Don’t go illegal on us and try setting off fireworks in your backyard. DFW has tons of options for you if you’re looking for a great fireworks show or just somewhere to take the kiddos and celebrate our country’s independence. A large number of them are Free too! Texas doesn’t have all this space for nothing ya know. From all across the metroplex fireworks will be flying into the air for all onlookers to see. If you’re lucky your neighborhood will offer even more. (parades, food, music, crafts, movies, concerts, etc..)
Check out all the options you have for this weekend’s festivities:
**Addison: KaboomTown! At Addison Circle Park**
Addison’s annual KaboomTown! Is a great way to celebrate your 4th of July and probably one of my favorites. They have even been ranked among the top fireworks shows in the US and take it from me (a true lover of Fireworks), they are truly worthy of the title! When attending Kaboom Town! I was definitely impressed by the show. It’s not real short and disappointing like many others but a half hour spectacle. The music that accompanies only makes it even better. Not only do you get to enjoy an awesome air show, with food and live music, but you can stick by after the fireworks for a Free movie showing in the open field area. At least that’s what they’ve done in the past. This year the Addison Kaboom Town! After Party will feature Emerald City on the Dos Equis Stage at about 10:15pm. Another thing that makes KaboomTown! Unique is that they typically celebrate on the 3rd of July while everyone else sticks to the 4th, so if you’re REAL into Independence Day and great fireworks shows you might just be able to check out Addison as well as another city the day after! Kaboom Town! Will take place on Sunday, July 3rd from 5pm to midnight.
Here’s a look at last year’s show, compliments of OakLawnTV (it’s even better in person):
Click here for a Map/Directions
For even more info click Here.
Dallas Fair Park: Fair Park Fourth
Another Big and Free fireworks event is Dallas’ Fair Park Fourth! If you’re also brave enough to venture in the masses check out this family-fun event that will feature Grammy-nominated Stefani Little Band. You can also go by the Esplanade Fountain for some “dancing water” shows and of course concessions are available for purchase. Guests will be viewing the fireworks right from the famous Cotton Bowl which you can enter into from Gate D. Join Dallas residents at Fair Park Fourth on Monday July 4th from 4:30pm – 10:00pm. Although admission is Free you may have to pay about $10 for parking.
For more info click here
Plano: Plano All-American 4th!
Calling all proud Americans living in Plano!! A special 4th of July fireworks event has been planned for you this Monday from 9:30-10:45pm so pack up the lawn chairs and blankets! Gather your family and friends for one of the best light shows in north Texas. You will enjoy fireworks synchronized to patriotic music at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve.
Lake Cities
Lake Cities will be doing it BIG on the 4th! That’s the only way to celebrate in Texas though!
The Lake Cities of Corinth, Hickory Creek, Lake Dallas and Shady Shores will all unite for a one-of-a-kind 4th of July blow-out celebration on Monday. The park will be filled with Independence Day festivities including a hometown parade at 9 AM. Throughout the day you can also find contests for cash prizes, great food, a vendor market and live entertainment throughout the day. For the kids they’ll have a free play area that includes water slides, bounce houses and other games. “Lake Cities Idol” will have 10 talented artists perform for cash prizes. Justin Cash will perform at 4pm and then Eleven Hundred hits the stage at 7pm. If all you’re interested in is fireworks show that is scheduled at 9:15pm.
Dallas Arts District: Star Spangled Spectacular at Meyerson Symphony Center
Grab some cold ice cream, a classic sing-a-long and an 11-ft Uncle Sam and you’ve got yourself an Independence day downtown special. At the Meyerson you’ll enjoy an indoor firework extravaganza. Yes, that means you can watch fireworks WITH air conditioning. However, indoor facilities can also sometimes equate to admission fee. Tickets for this event will range from $16-$38. For more information click here or call 214-670-3600.
Dallas Arboretum: Fourth of July Concert
On July 3rd the Dallas Arboretum will be holding live concert. Enjoy rock n’ roll classics with the family over a picnic in the park. Soldiers and veterans receive free admission with military ID and the price for everyone else is between $7-$12.
