4th Fest: A Fourth of July Celebration in Bedford, TX

The folks in Bedford, TX, know how to have a good time on a tight budget. This is great news for moms with bored kids and thin wallets. Bedford hosts quality family activities for most major holidays. One of the most popular events is Bedford's Fourth of July celebration.

4th Fest is the place to be on Independence Day. The City of Bedford puts on a huge western-style festival and fireworks show that's open to the public. And the best part is that a family of four can enjoy this Independence Day celebration for $12.00 or less!

4th Fest Location

The 4th Fest Fourth of July festival will be held at Bedford Boys Ranch Park, just north of Highway 183 on Forest Ridge Road. The address is 2801 Forest Ridge Road, Bedford, TX 76022. For directions and details, you can call 817-952-2300.

4th Fest Parking

There is no on-site parking at 4th Fest, except for handicapped visitors. Others should park at Pennington Stadium, located at 1501 Central Drive.

The festival's only mandatory charge is a $3.00 shuttle fee for those who don't want to walk from their cars in the Fourth of July heat. This charge is waived for children three and younger, and covers a round trip to and from 4th Fest. I recommend shelling out the money, since the designated parking area is quite a walk from the festival grounds. Handicapped participants can park on-site as long as they display a handicapped sign or license plate.

Free Entertainment

Some of the best attractions at 4th Fest are free. The Cowpoke Children's Corral is a free kid's activity area where children can channel their inner cowboy (or girl). The Corral has a score of arts, crafts, and games for your young ones to enjoy.

Your family won't want to miss the 4th Fest Gun Fight Showdown at 4pm. Afterward, the kids can enjoy a Cowboy meet-and-greet at the Cowpoke Children's Corral. A mechanical bull riding adventure is available for no charge. That's sure to make for a great photo op!

At 6pm, D&D Rockin Rods will present a classic car show. Live music entertainment also starts up at this time, so your family will be able to enjoy some tunes while they look at the classic cars.

And, at 10pm, we have the grand finale: fireworks! This free attraction could trump all the rest. The Fourth of July firework extravaganza begins at sundown. Find a spot on the grass to rest and relax while you enjoy the majestic display.

Paid Attractions

Those with a little more spending money can cool off at the Splash Aquatics Center. Splash features three swimming pools, wacky water slides, a children's play area, and a cabana party pavillion for the Fourth of July festivities. Admission costs just $5.50 per adult and $4.50 per child. Children two years and younger get in free.

4th Fest also features InflataFun, a children's play place with bouncy houses, an obstacle course, slide, and rock-climbing wall. Brave kids can even try their luck at bungee jumping. It costs $15 for a wristband that allows access to all the rides. Rides can also be paid for on an individual basis.

Food & Refreshments

Bedford's 4th Fest hosts a Food Court where you can purchase food and drinks from noon to 11pm. Or, if you'd prefer, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks in a cooler. (No glass containers, please.)

What to Bring

This is the Fourth of July in Texas; it's going to be hot. Bring plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen, and shade. Visitors can also bring lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers filled with food and beverages. Hand-held fan spritzers are also great for cooling off in the Texas heat.

But all you really have to bring is yourself - and anyone else who wants to enjoy a spectacular Fourth of July community event.