Highland Lakes communities celebrate Independence Day
Fireworks over Lake LBJ during a past AquaBoom in Kingsland. Photo by Mark Stracke
Highland Lakes communities light up the night on America’s 249th birthday on Friday, July 4, one year from the 250th birthday, or semiquincentennial.
America’s Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and signed by the Second Continental Congress on Aug. 2 that same year, which was two years into an eight-year battle for independence from Great Britain. Called the American Revolutionary War, the Revolutionary War, or the American War of Independence, it was fought from April 19, 1775-Sept. 3, 1783.
Freedom from the monarchy was first celebrated in Philadelphia in 1777, before the war was even over. Congress made the Fourth of July a national holiday in 1870, the most important secular holiday in America.
Highland Lakes communities celebrate Independence Day with fireworks shows, live music, parades, and more, with some parties lasting for days. Make your plans early!
AquaBoom
UPDATE: AquaBoom postponed until Aug. 30-31 due to flooding. Kingsland holds several days of Independence Day activities. The main events are July 3-5 with a fireworks show over Lake LBJ on the Fourth of July. The lakeside community has claimed the biggest Independence Day party for over 50 years now.
This year’s events include three parades, an arts-and-crafts show, a patriotic costume contest, a classic car show, live entertainment, horseshoe and washer tournaments, street dances, a rubber ducky race, and more. Details are at kingslandaquaboom.org.
Marble Falls fireworks show
UPDATE: Fireworks show canceled due to flooding. The celebration at Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive, includes vendors (5 p.m.) and live music (7 p.m.). Fireworks explode over Lake Marble Falls at dark. Lakeside Pool will be open all day for free swimming. Details at marblefallstx.gov.
Llano fireworks
CORRECTION: The annual Rock’n Riverfest was not scheduled to take place in 2025. A previous version of this story incorrectly used old information about a past festival. DailyTrib.com apologizes for the error. The city of Llano will have a fireworks show at dark on July 4 at Badu Park, 300 Legion Drive in Llano.
Krause Springs fireworks
Show up at Krause Springs, 424 CR 404 in Spicewood, after 7 p.m. July 4, and admission to see the fireworks is free. Gates close at 8 p.m., so get there early. Fireworks begin after sundown. No pets or glass items allowed. You can also see the Krause Springs fireworks from Spicewood Elementary School, 1005 Spur 191, or along CR 412. Details at krausesprings.net.
Johnson City 4th Fest
The 4th Fest Independence Day Parade in Johnson City begins at 10 a.m. July 4 at LBJ High School, 505 N. Nugent Ave. Fireworks and a street dance are set for the evening at the Blanco County Annex, 101 E. Cypress St. Details at johnsoncitytx.org/parade.
Briggs and Oakalla Community Fireworks
A Independence Day party and fireworks show are 7-10 p.m. July 3 at Faurie’s End of the Trail, 3225 U.S. 183 in Briggs. Event includes a bouncy house, ice cream trucks, and food. Coolers welcome. No glass bottles or outside fireworks. Details here.
Horseshoe Bay parades
Horseshoe Bay celebrates the Fourth by land and by water with a street parade at 9:30 a.m., a dog parade at 10:30 a.m., and a boat parade at 10:30 a.m. A patriotic program will be held at 11:30 a.m. at Quail Point Lodge. Get the parade route here.