Fiesta just ended, but the celebrations continue — this time for the Fourth of July. With most Independence Day events canceled last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, the return of picnics, parades, and fireworks are being celebrated all around San Antonio and beyond. This weekend, people will once again come together in red, white, and blue for a host of festivities. Here are a few weekend pastime ideas.
Independence Day at the Alamo
Come by the Alamo Plaza for a three-day Independence Day celebration with live music, weaponry demonstrations, and fun games. Visitors will have a chance to sign a giant Declaration of Independence.
Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza
Free
Stars, Stripes, and Lights
For four days the River Walk will be covered in Independence Day decor, providing a scenic backdrop for a stroll. The Artisan Show will be open Friday through Monday with over 40 booths selling handmade pottery, textiles, jewelry, woodwork, paintings, beadwork, and more. The Monday show will end three hours early, at 8 p.m.
Friday-Monday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
The San Antonio River Walk
Free
Oak Park Northwood Neighborhood Parade
Bring along wagons, bikes, family, pets to celebrate the 25th annual Oak Park Northwood Neighborhood Parade. A crowd dressed in red, white, and blue will march in San Antonio’s largest residential Fourth of July parade.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon
Northwood Presbyterian Church Parking Lot, 518 Pike Rd.
Free
Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration in Castroville
The town of Castroville is throwing an all-day celebration. Join from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a parade, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a shopping stroll, and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a traditional fireworks show with music and food.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Castroville Chamber of Commerce, 1115 Angelo St. for the parade, food, and shopping
Castroville Regional Park, 816 Alsace Ave. for fireworks
Free
Armed Forces River Parade
Just days after the Texas Cavaliers’ River Parade for Fiesta, the river barges will come out again near the Arneson River Theatre. Commemorate independence by watching 18 star-spangled floats motor down the river to patriotic, rock, and pop music.
Saturday, 11 a.m.-noon
The San Antonio River Walk, 418 Villita St.
Free
Helotes Independence Day Celebration
The City of Helotes is hosting its Independence Day celebration at the Helotes Festival Grounds. Start the evening with food, drinks, and arts and crafts and stay until 9:30 p.m. for a fireworks show accompanied by live music.
Saturday, 6 p.m.-midnight
Helotes Festival Grounds, 12210 Leslie Rd.
Free
Free screening: Princess and the Frog
Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks to watch the family-favorite Princess and the Frog at the Mission Marquee Plaza. Food trucks will be available on-site, and pets are welcome. No pre-registration is needed.
Saturday, 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Mission Marquee Plaza, 3100 Roosevelt Ave.
Free
Musical show at Woodlawn Theatre
Begin the Fourth of July festivities early with a show at Woodlawn Theatre. On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, a crowd-pleasing and uplifting musical that will start the weekend right. Reduced ticket prices are available for students, children, seniors, and the military. Buy tickets here.
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Woodlawn Theatre, 1920 Fredericksburg Rd.
$18-$30
Pioneer Firecracker 5K Fun Run/Walk
Wear your patriotic colors for the annual Pioneer Firecracker 5K run/walk in Leon Valley. The best-dressed participants get a prize, and the top three finishers of the race are awarded medals. The route is suitable for strollers and dogs. Registration is $30, and children 12 and under with a paid adult can participate free of charge. Proceeds benefit the Leon Valley Historical Society, which is working to restore the Huebner-Onion Homestead and Stagecoach Stop on Bandera Road. Registration for the run is available here.
Sunday, 6:30 a.m.-noon
6828 Poss Rd., Leon Valley
$0-$30
Fourth of July Jubilee in Schertz
In a tribute to freedom and military service members, the City of Schertz is holding an all-day July Fourth party that includes a downtown parade, live music, a chalk art contest, and fireworks, of course.
Sunday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Pickrell Park, 703 Oak St., Schertz
Free
Annual Monte Vista Fourth of July Parade
Join the Monte Vista Historical Association for free breakfast tacos, an annual parade, and a costume competition. Winners will receive prizes from local businesses. There will be no picnic after the parade this year.
Sunday, 9 a.m.-noon
La Fonda on Main, 2415 N. Main Ave.
Free
Salute to America’s Heroes at Morgan’s Wonderland
Enjoy free hotdogs and apple pie with an accessible dance party, rides, garden, picnic area, and more. Morgan’s Wonderland is offering reduced $13 admission prices to military personnel (active duty and retired), first responders, and members of their immediate families who present valid ID cards. Guests with special needs and children under 2 receive free admission. Ticket prices can be found here.
Sunday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Morgan’s Wonderland, 5223 David Edwards Dr.
$0-$19
City of San Antonio’s official Fourth of July celebration
The City of San Antonio’s official Independence Day celebration is back at Woodlawn Lake Park, courtesy of the San Antonio Parks Foundation and the Parks & Recreation Department. Come with family in the morning for food trucks and local vendors serving barbecue, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, and aguas frescas. The evening program will begin at 5 p.m. with a 30-minute “Welcome Salute” presented by H-E-B, one of the event’s sponsors. The U.S. Air Force Band of the West will begin performing at 7:30 p.m. and will play until the Fireworks Extravaganza starts at 9 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave.
Free
Monster Jam
To watch 12,000-pound trucks doing gravity-defying tricks, look no further than the Alamodome. In this Monster Jam competition, legendary Grave Digger, Max-D, Megalodon, and many more will push their limits in a show for the entire family. Purchase tickets here.
Sunday, 3 p.m.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.
$22-$120
City of Boerne’s fireworks show
The City of Boerne is hosting its annual fireworks show, sponsored by the Boerne Fire Department, at the City Park. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks to enjoy the evening with family and friends. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash.
Sunday, 9:15 p.m.
City Park, 106 City Park Rd.
Free
