4th of July Celebrations in Austin, Texas

There's always something going on in Austin, Texas, and the 4th of July is certainly no exception. Here are some choice July 4th celebrations in Austin and its surrounding areas:

HEB Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks (Southeast Austin)

Join over 100,000 people at the Northeast Triangle of Zilker Park, for the largest Austin area July 4th celebration. The Austin Symphony Orchestra's performance begins at 8:30 p.m. and features the "1812 Overture" with cannon fire "percussion". Following that, from 9:30-10 p.m., is a spectacular fireworks show over Town Lake. Admission is free, and concessions will be available. If you bring your own refreshments, leave the alcohol and glass at home, as they are not permitted. Capitol Metro will be providing free shuttle service for this event from 4-11 p.m.

Round Rock Fourth of July Fireworks and Frontier Days Celebration (22 miles Northeast of Austin)

Head to Round Rock's Frontier Days Celebration for a day jam-packed with activities. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and travels from Round Rock Avenue and Lee Street to the Sam Bass Ball Fields. At 11 a.m., the festival opens at Old Settlers Park. Enjoy reenactments of the Sam Bass Shootout, check out the vendors goods, play volleyball or horseshoes, or compete in the 1 p.m. pepper-eating contest. At 2 p.m., see a performance by the Round Rock Ballet. Throughout the day, kids can jump in moon bounces and ride ponies; at 4:30 p.m. children can participate in organized games such as watermelon seed spitting and an obstacle course. The final act of the day commences at 7:30 p.m. Go to the Lake View Pavilion at Old Settlers Park (3300 E. Palm Valley Blvd.) to watch sky divers drop in as you snack on free watermelon. Then close out the 4th of July taking in the fireworks display, while enjoying the sounds of the Austin Symphonic Band. Pets are not allowed at the festivities.

San Marcos Summerfest (29 miles North of Austin)

Spend the 4th of July at the annual San Marcos Summerfest at Sewell Park on the Texas State University San Marcos campus. Start the day at the Firecracker Golf Classic (a benefit for the American GI Forum scholarship program) at 8 a.m. At 11 a.m., the festival really gets underway, as vendors open their booths. Live music will be playing all day. A few highlights: Mariachi Suroeste at 1 p.m., Turbo 350 at 2 p.m., Crabby Grass Boys at 3 p.m., David Ybarra and the LA Blues Band at 5:15 p.m., Cheryl Murdock at 7:30 p.m. and Trio Faze at 10 p.m. Kids can participate in a parade and costume contest beginning at 4:30 p.m. Take advantage of the riverside setting and go tubing. Tube rentals will be available, and lifeguards will be on duty from 4-9 p.m. Of course, the day wouldn't be complete without fireworks. They'll light the sky starting at 9:30 p.m.

Sertoma Fourth of July Celebration -- San Gabriel Park (29 miles north of Austin)

From 11 a.m.- 10p.m. in Georgetown's San Gabriel Park, delight in more than 80 arts and crafts booths, food, and live music. The day kicks off with a parade and closes out with the "Fabulous Fireworks Finale" at sundown. In the hours between, kids can enjoy a special Children's Area that features a petting zoo, face painting, train rides, and more.

Lago Vista 4th of July Celebration at Lake Travis (34 miles Northeast of Austin)

Things get started early at the Lago Vista 4th of July Celebration, with a 7:15 a.m. fun run. A tennis tournament follows at 9 a.m., and sports activities continue throughout the day. If you'd rather relax, grab some grub and take in one of the many live musical performances. Don't miss the 4 p.m. "American Idyl Sing Off's", which are sure to be entertaining. Many activities are available for children, from train and pony rides, to a dunk tank, to an Oreo-eating contest. After all that, check out (on land or a boat) the 4th of July fireworks over Lake Travis, which begin at 11 p.m. Capitol Metro will be providing free shuttle service for this event from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.