How to celebrate Fourth of July weekend in Austin
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Willie Nelson's annual July Fourth picnic will be Saturday at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. Photo: Rick Kern/WireImage
Austin is gearing up for a lively July Fourth as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.
The big picture: From Willie Nelson's annual picnic to fireworks over Lady Bird Lake, here are our favorite shows, celebrations and giveaways all weekend long.
Pro tip: An Austin law firm is offering 1,000 Uber vouchers to prevent drunken driving.
- Fill out the form on this webpage to receive your voucher — while supplies last.
🏊♀️ Pool parties
Looking to lounge? There are plenty of spots to cool off, whether you're after rooftop vibes or a front-row seat to the city's fireworks.
- Austin Proper Hotel's La Piscina pool deck will host DJ sets Friday and Saturday at 6pm. RSVP for free, but arrive early to make sure you get a spot.
- Watch Austin's fireworks display from the newly renovated Hyatt Regency pool, featuring live music and cabana rentals. Locals are invited all day. Free.
- Hotel Magdalena's pool is open to hotel guests and locals Friday and Saturday, with live music, food and drinks. Music starts at 3pm Friday and 1pm Saturday. Free.
🎆 Firework shows
Think twice before lighting your own fireworks. It's illegal to possess or use them within city limits. Instead, head to one of these displays for a safer (and bigger) show:
- The city is hosting its annual fireworks show and concert from the Austin Symphony Orchestra at Auditorium Shores. Entertainment starts at 4:30pm, free.
- The Hill Country Galleria will host its Independence Day Festival with fireworks, backyard games and live music. 4-10pm, free.
🎶 Live music
From country legends to sunrise dance parties, Austin's music scene is in full swing this Fourth of July weekend.
- The Mushroom Cowboy and The Concourse Project are hosting "The Morning Spin" Saturday, with house music, drinks, food trucks and exclusive merch at Auditorium Shores. 10am-1pm, tickets start at $38.
- Catch music from Wilco, Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings and more at Willie Nelson's annual Fourth of July picnic and fireworks at Germania Insurance Amphitheater. 3:30pm, $78.
🍽️ Restaurant and bar deals
Bars and restaurants are serving up holiday specials, themed parties and family-friendly fun.
- Hotel Vegas and Volstead Lounge will host its annual hotdog eating contest Saturday, along with a World Cup viewing party beginning at 11am. Hotdog contest signups are at 6pm. Glizzy guzzling starts at 8pm. Free.
- Hole in the Wall's annual Hole-A-Palooza 4th of July 90s tribute fest brings a day of nostalgic music and food vendors. Music starts at 4pm, $24.
- Meanwhile Brewing Co. will host World Cup watch parties and a family-friendly Fourth of July Fest, with face painting, a cornhole tournament and specials from the brewery's food trucks. 10:30am-7pm, free.