The Fourth of July is one of the biggest weekends of the summer, and this year is even more meaningful as the nation celebrates America’s 250th birthday. From downtown festivities and River Walk celebrations to neighborhood events, theme parks, and family attractions, San Antonio is packed with ways to celebrate Independence Day.
Whether you’re looking for fireworks, live entertainment, local shopping, or family-friendly fun, here’s your guide to some of the best events happening across the city.
Downtown Celebrations
Stars & Stripes Downtown 5K
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: The route begins at Milam Park and finishes at Civic Park at Hemisfair
Admission: Registration Required
Kick off Independence Day with the inaugural Stars & Stripes Downtown 5K. The race takes participants through the heart of downtown before ending at Civic Park, where the day’s celebrations continue with food, music, and family activities.
Stars & Stripes Independence Day Parade
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Houston Street, Downtown San Antonio
Admission: Free
Houston Street comes alive with patriotic floats, performers, marching bands, military tributes, and community organizations during this festive Independence Day parade. It’s the perfect way to celebrate America’s birthday in the heart of Military City, USA®.
Stars & Stripes Music & Food Festival
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: Begins at 10 a.m.
Location: Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 S. Alamo St.
Admission: Free
Continue the celebration at Civic Park with live music, regional performers, local food vendors, community booths, and family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon.
Stars & Stripes Downtown Spectacular
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Civic Park at Hemisfair, 210 S. Alamo St.
Admission: Free
Wrap up the evening with San Antonio’s newest downtown fireworks spectacular. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an unforgettable fireworks display lighting up the downtown skyline.
Lunch Break on Houston Street
Dates: July 16, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: In front of the Majestic Theatre, 224 E. Houston St.
Take a midday break with food trucks, live music, and a vibrant downtown atmosphere just steps from the historic Majestic Theatre.
River Walk & Historic Districts
Go Rio Fourth of July Cruises
Dates: July 2–4, 2026
Location: San Antonio River Walk
Admission: Ticketed Event
Celebrate Independence Day from the water with Go Rio’s specialty cruises. Choose from the All-American Picnic Cruise, Fireworks Viewing Party Cruise, or the adults-only Red, White & River Views cocktail cruise while enjoying unique views of downtown San Antonio.
Fourth of July Artisan Show
Dates: July 3–6, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–11 p.m. (Friday & Saturday), 11 a.m.–8 p.m. (Sunday)
Location: River Walk Extension near the Shops at Rivercenter
Admission: Free
Browse handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, woodwork, textiles, and other unique creations while supporting local artists along the River Walk.
Fiesta Noche del Río
Dates: Every Friday & Saturday through August 1
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: Arneson River Theatre, La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St.
Admission: Ticketed Event
One of San Antonio’s longest-running traditions returns with colorful performances celebrating the city’s rich heritage through music, dance, and cultural entertainment along the River Walk.
Family Festivals
Market Square Fourth of July Weekend Celebration
Dates: July 3–5, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. each day
Location: Historic Market Square, 514 W. Commerce St.
Admission: Free
Celebrate all weekend with live entertainment, artisan vendors, authentic local food, holiday treats, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Live performances begin daily at noon, and the Kids Zone offers games and activities for younger visitors.
Market Square Weekend Entertainment
Dates: Every Saturday & Sunday in July
Time: Saturdays, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Location: Historic Market Square
Admission: Free
The fun continues beyond the holiday with weekend entertainment featuring live music, local artists, food booths, and shopping throughout July.
H-E-B Fourth of July Celebration
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Location: Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave.
Admission: Free
San Antonio’s official Independence Day celebration returns with live music, carnival rides, food vendors, children’s activities, community booths, fitness classes, and a spectacular drone light show followed by fireworks.
Red, White & Bexar Celebration
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Location: Mission County Park I, 6030 Padre Dr.
Admission: Free
Hosted by Bexar County, this family-friendly celebration features live entertainment, food trucks, carnival rides, inflatables, crafts, and an evening drone and fireworks show.
Rep. Liz Campos’ 5th Annual Independence Celebration
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 6–10 p.m.
Location: The Greenline at Brooks, 2532 Sidney Brooks
Admission: Free
Celebrate on the South Side with live entertainment, local vendors, food, family activities, and a fireworks finale. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for an evening under the stars.
Theme Parks & Attractions
SeaWorld San Antonio
Dates: July 3–4, 2026
Location: 10500 SeaWorld Dr.
Admission: Park admission required.
Celebrate America’s birthday with patriotic entertainment, themed food and beverages, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks show over Bayside Lake beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Dates: July 3–4, 2026
Location: 17000 I-10 West
Admission: Park admission required.
Spend the day enjoying roller coasters and attractions before ending the evening with Star-Spangled Nights, featuring one of the area’s largest fireworks displays.
Morgan’s Wonderland
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: 5223 David Edwards Dr.
Admission: Park admission required.
Morgan’s Wonderland hosts an inclusive Fourth of July celebration featuring patriotic entertainment, family activities, face painting, and special holiday treats.
Before You Go
Downtown San Antonio is expected to be extremely busy throughout the holiday weekend. Before heading out, check for road closures and parking information at SA.gov/GoDowntown.
City-owned parking garages, including St. Mary’s Garage (205 E. Travis St.) and City Tower Garage (60 N. Flores St.), offer convenient access to many downtown events. Event parking rates of up to $15 may apply during the holiday weekend.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a safe, memorable, and fun-filled Fourth of July.
From all of us at Live From The Southside, Happy Independence Day!
