Sparks Will Fly

Addison Kaboom Town! returns to celebrate Independence Day with record-breaking anticipation

Set to return on Friday, July 3, Addison Kaboom Town! is bringing one of the nation’s most celebrated Independence Day fireworks displays back to the heart of Addison. As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this year’s celebration is expected to draw unprecedented crowds and national attention.

Already ranked among the top fireworks shows in the country — most recently named the 4th best in the United States by USA Today — Kaboom Town! is entering one of its most anticipated years yet. With America250 celebrations adding to the momentum and thousands of additional visitors expected, tickets are projected to sell out quickly. (So don't wait!)

Addison Kaboom Town! Don your red, white, and blue.Photo courtesy of Visit Addison

Each year, more than 500,000 spectators converge on the 4.4-square-mile town north of Dallas, transforming Addison into a region-wide celebration of Independence Day. The centerpiece of the festivities is the official watch party at Addison Circle Park, a 12-acre venue that serves as the heartbeat of the event.

Guests can expect a full evening of entertainment, beginning with live music and continuing with patriotic performances and immersive experiences. The park will feature food and beverage vendors throughout, alongside returning favorites such as the Uncle Sam Jam Silent Disco, which expands this year with more headsets and enhanced programming.

At 7:30 pm, attention turns skyward for the Addison Airport Airshow, featuring skydivers, historic aircraft, and elite aerobatic performers. The evening culminates in a patriotic tribute and National Anthem performance before the Kaboom Town! fireworks show lights up the night sky, an award-winning spectacle that has captivated audiences since 1985.

Bring the whole family.Photo courtesy of Visit Addison

Beyond the park, Addison’s extensive hospitality scene offers additional viewing experiences. With more than 200 restaurants and 23 hotels, many establishments host private watch parties featuring themed menus, live entertainment, and prime viewing opportunities.

Tickets are required for entry into Addison Circle Park and are expected to be in extremely high demand. Attendees are encouraged to plan ahead, consider hotel packages, and prepare for post-show traffic delays as crowds disperse. Guests may also choose to extend their stay, enjoying Addison’s dining and entertainment offerings until congestion eases.

More information and ticket details are available at AddisonKaboomTown.com.

Photo courtesy of Visit Addison

There will be plenty of delicious American fare.

independence day independence day celebrations fourth of july usa patriotism family fun summer fun fireworks promoted

Rivers wild

Ethan Hawke narrates new documentary that deep-dives into Texas rivers

Cropped still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

The Rio Grande is one of the stunning subjects of Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers.

One Texas film icon passes the torch to another for a deep dive on Texas' river ecosystems in the upcoming documentary Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers. Matthew McConaughey narrated the original 2022 film, Deep in the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story. Now Ethan Hawke narrates the follow-up, which will be in theaters September 25.

Deep in the Heart 2 is directed by Ben Masters, a nature-obsessed Texan who was born and raised in Amarillo and has followed wildlife around the state and beyond. Working with his crew at Fin & Fur Films, Masters explores the Rio Grande, the Sabine River, and the Neches River, a press release says, coming across otters, turkeys, alligator snapping turtles, and more.

This underwater shot was taken in San Marcos.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

The original Deep in the Heart took a broad view of Texas — both its landscapes and their inhabitants — while the "sequel," as the release calls it, specifically highlights water. Conservation is an important angle, and viewers will get a chance to consider how they could connect with and protect the ecosystems on their screens.

"Most of my favorite memories are on Texas Rivers," said Masters in the release. "I grew up on the Canadian, fell in love on the Brazos, got married on the Guadalupe, found adventure on the Rio Grande, and am raising my kids on the Colorado."

The filmmaker says that spending three years filming his natural subjects gave him "a newfound appreciation" for rivers and how distinct they are from one another.

Amazing cinematography was a hallmark of the original film, and the sequel offers more beautiful shots.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

"We spent months filming mountain lions on the Pecos, snapping turtles on the Neches, otters on the Sabine, fatmuckets on the Llano, and whooping cranes in the Guadalupe's Estuary," Masters said. "Editing the majesty of Texas Rivers into 80 minutes was a huge challenge, and I'm just incredibly grateful to work with such a talented team of cinematographers, editors, producers, and musicians."

Hawke, born in Austin and raised in Fort Worth, is known for acting in the Dead Poets Society, Gattaca, the Richard Linklater films Boyhood and Blue Moon, and more. He has taken up causes in environmental advocacy for years and appeared in other ecology-focused films, including the intense fictional First Reformed (2018) and a goofy anti-littering PSA with TxDOT (2023).

Some unexpected guests in the Rio Grande.Still from Deep in the Heart 2: Texas Rivers

The film was made in association with H-E-B, a regular supporter of ecological documentaries and initiatives, and conservation organization Texan by Nature. Other collaborators include producer Josh Winkler, editor Sam Klatt, assistant editor Chet Stefan, and composer Noah Sorota. The musical score is performed by Dallas Chamber Symphony.

animals documentaries ecology ethan hawke film matthew mcconaughey movies nature texas wildlife

Sparks Will Fly

Addison Kaboom Town! returns to celebrate Independence Day with record-breaking anticipation

Rivers wild

Ethan Hawke narrates new documentary that deep-dives into Texas rivers

8 high-profile Dallas restaurants that are expanding to booming Frisco

Ex-Dallas Cowboy Tony Romo placed on leave from CBS Sports after arrest

Northeast burger chain Slap Burger set to smash in Richardson