U.S. Independence Day is just around the corner, and there are plenty of opportunities to catch a firework show, parade, or festival in Central Texas.
The following local events offer plenty of opportunities to celebrate the Fourth of July and create memories with family and friends:
Gatesville City Fireworks Show
Gatesville’s annual firework show will take place on July 4, starting approximately at 9 p.m. The fireworks will set off in the field behind McKamie Stadium on S. 27th Street.
Viewers can sit in the vicinity of Gatesville ISD campuses, such as setting up chairs in parking lots or setting down blankets and chairs in grassy areas.
This year’s show is sponsored by the City of Gatesville with a generous donation from H-E-B.
Grace Bible Church July 4th Celebration
The community is welcome to join Grace Bible Church for their annual Independence Day celebration on July 4 from 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
The event includes a variety of free food and activities, including barbeque sandwiches and hot dogs, train rides, music, bingo, inflatables, and more. Food is served until 8 p.m.
Grace Bible Church is located at 4012 U.S. Highway 84 in Gatesville.
Copperas Cove 4th of July Celebration
LaunchPoint Community Church is hosting its fourth annual Copperas Cove 4th of July Celebration at Ogletree Gap on July 4.
The festival includes food trucks, live entertainment, local market vendors, rides, inflatables, a firework show, and more.
Gates for the event open at 3 p.m. The cost to enter is $5 for parking. Ogletree Gap is located at 1878 Post Office Road, Copperas Cove, TX.
Belton’s 4th of July Celebration
The Belton Area Chamber of Commerce will kick off its weeklong 4th of July Celebration with a downtown street party on Saturday, June 29. The event will feature live music, food trucks, craft beer and wine, activities and games, and more.
This family-friendly event is open to the public at no charge in downtown Belton.
Live musical entertainment will be performed on the Vista Real Estate & Cory Herring Homes Stage in front of the Historic Bell County Courthouse. The street party starts at 5:30 p.m. with live music starting at 6:30 p.m.
Belton will also hold its Fantastic Patriotic Parade on July 4. The Patriotic Program will start at 8 a.m. and the parade will begin at 9 a.m.
This year's theme is "100 Years of Rodeo." The parade begins at Main Street (FM317) from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor south to the Bell County Courthouse, then east on Central Avenue and north on Birdwell to the Belton Police Memorial.
Fourth of July Fun Fest & Fireworks Show in Temple
Celebrate Independence Day at the 26th Annual H-E-B Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Crossroads Park in Temple on July 4. Park guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and blankets.
Admission is free and open to the public. The park opens at 6 p.m., and the firework show will start at 9:30 p.m. with a new Drone Show introduction provided by Texell Credit Union.
Crossroads Park is located at 1020 Research Parkway.
Red, White & Blue Music Festival in Killeen
The Red, White & Blue Music Festival will take place in historic downtown Killeen at 200 East Avenue D on July 6 from 6-10 p.m. The festival will include fireworks, food trucks, live entertainment, and a Jeep Jam.
The firework show begins at 9:30 p.m. The event is free, and lawn chairs are welcome.
Fourth on the Brazos in Waco
The annual Fourth on the Brazos celebration in Waco will take place on July 4 at Touchdown Alley next to Baylor University’s McLane Stadium, located at 1001 S. MLK Blvd. Gates will open at 6 p.m.
The event will feature food, drinks, and live music and entertainment from DJ Eddie Rose, former Journey lead vocalist Steve Augeri, a patriotic ceremony by the Waco Community Band, and HEB fireworks. The fireworks will be shot above the river between Touchdown Alley and the Ferrell Center and will be visible along both sides of the river, the Ferrell Center, and from areas around the Baylor campus.
Admission is free. For more information about parking or the event, visit https://www.brazosnightswaco.com/fourth-on-the-brazos
Schedule of events: