multi-day party presented by Coca-Cola. Admission to the celebration includes all rides, photo booths, special edition drinks, and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. with live music.
The party culminates Monday with the Rock the Fourth 360° Fireworks Extravaganza at 9 p.m. According to Six Flags, the show features “the largest display in San Antonio with more than 1,000 individual launches from 30 unique firing locations across the park.”
July 1-4
10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
17000 Interstate 10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257
Price of admission varies
Fort Sam’s Own
Experience a patriotic performance by “Fort Sam’s Own” 323d Army Band and the 78th Army Band. This free concert will be performed outside the Alamo on Saturday and will feature songs such as “An American Fanfare,” “America The Beautiful” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Led by Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jared DeLaney, the concert band featuring 41 active-duty U.S. Army musicians are joining “Fort Sam’s Own” for a combined performance.
July 2
6 p.m.
300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Free
Helotes Independence Day Celebration
If you’re looking to get your fireworks fix a day early, the City of Helotes is hosting a free Independence Day celebration on Sunday, with food and drink vendors on site at the Helotes Festival Grounds. The city encourages you to bring your own chairs and blankets. No pets or outside food, drinks, or coolers will be permitted.
July 3
4-11 p.m.
12210 Leslie Road
Free
H-E-B Fourth of July celebration
The annual tradition is back. H-E-B has once again partnered with the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the Parks and Recreation Department to host the city’s official July 4th celebration. The event at Woodlawn Lake Park is free and open to the public.
The all-day, outdoor event begins at 11 a.m. with a free water aerobics class and Zumba class. It also includes local food trucks and vendors serving BBQ, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, aguas frescas, snow cones and non-alcoholic drinks.
Carnival games also will be available during the event, and patrons can enjoy live performances from the U.S. Air Force Band of the West and DJ Plata.
Here are a few guidelines posted by officials for attendees:
- No overnight camping is allowed at Woodlawn Lake Park.
- Woodlawn Lake Park is an alcohol-free environment.
- Please respect the surrounding neighborhood and remember to leave no trace.
- Bring trash bags and/or find appropriate containers to dispose of trash and recyclables.
- What to bring: lawn chairs and blankets for seating, reusable water bottles, sunscreen, umbrellas, hats for sun protection and bags for trash and recycling.
July 4
11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
1103 Cincinnati Ave., San Antonio, TX 78201
Free
River Walk Artisan Show
Explore the rich culture of San Antonio up-close at more than 40 handmade artisan booths located at the River Walk near the Chamber of Commerce and the Shops at Rivercenter. The booths will feature pottery, jewelry, caricatures, beadwork, and more.
July 1-4
Friday – Sunday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Monday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
602 E Commerce St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Free
Oak Park-Northwood Fourth of July Neighborhood Parade
The Oak Park-Northwood Fourth of July Neighborhood Parade returns after being canceled for two years because of the pandemic.
Attendees of the celebration at Northwood Presbyterian Church, which begins at 8:30 a.m., can enjoy live music from Alamo City Pipes and Drums, hot dogs, tacos, snow cones from Kona Ice, and beverages. The parade steps kicks at 9:30 a.m. after a 9 a.m. National Anthem and pledge.
July 4
8:30 a.m.
518 Pike Road, San Antonio, 78209
SeaWorld San Antonio fireworks
There will be free fireworks with admission at SeaWorld starting at 9:45 p.m. Saturday through Monday. You can reserve VIP seating for the fireworks show ahead of time for an additional cost.
July 2- July 4
All day, with fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Bayside
10500 SeaWorld Dr., San Antonio, TX 78251
Tickets start at $64.99
San Antonio Missions vs. Frisco Roughriders
See a minor league baseball game and catch a concert and fireworks show afterward at Nelson Wolff Stadium as part of the H-E-B 4th of July Celebration presented by Bud Light. Singer-songwriter Kevin Fowler will perform after the game, and the fireworks show will end the night.
July 4
6:05 p.m. game, with a concert and fireworks afterward
Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium
5757 U.S. 90 W, San Antonio, TX 78227
Tickets start at $15
Salute to America’s Heroes
Head to Morgan’s Wonderland for a celebration honoring members of the military on the Monday with a foam party by Big Time Bubbles, face painting, games, a dance party with DJ Happy and free food, while supplies last.
July 4
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5223 David Edwards Dr.
Tickets are $13 for children 3 and older and $19 for adults and include park entry until closing at 5 p.m. Military discount tickets are $10.
Schertz 4th of July Jubilee
Head out to the City of Schertz for a tribute to “freedom and fun” at the 46th annual 4th of July Jubilee. There will be a 5K run and downtown parade in the morning, and a carnival with live music and fireworks in the evening.
July 4
9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Pickrell Park
703 Oak St.
Free
Keep your pets happy
The City of San Antonio’s Animal Care Services Department offers pet owners some tips to ensure a safe and happy celebration for your furry friends this year.
Pets don’t like loud noises, so make sure to leave them at home in a secured, quiet area if you plan on leaving your home. Don’t leave pets unattended outside, even in a fenced yard. Invest in a collar and microchip ID so you can help your pet get back home if they get lost.
Avoid feeding your pet human food and monitor the BBQ pit at all times. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
Monday is an official city holiday, and the Animal Care Services main campus at 4710 State Highway 151 will be closed, but animal care officers will be on duty.
All pet-related calls may still be made to 311.
If you prefer to skip the crowds …
There’s no shame in wanting to enjoy a quieter Independence Day this year. If you’re looking for more of a do-it-yourself celebration, there are plenty of other ways to experience the holiday.
If you love a good view but want some space, find a parking garage or building with roof access to watch the fireworks nearby. Bring a blanket, some snacks and a friend, if you wish.
For kids, look up fun arts and crafts activities, such as do-it-yourself homemade popsicles, paper decorations, or tie-dye T-shirts.
Correction: This story has been updated to correctly identify the details of the Oak Park-Northwood Fourth of July parade.