Address: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens – 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX
Downtown McKinny: Red, White and Boom!
This free, day-long Fourth celebration includes a car show, a parade and music of course. The festivities start at 10 a.m.in Historic Downtown McKinney. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m at Craig Ranch.
For more info click here
Dallas Highland Park: Park Cities Fourth of July Parade
The Rotary Club of Park Cities is hosting the annual Fourth of July Parade at Highland Park Town Hall. For the complete parade route visit uptexas.org as well as a schedule of other activties.
Address: 4700 Drexel Drive, Dallas, TX
Lone Star Park: Lone Stars & Stripes Celebration
Hey patriotic horse lovers! This two-day event with thoroughbred horse races, petting zoos, face painters and a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado giveaway. Talk about a party! You won’t want to miss the 20-minute choreographed fireworks display on July 3 AND 4. If you miss the 3rd you get a second opportunity on our actual Independence Day! Tickets range from $8 to $30.
For more info click here
You Can also call 972-263-PONY
Arlington Highlands: 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza & Concert
Enjoy Free music and fireworks this Monday at Arlington Highlands, home to 99 retail/restaurant members. If you want a good spot arrive early. There will also be free face painting and sno cones between 7 & 9pm. The first 2,000 sno cones are free and then they will start charging $1 per cone afterwards. As this is a family friendly event, please leave the alcoholic beverages at home. The best viewing for the fireworks show will be on the eastern edge of the shopping & dining center (towards Dave&Busters). You can find the main stage next to Dave & Busters located on the northeast corner of the Arlington Highlands. A free concert will be held by Beatles’ tribute band Hard Day & Night, and then the fireworks take place at 9:30pm.
For more info click Here
For a map and driving directions, click here.
*Arlington Highlands is located in Arlington, Texas on I-20 at Matlock Road (the northeast corner of the intersection of I-20 and Matlock, north of I-20 between Matlock Road and Center Street).
Arlington: Ranger Stadium Fireworks Show
This year Rangers fans will be treated to a special Captain America – Disney Independence Day Fireworks Show after the 7:05pm matchup between the Rangers and Orioles. It’s a tradition for the Texas Rangers fans to get a fireworks show in the stadium each year so this year will be no different. Enjoy a great MLB game and some sky high spectacles too! It can’t get much better! Fireworks will not be held at the annual parade so you can either head to the ballpark or Highlands for a show.
Arlington: Light Up Arlington
Sunday, July 3rd marks the annual fireworks festival including an explosive night of entertainment. Light Up Arlington is held downtown at Founders Plaza and Levitt Pavilion. You can take part in a night filled with live music, great food and children’s activities, not to mention the thrilling fireworks show. The live music starts at 6 o’clock with BMX demos at both 7pm and 8pm. All the vendors booths will close by 10:30pm.
Click Here for more info.
**For information on the City of Arlington’s 4th of July Parade click here!**
Oftentimes, just because a city sells fireworks, doesn’t mean you’re allowed to set them off in that same city. Make sure you know your city’s regulations. Remember you’re better off safe than sorry! With our lack of rain, a number of cities have banned fireworks and here is a list according to county:
Dallas County
Cities that ban fireworks include: Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Garland, Highland Park, Irving, and Richardson.
Status: Legal to set off fireworks in unincorporated areas only.
The only place where the discharge of fireworks is allowed is in unincorporated areas, which in Dallas County is a very small area.
Tarrant County
Cities that ban fireworks include: Fort Worth, Arlington, and North Richland Hills.
Status: Ban on the use of fireworks anywhere in the county.
Due to a county-wide burn ban passed in late June, no fireworks can be set off anywhere, even in unincorporated areas.
Collin County
Cities that ban fireworks include: Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, and Wylie.
Status: Legal to set off fireworks in unincorporated areas, with exceptions.
Ellis County
Cities that ban fireworks include: Waxahachie, Ennis, and Midlothian.
Status: Ban on use of fireworks anywhere in the county.