20 Fourth of July fireworks shows across DFW

Discover 20 Fourth of July fireworks shows around the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex on or before July 4.

If there’s one thing Texans know how to do, it’s host a party. Specifically, a party to celebrate the birth of our nation on Independence Day! Like everything in the Lone Star State, Fourth of July fireworks are bigger, better, and more spectacular than practically anywhere in the country. And no matter what part of Dallas-Fort Worth you live in, there’s a fantastic show planned near you.

Whether you like big crowds with state-of-the-art air shows on the day or prefer smaller celebrations that are just as awe-inspiring the weekend before—by the way, who says you can’t do both?!—there are plenty of fireworks options in and around the metroplex.

With Fourth of July fireworks this dazzling, you’ll wish it was July 4 every day.

1. Fort Worth Fourth

395 Purcey Street, Fort Worth

July 4; 5-10 p.m.

Don’t mind the large crowds—Fort Worth’s Fourth at Panther Island Pavilion is worth the end-of-the-night traffic jam. This fabulous venue is just fun to hang out in, but add the cold drinks, live music, and over-the-top kids’ activities (like zip-lining and inflatable water slides), and it turns into the perfect summer evening. Of course, the 29-minute fireworks show over Trinity River, simulcast by 95.9 The Ranch FM, is the highlight of the night.

2. Addison Kaboom Town

Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle, Addison

July 3; 5-11 p.m.

Celebrate Independence Day one day early at Addison Kaboom Town, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. This unbelievably spectacular show draws crowds of approximately 500,000 people a year to see the fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m., with music simulcast from STAR 102.1 FM. Live music, lawn games, and historic warbirds performing stunts and releasing parachute jumpers round out the patriotic night.

3. Fair Park Fourth

July 4; 5:30 p.m.

Fair Park, 3809 Grand Avenue, Dallas

One of the most amazing parts about Fair Park Fourth is the mesmerizing dancing light show over the water at the Esplanade Fountain. Another perk? You can ride the DART bus straight there, so you don’t have to worry about traffic (or getting an Uber home after a few drinks!). Get there early to enjoy the activities for kids, local market vendors, live music, and food trucks. Don’t worry, if you get hot, there will be many indoor cooling areas open to the public.

4. Independence Day Celebration at Klyde Warren Park

Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas

June 28; 7-9:30 p.m.

Dallas is so big that it has another fireworks show in the city. Luckily, it’s on a different day, so you could even go to both! Bring picnic blankets or camping chairs to hang out on the lawn and listen to live music, entertain little ones with face painting and refreshing treats, and gaze up in awe at the pyrotechnic display that will light up the Dallas skyline  at Klyde Warren Park’s Independence Day Celebration.

5. Red, White and BOOM!

Towne Lake Park, 1405 Wilson Creek Pkwy, McKinney

July 4; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 6-10 p.m.

Downtown McKinney’s Red, White and BOOM starts with a 10 a.m. hometown parade, followed by a Yankee Doodle Block Party, where you can explore local shops and restaurants. The second part of the evening begins at 6 p.m., with live music, kids’ activities, food, and a sparkling fireworks display.

6. 4th of July Extravaganza

2520 Oak Grove Loop S, Grapevine

July 4; 9:30 p.m.

The fireworks at Grapevine’s 4th of July Extravaganza are launching over the Silver Lake Marina from Oak Grove Park, with a beautiful display of lights that last 18 minutes. You can still see the fireworks show from many other nearby parks, such as Rockledge Park and Katies Woods Park. There is some obstructed viewing from Lakeview Park and Meadowmere Park, as well.

7. Light Up Arlington

100 W Abram Street, Arlington

July 3; 6 p.m.

Local bands, delicious food vendors, and amazing fireworks make Light Up Arlington a can’t-miss event this July 3. The next morning, check out the oldest event in Arlington: the Fourth of July parade in downtown, which begins at 9 a.m. And if you aren’t too tired by staying up for fireworks the night before, then you can lace up your sneakers and head off on the Arlington Independence Day Parade Firecracker 5K at 7 a.m. There’s no doubt that you’ll have fun no matter what you do.

8. Farmers Branch Independence Day Celebration

2450 Farmers Branch Lane, Farmers Branch

July 3; 6:30-10 p.m.

Small towns can get away with things that bigger cities can’t, which is why the Farmers Branch Independence Day Celebration is having an entire fireworks show with a more intimate, low-level fireworks display. This means that the lights launch into the sky from the ground, making them feel even closer—and more spectacular—than regular fireworks. This event also has roaming patriotic characters to get you more in the holiday spirit.

9. Red, White & You

520 W State Street, Garland

July 3; 5-10 p.m.

