Independence Day Celebrations in Dallas-Fort Worth

On Monday, July 4th, the night sky over DFW will light up with firework shows all over the Metroplex.   Here are some great firework shows as well as other fun celebrations over the holiday weekend to help you celebrate this country’s Independence.   Where will you be celebrating?

Kaboom Town Addison

Rated one of the top places to watch fireworks in the country by the American Pyrotechnics Association, USA Today, Travel + Leisure and The Wall Street Journal, the nationally-recognized fireworks show can be seen from anywhere in Addison, including the Addison Circle Park watching party, many of Addison's 170 restaurants, 22 hotels and more. The dazzling 30-minute fireworks show presented by Time Warner Cable will take place at 9:35 p.m.   It is choreographed to music and a live radio simulcast on 100.3 JACK FM. Stay after the fireworks show for a free movie. Plus there is great food and the spectacular Addison Airport Air Show featuring the Cavanaugh Flight Museum Warbird Flyover.   Kaboom Town will take place on Sunday, July 03, 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. at Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Dr. in Addison. Admission to the watching party at Addison Circle Park is FREE however some restaurant watching parties may charge admission or other fees.   Live music on the Dos Equis Stage includes Mapleshade at 5:00 p.m., PM Studio 54 at 6:30 p.m., Dallas Wind Symphony at 8:15 p.m., and the After Party featuring Emerald City at 10:15 p.m.   For more information, please call 800-233-4766 or visit the Kaboom Town website.

Arlington Let’s Roll America Celebration

Let’s Roll, America parade will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 4th.   The parade is an annual event and consists of generally 150 entries. The number of spectators over the years has ranged from of 5,000 to 70,000. Parade entries include marching bands to exotic automobiles, military color guards to clowns, and dignitaries to unique presentations. Of course, the parade has a distinguished assortment of floats. The floats are made by individuals as well as professionals.   Make sure you stop by the Award Ceremony after the parade at Heritage Park, 201 W. Front Street at 1 pm to recognize excellence within each of several categories. For more information, please visit the Arlington parade website.

Light Up Arlington Celebration

The Light Up Arlington celebration will take place in Downtown Arlington on Sunday, July 3rd.   The festival features 2 music stages, multiple children's areas, street entertainers, food and merchandise vendors, Radio Disney and fireworks!   6pm Live Music begins at Coors Lt Stage, Boomtown Children's Area opens until 9 pm and Vendor Booths open until 10:00 pm, 7pm Disney's BMX Demo, 7:30pm Live Music begins at Levitt Pavilion, 8pm Disney's BMX Demo, 9:45pm Fireworks presented by Chesapeake Energy with music accompaniment.   For more information including a map and complete schedule, please visit the Light Up Arlington website.

4th Fest Independence Celebration in Bedford

The 4thFEST BigTop Celebration will take place on Monday, July 4th from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at 2801 Forest Ridge Road, Bedford Boys Ranch Park.   The event promises a full day of family fun that includes a free concert, InflataFUN Zone, a variety of Circus family fun FREE activities, festival-style culinary delights and of course, the spectacular fireworks extravaganza when the sun goes down. 4thFEST visitors can also take a dip in Bedford’s Splash Aquatic Center. Splash is located in the Bedford Boys Ranch, and gives 4thFEST patrons plenty of cool fun for the whole family. It features three unique pools with several water slides, a kids’ play area, umbrella-shaded leisure patios and a cabana party pavilion. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for kids under 18, and free for children two years old and younger. When the sun goes down the massive fireworks extravaganza will light up the night sky. The fireworks are widely recognized as one of the best fireworks displays in North Texas. Parking and shuttle service for $4 (Free for children 3 and under) will be offered at Pennington Field, 1501 Central Drive. The last shuttle TO the Boys Ranch Park will leave Pennington field at 9:30PM. There is no on-site parking at the Boys Ranch. Admission to 4thFEST is free, and lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. No glass containers! Road Closure : Access to Boys Ranch Park will be RESTRICTED the evening of July 3 and all day July 4. Forest Ridge Drive will be CLOSED from Harwood Road to Shady Lane from 4:00 p.m. until midnight. For more information please call 817-952-2300 or visit the 4th Fest website.

