It's the rare person who doesn't "ooh" and "ahh" at a great fireworks display, and, as always, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has no shortage of events from which to choose on this Fourth of July, which falls on a Saturday. We've rounded up the biggest and best ones for your oohing — we mean viewing — pleasure.
Thursday, July 2
Concerts in the Garden: Old-Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic
The combination of fireworks and patriotic music played live by an orchestra is one that can't be beat, and that's what you get at the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra's annual Old-Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic at Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Luckily, you get not one, not two, but three chances to experience the thrill, as the event takes place each night through July 4.
Friday, July 3
Kaboom Town
The claim that Kaboom Town has the biggest fireworks display in the Dallas-Fort Worth area may or may not be true, but the display is undoubtedly impressive. The event, which always takes place on July 3, is much more than just the fireworks, though. It also features an air show at Addison Airport, a post-fireworks concert by Emerald City and many more fun activities.
Saturday, July 4
Fair Park Fourth
You can get a little bit of State Fair of Texas action by attending Fair Park Fourth, as rides, games and concessions are open along the Midway. Also expect performances by the Razzmajazz Dixieland Band and A Hard Night's Day, all leading up to the fireworks once the sun sets, viewable from the Cotton Bowl or anywhere in Fair Park.
Firewheel Town Center Star Spangled Spectacular
It's a full-day event at Firewheel Town Center in Garland too, as the open-air mall features a bevy of activities like face painting, balloon artists, bounce houses, strolling entertainers and more. After you've exhausted yourself shopping, you can settle down to the fireworks display at 9:15 pm.
Fort Worth's Fourth
Now that the Trinity River has receded to manageable levels, you can enjoy Fort Worth's Fourth at Panther Island Pavilion for all it's worth. Throughout the day there are performances from bands like the Land Sharks and Downtown Fever, as well as activities such as Jet Ski shows, pony rides, water slides and tubing, finished off by the great fireworks show.
Lone Stars & Stripes Celebration
Horse racing is on a high right now thanks to the first Triple Crown winner in 38 years, and you can enjoy races at Lone Star Park starting at 5 pm on July 4. There is live music between races; a family fun park with face painting, bounce houses and a petting zoo; and the requisite fireworks after the final race of the night. One lucky person will even go home with a brand-new Ford Mustang.
Denton Kiwanis Club Fireworks Show
Viewing fireworks from inside a stadium is always a bonus, because it comes with built-in seats. Dentonites don't have to travel to the Cotton Bowl for that privilege, as the Denton Kiwanis Club once again put on a great, free display at UNT's Apogee Stadium.
July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at Lake Grapevine
It'll be a little different this year if you want to watch the fireworks show at Lake Grapevine, as high lake levels have forced the closure of all of the lake's parks. Fear not, though, as the city has designated viewing areas in the parking lot at Grapevine Mills. The parking garage atop the Gaylord Texan is designated only for hotel guests.
Plano's All-American Fourth Fireworks Show
Although there isn't much to Plano's event at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve — no kids activities, no bands, no food — the city still puts on a fireworks display that rivals any of the others around the area. Make sure to bring a blanket or lawn chair to be comfortable on the grass, and then tune in to 97.5 KLAK for a simulcast of music to which the show is choreographed.
The fireworks at Fair Park Fourth can be seen from anywhere around Fair Park.
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