Before the fireworks show at Red, White & You, your family can pass the time going on carnival rides such as a Ferris wheel and a tilting pirate ship. If the live music and food truck options don’t keep you entertained, you can also do a fun house maze, ride on a zip line, or participate in a pie-eating contest. The fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

10. Southlake Stars & Stripes

285 Grand Avenue, Southlake

July 3; 5-11 p.m.

Another patriotic celebration that takes place on July 3, the Southlake Stars & Stripes has live music, jumbo yard games and inflatables, crafts and kids’ activities, and plenty of food and alcohol for purchase. The main event (fireworks, duh!) kicks off at 9:30 p.m., with a mix of pop hits and patriotic tunes that fit the party’s vibes.

11. Family 4th (on the 3rd)

6351 Boulevard 26, North Richland Hills

July 3; 5-10 p.m.

The skies over North Richland Hills will be lit—literally—on Thursday night for the North Tarrant Chamber Family 4th (on the 3rd). Arrive at 5 p.m. to avoid lines for the inflatable bounce houses and food trucks. Live entertainment (including a corn dog eating contest!) will go on throughout the night, before things get really patriotic. There will be a 50 white-dove release and salute to veterans at 7 p.m., followed by a performance by the Texas Jazz All Stars, and the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

12. Independence Fest

1201 Duncan Lane, Flower Mound

July 4; 10 a.m., 5-10 p.m.

Party with “Buy Me a Boat” singer Chris Janson, who is performing live at Flower Mound’s Independence Fest this year. There will be food trucks, vendors, a kids’ zone, and a cool car show, followed by the main event: fireworks lighting up the night sky at 9:45 p.m. Don’t miss the children’s parade happening at 10 a.m.

13. All American Fourth

2800 E Spring Creek Parkway, Plano

July 4; 6-10 p.m.

With an ice-cold snow cone from N.Y.O. SNO in hand and a dazzling fireworks show up above at Oak Point Park, Plano’s All American 4th is going to be a magical celebration. Before the fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m., you can hang out on the lawn (BYOB: bring your own blanket!) and enjoy games and activities with the whole family.

14. Fireworks on Main

5300 Main Street, Plano

July 4; 5-10 p.m.

Fireworks on Main is a fun community celebration with live music, food trucks, and a booming fireworks display. This is the biggest event in Rowlett this summer, featuring a variety of vendors and a kids’ area that will keep them entertained all evening.

15. 4th of July Independence Day Celebration

108 E Washington Street, Rockwall

July 4; 11 a.m., 5-9 p.m.

After a festive parade in downtown Rockwall in the morning, everyone is gathering at Harry Meyers Park for more patriotic fun for the 4th of July Independence Day Celebration. Grab dinner at a local food truck, then enjoy live music and family fun (kids can take advantage of the splash pad and multiple playgrounds on site). Fireworks begin at dusk.

16. City of Wylie Fireworks

851 Hensley, Wylie

July 3; 7:30-10 p.m.

Wylie’s day-before celebration is short and sweet—yet packed full of excitement. There will be a live DJ, food trucks, a bounce house, and a water spray area for kids hosted by Wylie Fire. Incredible fireworks reaching heights of 250-500 feet high begin at 9:45 p.m.

17. Fourth of July Fireworks

4372 Shepherd Lane, Balch Springs

June 28; 5-10 p.m.

The City of Balch Springs is so excited for fireworks, it’s hosting a fireworks show the Saturday before! Come here for live music, yummy grub, bounce houses, and a dazzling display of colorful fireworks at 9 p.m.

18. Family 4th Celebration

3555 Brand Road, Richardson

July 4; 6-10 p.m.

Wear red, white, and blue when attending Richardson’s Family 4th Celebration. This event is all about the US, from the patriotic tunes played by the Richardson Community Band to the fireworks show that’ll make you proud to be an American.

19. Sparks & Stripes

501 E Las Colinas Boulevard, Irving

July 3; 7 p.m.

Long before fireworks paint the night sky at Irving’s Sparks and Stripes, you’ll get to see a patriotic flyover and listen to live music. When it’s time for the lights show, you’ll be amazed by the 525 drones soaring overhead, plus almost 20 minutes of fireworks set to patriotic music. If you aren’t too tired, come back the next morning at 9 a.m. for a parade and live music.

20. Lake Cities 4th of July

101 E Hundley Dr., Lake Dallas

June 28; 9 a.m, 4-9:30 p.m.

America’s birthday deserves an all-day party, which is why Lake Cities is hosting its 4th of July event on June 28. Kick off the festivities with a 9 a.m. parade, then come back at 4 p.m. to visit the market. There are several contests throughout the day—including a watermelon eating contest—as well as tethered hot air balloon rides, live music, and fireworks at 9 p.m.

Related: 11 phenomenal 4th of July firework shows in Houston