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This upcoming week marks the 247th year since our country’s forefathers achieved independence from Great Britain following the Revolutionary War. Yet this date is really a misnomer, according to the Farmer’s Almanac. This long running publication states that July 4 actually marks the date that the Declaration of Independence was announced, not signed. Archives indicate that this famous document was actually voted to be accepted by the colonies on July 2, 1776 and then subsequently signed on August 2 of that same year.
John Adams, who first proposed the idea of declaring independence from England, wrote a famous letter to his wife, Abigail, about how he believed July 2nd would be a day that was remembered and celebrated in America for years to come. Apparently, everyone else remembered otherwise… So, for whatever reason, July 4 stuck as the day we do the celebrating with over 200 years of tradition to back it up. That and it was made a federal holiday in 1941.
Yes, the 4th lands on a Tuesday this year, but that’s probably not going to stop anyone from firing up their grills and cracking a cold one anyways. So, for all of you patriots and fans of freedom we’ve compiled a list of July 4th events taking place in and around the Fort Worth area.
July 4th: Fort Worth’s Fourth at Panther Island Pavilion
Tarrant Regional Water District is proud to once again bring locals a Texas-sized firework show and festival for its 16th year. Celebrate Independence Day with the largest fireworks show in North Texas at the 16th Annual Fort Worth’s Fourth. Find a spot along the banks of the Trinity River at Panther Island Pavilion and enjoy an evening of festival food, drinks, kid activities, live music, and a fireworks show. Admission is Free|5-10 p.m.| 395 Purcey Street.
June 29th – July 4th: Red, White, and Boots in Fort Worth Stockyards
Enjoy bull riding, $4 drafts, matinee broncs, live bands, and Saturday night bullfights, as the Fort Worth Stockyards celebrates America’s birthday. This event may have begun this week, but this is Texas, the parties are also bigger here. For those who are interested, you can get your patriotic party on all the way up to next Tuesday. Costs vary| 131 E. Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76164.
July 3rd: Light Up Arlington and 4th of July Parade (9am)
Residents will enjoy vendors, food trucks and live music across four different stages at this event. Concerts start at 6 p.m. outside the Arlington Music Hall and Grease Monkey, at 6:30 p.m. by City Tower at 101 S. Mesquite St. and 7 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion Arlington. This family friendly event will also feature over a dozen food trucks and a bubble bus. The fireworks display, which will blast off from the roof of City Tower, lasts about 20 minutes and starts at 9:50 p.m. Free |6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. |101 W. Abram St., Arlington.
The following morning on July 4, the annual Arlington Independence Day parade will take place through downtown Arlington at 9 a.m.
Starting near a University of Texas at Arlington parking lot off Doug Russell Road and South West Street, the parade route goes north on Spaniolo Drive, makes a circle near City Hall and returns back on South Center Street. Free| 9 a.m. |July 4 | Starts near the intersection of Doug Russell Road and South West Street.
July 4th: Spark in the Park July 4th Fireworks & Concert with Pat Green
One of Texas country’s modern era founding fathers, Pat Green, is headlining the Spark in the Park on July 4th at the Heritage Park Amphitheater in Weatherford. The opening act will be East Texas native, Chris Colston with his “gritty Texas roots combined with a little blues and rock ‘n’ roll”. Following these talented artists is our famous fireworks show. This massive show is one of the largest fireworks displays in North Texas and can be seen from miles away. Free| 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.| 503 Santa Fe Dr., Weatherford.
July 1st -4th: Granbury’s 4th of July Hometown Celebration Granbury, Texas
Granbury’s proud tradition of celebrating Independence Day returns to a multi-day event this year, presented by the Granbury Chamber of Commerce and several other sponsors. Festivities that are sure to stir patriotic spirits begin on Saturday, July 1st thru Tuesday July 4th. There will be vendors on the square all three days. The parade will be on Monday July 4th starting at 10:00. Attendance is free.
July 3rd: Hurst Stars & Stripes Fireworks Show Hurst, Texas
The Annual City of Hurst Stars & Stripes event is Monday, July 3, at Hurst Community Park. Patrons can enjoy live music, food trucks, and a beautiful firework show. Free shuttles are available from designated parking at North East Mall. Schedule: 6:00 p.m. Micky & the Motorcars|8:00 p.m. Emerald City| 9:30 p.m. Fireworks Show| Free|6 p.m. July 3|601 Precinct Line Rd., Hurst.
July 4th: Cleburne 4th of July Celebration & Fireworks Cleburne, Texas
Vendors and food trucks will be available at Lake Pat Cleburne for the Fireworks Watching Party at Cleburne Golf Links starting at 6:30 with Live music, Great food. No outside alcohol is allowed - Alcohol, food and drinks will be sold at the event - cash and credit cards accepted. Reservations are required for the Cleburne Golf Links| $25 Per Carload - Max 8 per car|6:30 p.m.| Lakeshore Dr. free parking|For more information and cost call 817-645-2455.
July 4th: Red White & BTX 4th of July Celebration and Firewoks (Burleson, TX)
Burleson will host Red, White & BTX on July 4. The event features live music, food trucks and fireworks. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, but alcohol and personal fireworks are not. Before the evening festivities, Burleson’s Lion Club is hosting a parade through the city at 9 a.m.
Free | 5 p.m. July 4 | 500 Chisenhall Park Lane, Burleson.
July 3rd: Mansfield Rocks 4th of July and Fireworks
The Mansfield Rocks event will take place at Big League Dreams and Hawaiian Falls water park. Guests can bring lawn chairs and blankets, but no coolers, grills or pets are allowed. Fireworks are scheduled for 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the event | 6 p.m. | 500 Heritage Parkway, Mansfield.
