The apex of summer is fast approaching, and that means venturing to the great outdoors to break out the food, fun, and most importantly, fireworks. It’s time to think about how you’ll spend this year’s Fourth of July, and if you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming.
We’ve decided to round up some of the best Fourth of July activities in Dallas and in the surrounding area. Pick any one of them to create a summer memory as vibrant as fireworks lighting up the sky.
Fair Park Fourth
An all day event, the Fair Park Fourth features access to rides, games, and food in the State Fair of Texas Midway. Attractions like the Texas Discovery Gardens, The African American Museum, and The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park will be open throughout the afternoon.
In the evening, enjoy a dancing water show at the Esplanade Fountain as well as food trucks and live music. Finish off the day by watching fireworks in the Cotton Bowl, Midway, or other locations throughout the park.
Dallas 7k/4k Run or Walk
If you’re looking for a healthy way to start your Fourth of July activities, this is it. Start the day early by running or walking either a 4k or 7k through historic Fair Park. This annual event hosted by the City of Dallas and the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department will feature routes decorated with patriotic themes and start and end on First Avenue in front of the band shell.
After the race ends, a celebration featuring live music and refreshments will greet participants. As a bonus, participants are given complimentary admission to the Midway at the Fair Park Fourth event that starts afterward!
Addison Kaboom Town
For Dallasites who really want to start celebrating early, the Addison Kaboom Town fireworks show and party starts on the evening of July 3rd.
This 30-minute fireworks display has been rated as one of the best in the nation by the American Pyrotechnics Association and The Wall Street Journal. Admission is free, and free parking is available at the parking garages on Arapaho Rd at Dallas Parkway and Addison Circle Drive.
Because it is so popular, admission is done on a first come, first served basis. The event begins at 4 p.m., and fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Get there early for the best seats!
Local July 4th Celebrations
Going too far from home on this holiday can be a headache for parents with children, or anyone else who doesn’t want to drive a long distance. Luckily, many suburbs in the area offer their own July 4th celebrations. Check to see if one of these is near you:
Bedford’s 4thFest
Denton’s Kiwanis Club Fireworks Show
Flower Mound Independence Fest & Fireworks Show
Fort Worth’s Fourth
Fort Worth Symphony’s Old Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic
Frisco Freedom Fest
Grand Prairie’s Lone Stars and Stripes
Grapevine’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
Hurst Stars & Stripes
Irving Independence Day Celebration
McKinney’s Red, White, & Boom
Lewisville Castle Hills Freedom Festival
Plano’s All-American Fourth
Richardson’s Family 4th of July
The Colony’s Liberty by the Lake Festival
Many of these events feature activities for children, music, and of course, fireworks!
Dallas Lake Cruise
To make a truly unique memory with friends and family, try taking a cruise on Lake Lewisville. While many people stay near the shoreline, you’ll be able to see the lake from a brand new perspective and enjoy a refreshing swim.
A catered lunch hot off the grill rounds out the afternoon, and you’ll still have the chance to watch fireworks in the evening.
All of these activities will make for a Fourth of July full of memories either on their own or combined together into an entire day of summer fun. From fireworks and live music to swimming and sailing, you’re sure to have a holiday to remember with these activities.
Want to make the most of your July 4th afternoon? Book your tickets for this year’s 4th of July Swimming Cruise with BigDCats and beat the crowded beaches by enjoying the day out on Lake Lewisville!
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