Fourth of July Concert in Carrollton

On Friday, July 1st, the Dallas New Horizons will be playing patriotic tunes at the Carrollton Senior Center from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.   The Carrollton Senior Center is located at 1720 Keller Springs Rd., Carrollton. Open to seniors, friends and families. Enjoy popcorn, lemonade, cookies and hot dogs.   For more information, please call 972-466-4850.

Castle Hills 4th of July Parade

A Fourth of July float parade will take place on Saturday, July 2nd at 9:30 a.m.   There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies. The 1st place winner will also receive a grand prize from Taekwondo America, valued at $400.   For more information, please visit the Castle Hills website.

4th of July Freedom Festival in Castle Hills

On Monday, July 4th, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., enjoy family friendly festivities at the Castle Hills Village Shops Plaza located at 2560 King Arthur Blvd., Castle Hills in Lewisville. There will be food available for purchase, music by Castle Hills’ own Shelley Laine, interactive games and activities. Stop by The Enchanted Artist to decorate your own flag and the Castle Hills Chiropractic booth for free snow cones. Fireworks, sponsored by Bright Realty, will follow the festival.   This event is free.   For more information, please visit the Castle Hills website.

Spirit of Coppell Celebration and Fireworks

Stop by the Andrew Brown Community Park East on Sunday, July 03, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. to hear performances by The Project Band and a choreographed fireworks display.   Food will be available for purchase or you can bring your own picnic.   The Andrew Brown Community Park East is located at 260 East Parkway Blvd. in Coppell.   For more information, please call (972) 462-5100 or visit the Spirit of Coppell website.

Coppell Patriotic Parade

Start the day off with this Patriotic Parade which will start at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 4th at Samuel and Parkway Blvd. and travel on Parkway to Town Center Plaza.   For more information, please call 972-462-5100 or visit the Spirit of Coppell website.   Intersections along the parade route will be closed prior to the parade moving through and reopened once all entries have passed. Commuters should seek alternate routes during this time period. In case of inclement weather, please call C-Link at 972-304-3542, message #462.

Fair Park Fourth on the Fifth in Dallas

Free admission to Fair Park museums from 4:30 – 7:30.   Dancing waters of the Esplanade Fountain will be running starting at 6 p.m. Concessions and games also open at 6 p.m. Music will be provided by the Dallas Wind Symphony from 8:30 until 9:30 p.m. The free, fireworks spectacular bursts into the skies over Fair Park at 9:30 p.m. 98.7 KLUV will be providing a live radio simulcast of the fireworks program. Fair Park parking will be $10, or you and your family can take DART’s Green Line to Fair Park Station!   Fair Park is located at 1200 S 2nd Ave in Dallas. For more information, please visit the Fair Park website.

Denton 13th Annual Liberty Run

This 5k Run & One-Mile Fun Walk will take place on Monday, July 4th at 7:30 a.m. at the North Lakes Recreation Center, 2001 W. Windsor Dr. in Denton. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m., and the race begins at 7:30 a.m. After the race, participants can continue the celebration at the Fourth of July Jubilee, followed with $1 admission at Civic Center Pool. Medals are awarded to the top three 5K male and female finishers in each age group, and all walkers receive a participation medal. The entry fee includes a T-shirt (sizes S-XL; $2 extra for XXL). Fruit, snacks, and beverages are given to participants at the end of the event. Register by July 1: $15 per individual or $12 per person for families of three ore more living at same address Register on race day: $20 per participant.   For more information, please call 940-349-PARK(7275) or visit the Liberty Run website.

