There is never a shortage of fireworks on the Fourth of July, especially in Dallas-Fort Worth. Almost every major city and multiple smaller cities and towns plan at least one celebration.
Below is your guide to the best options in the area. This list is designed to direct you to festivities that a) have a lot to offer, b) great fireworks displays or c) both.
Wednesday, July 3
Addison Kaboom Town
One of the fireworks shows happening the day before the holiday also happens to be one of the best. However, if you want to watch from Addison Circle Park this year, you need to show up early, because officials are limiting attendance at the park for the first time. Festivities start at 5 pm.
Lone Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration
Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie winds down its spring thoroughbred racing season with two nights of racing, music and fireworks. Show up either July 3 or 4 for events that also include a lot of kids activities and free admission for military members.
Irving Independence Day Fireworks Show
Irving residents can gather at Irving Convention Center for a night that include a kids activities; music from the Kenny Chavez Combo, the Irving Symphony Orchestra and MAXX Band; and fireworks, of course. If you like parades, there's one the following morning.
Old Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic
As part of the Concerts in the Garden series, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra puts on live concerts July 3 and 4 at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, featuring all your patriotic favorites to go along with the fireworks.
Thursday, July 4
Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic
Willie Nelson has been hosting this tradition off-and-on for 40 years. This edition at Billy Bob's Texas and the Fort Worth Stockyards features tons of singers, including Gary Allan, Justin Moore, Randy Rogers Band, Ryan Bingham, Kris Kristofferson and Leon Russell.
Dallas Wind Symphony presents A Star-Spangled Spectacular
The Dallas Wind Symphony blows your socks off with marches from John Philip Sousa, other patriotic songs, hot dogs and, believe it or not, indoor fireworks at Meyerson Symphony Center.
Concerts at the Arboretum: Dallas Wind Symphony
If you miss the Dallas Wind Symphony's inside performance, you can catch them a little bit later outside at the Dallas Arboretum. The person who shows up in the best patriotic costume wins a night's stay at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas.
MetroPCS Fair Park Fourth
Despite being the biggest city in the area, Dallas only has one major fireworks show to offer. But what a show it is. The first 92,000 people can grab a seat inside the Cotton Bowl, while the spacious Fair Park allows for plenty of other viewing spots. There is live entertainment before and after the fireworks.
Fort Worth's Fourth
If listening to classical music with your fireworks isn't your speed, head over to Panther Island Pavilion for an event that promises fun both on the shores of the Trinity River and in the water. Also enjoy music from Petty Theft and Downtown Fever and a fireworks show imported from Japan.
Star Spangled Fourth at Firewheel Town Center
If shopping and fireworks are a natural combo for you, this is your event. Restaurants and stores at Firewheel offer specials all day long, plus there are kids activities, a concert by The Wonders (no, not The Wonders) and fireworks to end the night.
Plano All-American Fourth of July Celebration
Plano doesn't offer a lot of frills, just a great fireworks show blasting off from Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve. There is a separate parade at Independence Parkway that morning.
Frisco Freedom Fest
You have a lot to choose from at Frisco's fest, including fun stuff like a zip line and rock climbing wall, Taste of Frisco featuring multiple Frisco restaurants, an FC Dallas soccer game, and fireworks to end the night.
Richardson Family 4th of July Celebration
Richardson's party at Breckenridge Park is smaller than others, but it is still a blast, with the usual array of fun stuff for kids, music and fireworks.
July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at Arlington Highlands
Nothing but a good ol' fireworks show at the Arlington Highlands shopping center at night, but there's also a parade happening in the morning around the downtown Arlington area.
Denton Kiwanis Fireworks Show
People in Dallas won't be the only ones watching fireworks from inside a football stadium. The Denton Kiwanis Club's annual show moves to UNT's Apogee Stadium for the first time, and it also includes entertainment from The Dirty Pesos and George Dunham and the Birddogs.
McKinney Red, White and Boom
McKinney keeps you going all day long, with a parade, festival and car show in downtown McKinney in the morning, followed by live entertainment and fireworks at the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch in the evening.
Lake Grapevine Fireworks Extravaganza
There's no one specific spot to watch the fireworks over Lake Grapevine; just find your favorite park and enjoy the 9:30 pm show. If you plan on watching from the Grapevine Recreational Area, though, show up early, as the city will shut down Fairway Drive from 9 pm through the end of the fireworks.
Fireworks at Joe Pool Lake
Residents of Grand Prairie get a second fireworks option on the the Fourth of July, but it'll cost you; parking at both Lynn Creek Park and Loyd Park, the two best options to view the display over Joe Pool Lake, runs $20 per car.
The MetroPCS Fair Park Fourth wows the crowd at the Cotton Bowl and Fair Park on July 4.
Dallas restaurateur Al Biernat, RIP.
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