CENTRAL, Texas — The Fourth of July is rapidly approaching and many Central Texans may be wondering where the best place is to celebrate with the whole family.
Here's a list of events around Central Texas:
Temple
Fourth of July fun fest & fireworks show
Celebrate Independence Day with the City of Temple at the 26th Annual H-E-B 4th of July Fireworks Show! Park guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets for viewing of the greatest fireworks show in Central Texas. At 9:30 p.m. H-E-B Fireworks display begins with a NEW Drone Show introduction.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: Park will open at 6 p.m.
Location: Crossroads Park located at 1020 Research Parkway in Temple
Admission: Free and open to the public
Hot Summer Sound Free Concert Series
Those looking to turn up the music for the holiday can check out the Hot Summer Sound Free Concert Series at Temple Lions Park on July 5. Presented by Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, the concert series will continue on July 5 with a night of music from Free Ransom, a 60's-80's cover band. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., and guests are encouraged to bring family, friends and blankets to "enjoy the cool summer breeze and sounds of awesome music".
More on the concert series can be found at this link.
Date: Friday, July 5
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: 4320 Lions Park Rd., Temple, Texas
Admission: Free and open to the public
Rogers
Red, White and Blue Pop-Up at Walker Honey Farm
Walker Honey Farm in Rogers is ringing in the holiday with the Red, White and Blue Pop-Up. The event will reportedly feature "an array of arts and crafts" from local vendors, from artwork to metal and woodcraft to sweets, as well as the farm's typical honey and mead tastings.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Walker Honey Farm, 8060 E US Hwy 190 Rogers, TX 76569
Admission: Free entry for all ages
Belton
Downtown Street Party
The City of Belton will kick off its 4th of July festivities with a Downtown Street Party on Saturday, June 29, featuring food trucks, games, craft brews and music from Grupo Pression and Kenny Orts.
the Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Date: Saturday, June 29
Time: Music begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Historic Bell County Courthouse, 101 E. Central Ave, Belton, Texas
Admission: Free entry
Carnival
The Belton Chamber of Commerce is also hosting a Carnival at Liberty Park from Tuesday, July 2 to Saturday, July 6. Wristbands to enter are $25 per person. The carnival is open on July 2, 3 & 5 from 7-10 p.m.; July 4 from 10a.m. to close; July 6 from Noon to close.
Date: July 2-July 6
Time: 7-10 p.m. (varies by day)
Location: Liberty Park, 700 Veterans Way, Belton, Texas
Admission: $25 per person for wristband
4th Of July PRCA Rodeo
Belton's famous PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) Rodeo also kicks off on July 4, as "cowboys from around the country" descend on the the Cadence Bank Center for the only PRCA Rodeo in Texas. July 4 is Military Appreciation Night, July 5 is dedicated to Hometown Heroes and July 6 is Family Night, where children 12 and under can get in free with an adult.
More information can be found at this link.
Date: July 4-July 6
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Cadence Bank Center Garth Arena, 301 W Loop 121, Belton, TX 76513
Admission: $17-$27 per night
Belton 4th of July Parade
Belton Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Belton will host its annual 4th of July Parade in downtown Belton on July 4th, with participants tracing a path from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to the Belton Police Memorial. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. in an effort to alleviate heat concerns, with a Patriotic Program taking place before at 8 a.m.
To participate in the parade, visit this link.
Date: July 4
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Downtown Belton
Admission: Free to the public
Later that day, those celebrating in Belton can also enjoy a Festival on Nolan Creek at Liberty Park from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., featuring a car show and hot dog eating contest, and a Backyard Party at Schoepf's Bar-B-Que at 7 p.m. featuring music by the band Sprung.
A full breakdown of 4th of July events in Belton can be found at this link.
Killeen
Not much is better than a free event. While not taking place on July 4, a free showing of the film "A Million Miles Away" will be held at the Family Aquatic Center the day after at dusk. Seating is limited, so act fast if you want to take advantage of this free movie showing.
Date: Friday, July 5
Time: Seating opens at 7:30 p.m., showing begins at dusk
Location: 1700 East Stan Schlueter Loop
Admission: Free for the 100 people that sign up for the showing, click here for more information
Keep the weekend fun going with this festival in Historic Downtown Killeen with live entertainment, food trucks, a fun zone for the entire family and a Jeep Jam.
Date: Saturday, July 6
Time: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: 200 East Avenue D in Historic Downtown Killeen
Admission: Free
Waco
Fourth on the Brazos
The City of Waco's annual Fourth on the Brazos celebration returns once again with food trucks, fireworks and live music. The highlight of the event will be former Journey singer Steve Augeri, who will be performing a number of the group's greatest hits alongside a few of his own songs. Those in attendance will need to abide by a clear bag policy.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: Event opens at 6 p.m., fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.
Location: Touchdown Alley next to McLane Stadium
Admission: Free to the public
Hillsboro
Hillsboro Rotary 4th of July Parade
Hillsboro will celebrate both Independence Day and 100 years of Hillsboro Rotary on July 4 with its 2024 4th of July Parade, with support from the City of Hillsboro. The parade will begin at 10 a.m., and residents are encouraged to pick a spot along the streets of Downtown Hillsboro.
A full parade map can be seen on the Hillsboro Rotary website.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Downtown Hillsboro
Admission: Free to the public