Fourth of July Jubilee and Yankee Doodle Parade in Denton

Yankee Doodle Parade line-up begins at 8:00 a.m.   in the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot on the square. Judging begins at 8:30 a.m. and the parade begins at 9:00 a.m. on the square. For more information, call (940) 349-8575.   Registration begins for the Lucky Horseshoe Tournament begins at 9:00 a.m. with the actual tournament starting at 9:30 a.m. in Quakertown Park.   The tournament features adult singles and doubles divisions with consolation draws. For more information, call (940) 349-8526. The flag ceremony begins when the parade arrives at City Hall. For more information, call (940) 349-8578.   The FREE children’s carnival begins at 10:00 a.m. and lasts until noon in the Civic Center. Participants may begin decorating their boats at 10:00 a.m. for the Great Gutter Race at stations set up outside the Civic Center.   Entries for the Children’s Arts & Crafts Show are displayed until noon in the Civic Center. For more information, call (940) 349-8733.   The FREE Great Gutter Race for children will take place outside the Civic Center. Races are divided by age, and prizes are awarded to the winners. For more information, call (940) 349-8136.   The FREE whipped cream-eating contest for children and adults begins immediately after the gutter races. The contest is divided into age groups, and prizes are awarded to the winners. For more information, call (940) 349-7764.   Guests may enjoy $1 admission at Civic Center Pool until 7 p.m.   Fpr more information, please visit the Fourth of July Jubilee and Yankee Doodle Parade website.

Flower Mound Independence Fest

The Independence Fest 2011 will take place on Monday, July 4th.   The Children's Parade will take place from 11:00 AM “ 2:00 PM at the LISD School Administration Building, 1800 Timber Creek Road in Flower Mound. Decorated bikes, trikes, wagons, and strollers will parade a short route to the LISD School Administration Building where free hot dogs, drinks, children's activities, and live entertainment await at the FREE Kid's Zone complete with Marty the Magician, inflatables & bounce houses for all ages, a rock-climbing wall, and face-painting.   Games for all ages Lineup for the Children's Parade begins at 10:30 AM at the corner of Eaton and Timber Creek Road with the parade starting promptly at 11 AM.   The parade is open to all who may wish to take part.   All other Independence Fest 2011 activities will take place at Bakersfield Park, 1201 Duncan Lane in Flower Mound with gates opening at 5:00 PM.   A day-long party that combines the celebration of Independence for the United States with Flower Mound’s own 50th Anniversary celebration.   Free Kid’s Zone includes inflatables & bounce houses for all ages, rock-climbing wall, face-painting, and games for all ages.   There will also be an art show and classic car show.     Musical performances include Mound of Sound at 5 p.m., Professor D at 6:15 p.m., and Grand Funk Railroad at 8:15 p.m. A fireworks celebration will be at the end of the concert around 9:40 p.m. For more information, please visit the Independence Fest website.

Let Freedom Ring Patriotic Concert in Flower Mound

On Sunday, July 03, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church will host a patriotic concert that will include a special arrangement of anthems and Americana. The concert will be performed by the Flower Mound Community Orchestra, the Trietsch Chancel Choir, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Choir, and the Voice of Flower Mound. Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church is located at 6101 Morriss Road in Flower Mound. This is a free event although donations are accepted. For more information, please visit the Flower Mound Community Orchestra website.

Fort Worth Stockyards on the 4th

Bring the family to the Fort Worth Stockyards for the fourth for free family fun – cowboy style! Enjoy the Fort Worth Herd Cattle Drive at 11:30 am & 4:00 pm, Gunfight Shows at 11:45 am & 4:15 pm, Petting Zoo- 1- 4 pm, Pony Rides- 1-4pm, Face Painter- 1-4 pm, Fort Worth Herd Cowcamp 1:30 – 2:30 pm. Lots of great food, shopping, museums and entertainment in the Fort Worth Stockyards! For more information, please visit the Stockyard Station website.

