Fourth of July Fun: Southlake Jumps Ahead With Early Independence Day Event July 3

Where: Southlake Town Square, 1400 Main St., Southlake, TX  

What makes it special:  It’s early! Celebrating July 4^th on July 3rd means those who can’t get enough can stretch their celebration over two days. It’s also a participatory event that includes lots more than just oohing and ahhing over fireworks.

“It is a family-focused event, so we have lots of activities for kids which is what folks think is great about this particular event,” said Hillary Cromer, Southlake’s tourism marketing manager. “We get a lot of compliments about our family-friendly activities.”

Two very traditional entries do appear on Southlake’s schedule for that day. At 8 p.m., a ceremonial tribute with the mayor and a scheduled surprise precede the fireworks display scheduled for around 9:30 p.m.

What: Southlake Stars and Stripes, a family-friendly event, includes music, children’s activities, and food. Music on two stages is part of the fun, while the dedicated children’s area offers free fun such as jumbo yard games, mini-golf, balloon artists, a wood carving demo, and an air-conditioned art bus. And for those who can’t wait to get their corn dogs at the state fair, there’s an earlier option here. The food vendor options will include a corn dog taste-off, of sorts, with both Fletcher’s Original Corny Dog and the CornDog with No Name scheduled to be there. The additional patriotic ceremony in advance of the fireworks ensures everyone gets to celebrate Independence Day — one day early — in multiple ways.

Parking can be an issue, but shuttles will run from 4 p.m. to midnight from White’s Chapel Methodist Church, 185 S. White Chapel Blvd., and Gateway Church, 700 Blessed Way. Drop-off will be at McPherson Park. Or you can skip that chaos, and just park in a nearby neighborhood or shopping center for a fine view of the fireworks. Other gatherings are available at Southlake hotels.

“It’s the biggest event sponsored by the City of Southlake,” Cromer said. “It brings in about 35,000 people. That’s to the square alone, so there are additional viewers from other areas.”

When: 5 to 11 p.m. July 3

Find out more here.