Fort Worth's Fourth
Fort Worth's Fourth
Fourth of July celebrations are traditionally marked by large gatherings of family and friends, trips to the beach or lake; parades packed with people donning red, white, and blue; and, of course, vibrant firework displays that light up the sky.
But this year, to limit the spread of COVID-19, organizers are changing up the way festivities are structured, often by enforcing social distancing and mask-wearing, and sometimes by canceling traditions that aren’t conducive to implementing safety measures.
For those looking to engage in some patriotic activities, here are a few ways to commemorate the country’s independence this weekend.
1. Coyote Drive-In
The Coyote Drive-In is open this weekend, offering people the chance to watch movies and fireworks. What's different, however, is the theater charging admission per vehicle.
Friday and Saturday nights, check out "The Jungle Book" (2016), "Madagascar" (2005) or "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (2015).
The theater will be putting on its own fireworks show July 3 and provides a good view of the City of Fort Worth fireworks on July 4 itself.
Tickets can be purchased here. The drive-in is located at 223 N.E. Fourth St.
2. Fort Worth’s Fourth
This year, the festival that normally draws about 80,000 people has been canceled, but event organizers say the fireworks show will be higher and larger, to enable people to watch from a distance.
Shanna Cate, the director of programming for the Trinity Regional Water District, says they decided to take the festival off the schedule because there was not a good way to limit public access to the free event or enforce social distancing.
Panther Island Pavilion will be closed, but residents are encouraged to watch the fireworks display, which begins at 9:20 p.m. Saturday, from their homes.
More information about road closures is available on the event’s website.
3. Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
On July 4, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra will be hosting the America Strong concert at Dickies Arena. Some artists performing include the Fort Worth Opera, The Cliburn, the Texas Ballet Theater and Major Attaway, a baritone on Broadway.
Viewers can watch the concert at 9 p.m. on WFAA Channel 8, and it will be posted on the FWSO’s website for two weeks after the event.
4. Stockyards Championship Rodeo
This Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., check out the Stockyards Championship Rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum. Contestants will be engaging in events including team roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and bronc riding.
Tickets are available here, and each show starts at 8 p.m.
The Cowtown Coliseum is located at 121 E. Exchange Ave.
5. Twin Points Park at Eagle Mountain Lake
Twin Points is open with limited capacity this weekend and throughout the summer, in accordance with guidelines. Visitors can purchase a parking pass to relax on the beach, take a swim, or use the boat ramp; but the park has already sold out for Friday and Saturday.
The pavilions are also available to reserve for either a full day or a half day.
Twin Points Park is located at 10200 Ten Mile Bridge Road.
6. Arlington Fireworks
Head to the Entertainment District in Arlington — just north of Globe Life Field — for a firework show Friday night, starting at 9:30 p.m. Patriotic music to accompany the fireworks will be broadcast on 95.9 The Ranch.
Parking lots at Globe Life Field, AT&T Stadium, the Arlington Convention Center, and Six Flags/Hurricane Harbor will be open to the public at 8 p.m. Visitors can also tailgate outside Globe Life Field, AT&T Stadium, or Six Flags.
Those who attend are asked to bring their own food and drinks, maintain social distancing, and wear a mask.
The Arlington Independence Day Parade, the city’s longest-running event, has been canceled amid COVID-19.
