If you couldn’t snag tickets to Kanye West’s show at the Alamodome this weekend, not to worry — San Antonio has more than enough ways to fill your Fourth of July. We gathered a full roundup of Independence Day events happening across San Antonio, featuring fireworks displays, cookouts, live music and patriotic family fun.
As the city marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we’re also commemorating one year since last summer’s devastating Hill Country floods. The same resolve that once shaped a new nation is guiding our community through its own trials, and proves our greatest strength has always been what we build, and rebuild, together.
H-E-B Fourth of July Celebration at Woodlawn Lake
The city’s official celebration will return with a full day of fun. Expect carnival rides, fitness classes, vendor booths, kids’ activities and live music. A drone show and fireworks display will close out the night at one of SA’s most popular gathering spots. Whether you’re watching the shows down on the river cruise or up in the Tower of the Americas, it may not be a bad idea to turn your eyes toward Woodlawn Lake. Free, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., July 4, Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave., (210) 207-7275, saparksfoundation.org.
Stars & Stripes Downtown 5K
Kick off the holiday early with a run through the streets of downtown, starting at Milam Park and ending at Civic Park at Hemisfair. The inaugural 5K sets the tone for a full day of programming, complete with post-race activities to keep the energy high. Free, 8:30 a.m., July 4, 500 W. Commerce St. to 210 S. Alamo St., onhoustonstreet.com.
Stars & Stripes Independence Day Parade
One of San Antonio’s more recent Fourth of July traditions returns bigger than ever for America’s 250th. Watch the floats and vintage cars make Houston Street come alive. Live performers and plenty of patriotic flair will also be part of the package. Free, 10 a.m., July 4, 501 W. Commerce St. to 300 Alamo Plaza, onhoustonstreet.com.
Stars & Stripes Music and Food Fest
Civic Park transforms into a full-blown festival with food vendors and live entertainment throughout the day. It’s a great midday option for those who want to graze and enjoy the downtown energy before the evening fireworks. Free, 10 a.m., July 4, 210 S. Alamo St., onhoustonstreet.com.
Stars & Stripes Downtown Spectacular
The inaugural fireworks finale to the downtown celebration is set to take place at Civic Park at 9 p.m. The show aims to become a new downtown tradition. Families and visitors can gather early to secure a spot and enjoy the culmination of the day’s festivities. Free, 9 p.m., July 4, 210 S. Alamo St., onhoustonstreet.com.
Red, White & Bexar Celebration in the Park
Mission County Park will host the county’s big birthday bash for America’s 250th. Expect live music, face painting, carnival rides, arts and crafts, food trucks and more before the evening caps off with a drone and fireworks spectacular. It’s free and festive, but most importantly, built for families looking for a relaxed outdoor celebration. Free, 5:30 p.m., July 4, 6030 Padre Drive, (210) 335-7275, bexar.org.
42nd Annual Fourth of July Patriotic Ceremony
Every year, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery hosts one of the city’s most meaningful Independence Day traditions. The ceremony that honors fallen service members from the Revolutionary War and beyond will include colonial reenactors and musket demonstrations, a wreath-laying and three ceremonial rifle volleys followed by the playing of taps. Free, 10 a.m., July 4, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, (210) 820-3891, cem.va.gov.
Star-Spangled Nights at Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Fiesta Texas is sure to live up to its name with two nights of patriotic entertainment and a 360-degree fireworks show. You can spend the day riding coasters or cooling off at Hurricane Harbor before the special nighttime event. $39+, after dark, July 3-4, 17000 I‑10 W., San Antonio. (210) 697-5050, sixflags.com.
America 250: A Work in Progress
Jaime’s Place will host a watch party for correspondent John Quiñones’s conversation with Tejano legend Little Joe, as a part of ABC’s America 250 special. The broadcast will be followed by a brunch with vendors and music. A mercadito begins at noon, followed by evening performances from CagedMonkey, Vintage Pictures Band and Grupo Tan Tan. Free, 10 a.m., July 4, 1514 W. Commerce St., (210) 229-9204, jaimesplace.com.
Fourth of July at The Alamo
The Alamo offers a full day of living history demonstrations along with hands-on crafts, musket firing and guided tours. In the evening, the plaza will host a free concert featuring Fort Sam’s Own 323rd Army Brass Quintet and Rock Band. Free, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., July 4, 300 Alamo Plaza, (210) 225-1391, thealamo.org.
Fourth of July Weekend Celebration at the Historic Market Square
Downtown’s Historic Market Square has a three-day festival planned with live music, an expanded selection of artisan vendors, local bites and a dedicated Kids Zone. It’s one of the city’s most vibrant cultural celebrations. Free, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., July 3-5, 514 W. Commerce St., (210) 207-8600, marketsquaresa.com.
SeaWorld 250 and Fourth of July Fireworks
SeaWorld will mark the country’s 250th birthday with patriotic entertainment by the U.S. Air Force Band of the West and themed food. Military Appreciation Week programming continues throughout the weekend, with nightly fireworks and a drone show. $45.99+, 9:30 p.m., July 3-4, 10500 SeaWorld Drive, (210) 520-4732, seaworld.com.
Fourth of July Weekend at the Briscoe Western Art Museum
The Briscoe will offer $2.50 admission on July 4 and free admission for locals on July 5 for its own unique take on the 250th celebration. It’s a great indoor option for art lovers and families, with STEAM programming and the special Selena Forever exhibition. $2.50 (July 4) / Free (July 5 for locals), 10 a.m.-5 p.m., July 4-5, 210 W. Market St., San Antonio. (210) 299-4499, briscoemuseum.org.