29th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza Over Lake Grapevine

Find a spot around Lake Grapevine and be dazzled by this annual firewords show starting at 9:30 p.m.   The fireworks will be launched off the shores of Oak Grove Park at 9:30 p.m., but the blasts can be viewed from any lakeside location.   This event is free.   For more information, please visit the Fireworks Extravaganza website.

Reds, Whites & You Grapevine Wine Trail

On Saturday, July 2, come along the Independence Day wine trail, “Reds, Whites & You!”   from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.   Along the wine trail, guests can taste three varieties of wines from each winery, enjoy food compliments, and relish in the varying experiences each winery has to offer.   Tickets are $45 in advance or $50 at the door.   For more information, please visit the Grapevine Wine Trail website.

Summer Nights in Grapevine

Meet up at the Gazebo in Historic Downtown Grapevine at 325 S. Main St. on Friday, July 1st from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. for a Patriotic Pooch Parade and family fun including hot dogs,Police & Fire Department vehicles and drawings for fantastic prizes.   This event is free.   For more information, please visit the Summer Nights website.

10th Annual Haslet 4th of July Parade

The Haslet Parks & Recreation Board is sponsoring the 10th annual Haslet 4th of July Parade, Saturday, July 2, 21011 at 6:30 p.m. Best Parade Entry wins a prize for the best parade entry! The third annual Independence Day program & fireworks show will begin at 8:45 p.m. To register for the Parade Entry or if you are interested is sponsorship, please contact Shanna Ferrell at 817-320-7374.   For more information, please visit the Haslet website.

Hurst Stars and Stripes

This event will take place on Monday, July 04, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. at the Community Park. For more information, please call 817-788-7320.

Lake Cities Fourth of July Event

On Monday, July 4th, City Park of Lake Dallas will be have an old-fashioned parade, kids ™ games, contests for cash prizes, great food, art/craft booths and live entertainment. The celebration ends with a fireworks show in the evening.   The event will be held at   City Park, W Hundley & S Shady Shores (1/4 mile east of I35 and Hundley) in Lake Dallas.   Festivities will include a parade, contests, apple pie bake-off, Lake Cities Idol Competition, Patriotic Pooch contest, watermelon eating contest, contest for best “Uncle Sam” or “Statue of Liberty”, live entertainments as well as plenty of vendors.   This event is free.   For more information, please visit the Lake Dallas website.

Red, White & Lewisville Fireworks

This annual fireworks show will take place on Monday, July 4th in the Vista Ridge Mall area around 9:30 p.m.     You can view the fireworks from parking lots around Vista Ridge Mall or the 121 Bypass.   This event is free.   For more information call 972.219.3401.

Red, White, and Boom in McKinney

Monday, July 4th promises a full day of free hometown fun for the whole family at the McKinney Red, White, and Boom celebration. Activities include a parade which starts at 10:00 a.m. There will be a Car Show from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.     Family activities and food ” 7:00 – 9:30 p.m. at the McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch. Live music (including the American Idol Motown Review) on Center Stage from 8:00 – 9:45 p.m. Concluding the day’s events will be Fireworks at 9:45 p.m. For more information,  please call 972-547-7480 or visit the McKinney Red,  White, Boom website.

Plano Community Band Patriotic Concert

The Plano Community Band Patriotic Concert will be held on Sunday, July 3rd at 7:00 p.m. at Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St. The performance is free, so bring a blanket or chairs to enjoy the sounds of FREEdom.   For more information, please visit the Plano website.

Celebrate the Fourth in Plano

The fun begins with the annual Plano Independence Day Parade at 9 a.m. on July 4. Watch the parade along its route down Independence Parkway from 15th Street west to Parkhaven Drive. This great community event is coordinated by the Plano Early Lions Club.   At 3 p.m., join the Plano Symphony Orchestra and the Men of Note Chorus for Patriotic Pops at the Eisemann Center in Richardson. Ticket information is available at the Plano Symphony website.   End the evening with the All-American Fourth Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Plano's sky lights up over Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, east of U.S. 75 on Spring Creek Parkway. Bring a blanket and picnic basket, and enjoy the FREE show. Parking will be available at Plano Centre, Collin College and First United Methodist Church Plano. Listen to the music carefully selected to play in sequence with the fireworks on KLAK 97.5 FM.   For more information, please visit the Plano website.

