Hello Friday.
April 26 2024 |
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Unless you love bonding over a cul-de-sac cleanup, it’s nice to let someone else handle the Independence Day spectacle. Plus, local orgs are pros at showing off some incredible displays.
Consider us your one-stop firework shop. Keep reading to learn how to celebrate Independence Day in Central Texas this year, from a symphony by the lake to a party with Willie.
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If you get them to spell out ATXtoday, your next coffee’s on us. | Photo by Josh Byerly, @joshmbyerly |
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🎆 Fireworks displays
Downtown Austin | The annual Austin Symphony performance + fireworks show returns this year at Vic Mathias Shores (formerly Auditorium Shores). Even though this is a free event, VIP reservations for lawn tickets + terrace tables are also available.
Q2 Stadium | Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks is back in person after celebrating virtually in 2021. In addition to the Red-Headed Stranger himself, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Tyler Childers, and Brothers Osborne will perform — tickets start at $42.
The suburbs | Several of the cities surrounding Austin are hosting their own Fourth of July celebrations. Take a look at our interactive map to find a fireworks display near you.
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Do you have your own fireworks-viewing spots? Add them to our interactive map here. | Map by ATXtoday |
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🎇 Where to watch
Rooftops | Check out the fireworks in style from one of the many rooftop bars in downtown Austin — here’s our guide to the city’s best sky-high spots.
On the water | What’s more Austin than watching fireworks by the lake? Watching fireworks from the lake. Rent a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe to secure the best seats in town.
Pennybacker Bridge Overlook | Although it’s not an official firework-watching spot, this scenic overlook offers a stellar view of Austin’s skyline. 🧨 Firework safety
Did you know that larger fireworks explode at a diameter of 800+ ft (about as tall as Mount Bonnell)? Pretty incredible — until they go off on your lawn.
Due to ongoing drought and burn bans, some types of fireworks are banned in Travis, Williamson, Hays, Caldwell + Bastrop counties this weekend. Local officials urge residents to be extra cautious this holiday, so if you decide to DIY, follow these guidelines + stay safe.
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Today - W.C. Clark | Thurs., June 30 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Bucks Backyard, Buda | Free | Listen to “The Godfather of Austin Blues” live. 🎶
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Good Fight | Thurs., June 30 | 9:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. | Fallout Theater | $10+ | Catch a laugh at this standup + improv comedy show hosted by David Howe.
Friday -
Party At Independence: A Friday Night Comedy Show And Party | Fri., July 1 | 6-10 p.m. | Independence Brewing Company | $10+ | Kick off Independence Day celebrations at this Friday night comedy show. 🎙
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RTX Austin 2022 | Fri., July 1 - Sun., July 3 | Times vary | Austin Convention Center | $23+ | Join this podcasting, gaming, and animation convention for a weekend of nonstop entertainment.
Saturday Sunday -
Carpenter Hotel – BBQ Pool Party | Sun., July 3 | 1-6 p.m. | Carpenter Hotel | $55 | This hotel is kicking summer off with a classic backyard BBQ in celebration of July 4th weekend, featuring grilled eats, pool access, and live entertainment.
Monday |
We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends. |
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Weather - 96º | Mostly sunny | 18% chance of rain
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More rain could be headed to Central Texas today, due to a tropical disturbance spinning in the Gulf of Mexico. Track the weather patterns + how it could impact the Austin area here. (KXAN)
Announced -
South by Southwest is leaving the US for the first time. The famous Austin festival announced an event in Sydney, Australia in October 2023 with a similar lineup featuring panels, music, and film programming. Don't worry — the Austin festival isn't going anywhere. 🌟 (Austin American-Statesman)
Civic -
Almost a quarter of Austin water meters have been replaced with new digital water meters, as part of an Austin Water initiative to modernize infrastructure + encourage conservation. The utility service has replaced 50,000 meters so far, and hopes to complete the effort by 2025. 🚰
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The City of Austin is considering ways to improve the African American Cultural Heritage District in East Austin. Possible changes include creating an incentive program for creative-focused businesses, building an inventory of existing cultural assets, and pushing investment in the area. (Austin Monitor)
Environment -
Swimming at Jacob’s Well is suspended for the foreseeable future due to high bacteria levels + other pollutants in the water. Officials are monitoring the popular swimming hole near Wimberley, and will continue to update the public. (Austin American-Statesman)
Edu -
The UT System will spend $16.5 million over five years on mental health, alcohol education, and student safety initiatives. UT Austin will be the lead administrator of the effort. (Austin American-Statesman)
Holiday -
Austin's Parks and Recreation department will open Martin pool and Dottie Jordan pool in East Austin this Sun., July 3 for the Fourth of July. Ramsey pool on Burnet Road + south Austin's Mabel Davis pool will also reopen on Sun., July 10. 🏊 (KVUE)
Biz -
California-based Outer Aisle Gourmet — a plant-based consumer packaged goods company — has plans to open a 117,000-sqft manufacturing facility in Kyle. Construction on the site begins in January, and is expected to take about one year. 🏗 (Austin Business Journal)
Health -
Public health officials urge Austin residents to wear masks indoors and monitor symptoms of COVID-19 amid celebrations and travel this Fourth of July weekend. Travis County’s COVID threat level was recently upgraded to “medium.” (FOX 7)
Development -
Almost 2,500 new homes are coming to Elgin. The town’s city council recently approved the Brickston Municipal Utility District development, which will include 1,909 single-family homes, 476 multifamily units, and 112 duplexes. 🏘 (Austin Business Journal)
Coming Soon -
Garbo’s Fresh Maine Lobster will open another brick-and-mortar location in the former home of Counter Cafe on North Lamar Boulevard this September. Until then, munch on lobster rolls from the restaurant’s food trailer, which will open in the parking lot today. 🦞 (Eater Austin)
Stat -
28%. To qualify for a mortgage, lenders typically require that no more than 28% of your total monthly income (before taxes) can go toward housing, and no more than 36% of your monthly income can go toward your total monthly debt. Find out how much home you can afford.*
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Art lovers, take note: Works from Nigerian-born painter Njideka Akunyili Crosby will soon be on display at the Blanton Museum.
The paintings by the Los Angeles-based artist depict Akunyili Crosby’s experience as a Black woman and showcase her unique technique of photo-transferring family photos, magazine images, and catalogs.
Stop by the Blanton starting Sat., July 23 to see the works in person. But if you can’t wait until then, take a look at what’s on display now.
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