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San Antonians gather en masse to celebrate the nation's Independence Day. From backyard cookouts to community-wide affairs, this Southwestern city's residents and visitors find plenty of ways to enjoy themselves during the U.S. birthday bash. The city's top festivities include food, fireworks, and lots of family fun.
Nearly all Fourth of July events in 2020 around San Antonio have been canceled or modified. Always check the official event webpages for the most up-to-date information before heading to an event.
Woodlawn Lake Park Celebration and Fireworks
The Woodlawn Lake Park Fourth of July event is canceled in 2020.
Each year, the San Antonio Parks Foundation hosts the city's official Fourth of July event at Woodlawn Lake, complete with a huge fireworks display at 9 p.m. The free family-friendly celebration begins at 11 a.m. on July 4, 2019, and includes live music and dancing, carnival games and rides, mechanical bull riding, a 5K run, children's activities, and plenty of food with more than 25 vendors and trucks.
Arrive early to secure parking, as this event always fills up quickly.
Freedom Fest at Market Square
As of June 17, 2020, there are no events taking place at Market Square until further notice. Check the official Market Square webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Whether for a fiesta or Independence Day, you can count on Market Square to throw a good party. For three or four days extending around the Fourth of July, the historic square on Commerce Street plays host to musical acts, dancers, arts and crafts vendors, restaurateurs, and more.
The largest Mexican market in the U.S., El Mercado, extends for three blocks near San Antonio's city center. This celebration remains a favorite among locals before the fireworks show.
Red, White, and Blues at the Pearl
The Red, White, and Blues festival may be canceled in 2020. Check the Pearl webpage for the most up-to-date information.
Since 2017, this celebration has taken place on the grounds of the historic Pearl Brewery, one of the city's trendiest restaurant, retail, and residential developments. This music-centric gathering hosts local and regional artists, with picnic fare provided by the neighborhood eateries.
Sea World 4th of July Celebration
The 4th of July celebration at Sea World may be canceled in 2020. Check the official Sea World webpage for the most up-to-date information.
The 4th of July picnic at Sea World includes an all-you-can-eat chef-prepared dinner and reserved seating at Ski Stadium for the dazzling fireworks show.
The buffet includes backyard favorites such as barbecued ribs, chicken, and hot dogs; family-favorite sides including corn on the cob, Beanie Weenies, and mac and cheese, and an assortment of freshly baked desserts.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas Fireworks
The Six Flags Fiesta Texas Fireworks show may be canceled in 2020. Check the official Six Flags webpage for the most up-to-date information.
The area's largest fireworks display—choreographed to a patriotic soundtrack—launches from the theme park beginning nightly at 9:15 p.m. in the days leading up to and on July 4.
You must enter the park on a paid ticket to enjoy the nightly show, but you can pick up a free seating voucher to reserve the best viewpoint.
Independence Day at the Alamo
As of June 17, 2020, the Alamo is closed without a re-opening date. Check the official Alamo webpage for the most up-to-date information.
The city's storied history makes a perfect backdrop for a celebration of Independence Day. Reenactments, readings of the Declaration of Independence, and musket demonstrations transport visitors back to the earliest days of the nation. Music by local concert bands underscores the patriotic mood.
Fourth of July Parade
The MVHA Annual 4th of July Parade is canceled in 2020.
The Monte Vista Historical Association teams up with Landa Library to sponsor a Fourth of July parade that begins at the corner of Lynwood and Howard streets in the historic Monte Vista neighborhood of San Antonio, famous for its opulent Gilded Age homes. The parade, which usually starts at 9:45 a.m. and runs until 11 a.m., is canceled in 2020, but the event's contests continue virtually, with prizes for the best mask, best child and adult costume, and best decorated house. Check the official Facebook event page for submission details.