Family Fourth Celebration in Richardson

On Monday, July 4 in Breckinridge Park, Richardson will host a traditional, patriotic salute that is free and open to the entire community. Attendees are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and/or lawn chairs and enjoy the evening under the stars! Event hours are 6:00 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Attractions include strolling balloon artists, bounce houses, and a climbing wall for the kids! This year, the Star Spangled Safety Event aims to make the citizens of Richardson aware of Fire Safety, Crime Prevention and Emergency Preparedness through the means of information pamphlets, goody bags for children, and family fun with a fire truck slide and police car bounce house. Food concessions will be available for those who wish to buy or supplement their picnic dinner.     Stage entertainment schedule: 6:15 Day Job Refugees, 8:45 The Richardson Community Band presents its annual Patriotic Salute Concert, 9:45 Fireworks.   All entertainment takes place on the stage located near Entrance B.     On-site parking is very limited, so beginning at 6 p.m. on July 4th the City of Richardson will provide free round-trip shuttle service from the Rockwell-Collins International Campus located at the SE corner of Renner and Shiloh roads. The last shuttle will depart from Rockwell-Collins at approximately 9:15 p.m. Pets are not allowed on the shuttles, only service dogs. For more information please call 972-744-4580 or visit the Richardon Family Fourth Celebration website.

Rockwall 11th Annual Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade

Be at the Historic Square in Downtown Rockwall at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 2nd for this annual 4th of July festivity. The parade is an annual family event hosted by Old Town Rockwall Neighborhood Association and sponsored by Community Bank. The parade is free to attend or participate in, and is open to all ages. Anyone can motor, walk, ride a bicycle or tricycle or even just ride along in a stroller or wagon as a part of the parade. Pets are welcome as long as they are on leads. The parade forms at 10:30 a.m. on Kaufman St. east of Fannin St. At 11 am a new parade route this year will start east on Kaufman, south on Clark St, west on Washington St. and north on Fannin St., turning west on Rusk St. into Rockwall's historic town square. When the parade reaches the square, all are invited to a flag ceremony and welcoming remarks from Rockwall's new Mayor David Sweet. There will be entertainment and omplimentary ice cold watermelon and drinks. Prizes will be awarded for the most patriotic costumes, best decorated bikes, tricycles, and strollers or wagons, and for the cutest pets. The winners of a Watermelon Eating Contest and the first Old Town Seed Spitting Contest will also receive prizes. Prizes will come from donations to the Association made by local merchants.   For more information, please visit the Rockwall parade website.

Stars & Stripes Southlake

Come out to Southlake Town Square on Sunday, July 03 from 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. for an evening of fireworks, music, and fun including live entertainment.   For the kids there will be craft activities, inflatables and even an interactive gaming area. See the patriotic ceremony and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from the West Garage rooftop in Southlake Town Square. This event is free and will be held at Rustin Park in Southlake Town Square, 1400 Main Street in Southlake. For more information, please call 817-748-8019 or visit the Stars & Stripes website.

4th of July Celebration in Trophy Club

Start your celebrations early in Trophy Club.   At 7:00 there will be a 3K/5K Run at Byron Nelson High School.   Cost for participation is $18 for 13 and up, $10 for children under 13.   The Route Map and Entry Form are both available.   There will also be a free breakfast in the Byron Nelson High School parking lot until 8:30 AM. Help cheer on the runners as they cross the finish line.   At 9:30 a.m. there will be a 4th of July parade.   Enjoy free open swimming from 11:00 am – 8:45 pm.   The Trophy Idol Contest at the Community Pool will take place from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm.   Wrapping up the day’s festivities will be the festival and fireworks at the community pool from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm.   For more information, please check out the Trophy Club 4th of July website.