Ring in America’s 246th birthday with style.
Insummer , there are only two times of mean solar day most Texans will maltreat outside ( unlesstubingor aswimming holeis involved)—before dawn and after fall . Otherwise , it ’s AC all the fashion . That ’s why pyrotechnic events are so much fun . We not only get to stretch our pegleg in the great open air , revel fab company , and feast on anything with tall mallow , we get to watch things explode . This year ’s July Fourth fireworks are back — once again at Auditorium Shores . If it ’s your first time , by all means , get in early ( like , exceedingly ahead of time ) to snag a pip at the prescribed festivity . But if you require our advice , make like a seasoned Austinite and go for one of the less busy , way more fun , substitute spots . You ’ll beat out the gang , wreak your own food anddrink , and have a far more wonderful metre , without the stress of parking , we foretell . Here ’s our pick of the good places to grab the firework .
Downtown’s rooftop bars: Geraldine’s, Rules & Regs, and Edge
The downtown hotels perched on the lake all feature excellent views across from Auditorium Shores . Head for their rooftop cake if the ground story patios do n’t suffice . Our selection of the bunch includeGeraldine’satop Hotel Van Zandt , known for their excellent springy euphony program;Rules & Regsatop Fairmont Austin , adjacent to the magnanimous hotel pool downtown ; andEdgeatop JW Marriott , which strike hard out a delicious Piña Colada . If you ’re feeling extra splashy , you and your pals can book a top - flooring room confront the action at law .
Downtown’s apartment buildings
Thankfully , not all the lakefront real estate opposite Auditorium Shores is made up of hotels . There are also a number of apartment buildings deserving nagging your connection to rent you come watch the fireworks . The best for unobstructed view are the two Gables buildings by Lamar Blvd Bridge . Just stock up a YETI full of treats , find a spot , and your individual party is all set .
Lady Bird Lake Trail
One of our fave pick ( and easiest for last - second planning ) is the 10 - Swedish mile Lady Bird Lake Trail that describe the areas surrounding all the action . convey a blanket and have a picnic while you wait for the show to commence , or get some supererogatory footstep in with a promenade over to Austin ’s belovedLick Honest Ice Creams .
Ladybird lake
To scramble the crowds with the same Lady Bird Lake Trail estimation , why not see the show from the weewee itself ? you could rent a canoe , kayak , or paddleboard from spots likeAustin row Club , or if you ’re a true Austinite , play your own inflatable . We suggest starting at S. First Street , paddling to S. Lamar Blvd , and finishing at Lou Neff Point , a shallow part of the lake where revelers often congregate . For an elevated alteration , take a boat . Virgin Experiencesoffer private dinner cruises for up to four people , so you could come close enough to hear the Austin Symphony Orchestra live .
Congress Bridge
If you ’re new in town or are host visitors , then you might as well kill two bat with one stone . ( Metaphorically speaking , of course . ) Congress Bridge is where the tourer delineate up to see thousands of Mexican Free - tailed bats issue for their every night feeding . This only happens in the warmer calendar month at dusk , so following the bat show , you may as well stick around on Congress Bridge for the firework display .
Barton Creek Square Mall
It may be behind the main event , but when it comes to fireworks there is no backward position . This secret blot is a pet of local anesthetic looking for nimble viewing in the comfort of their fomite — the parking peck unremarkably has splendid vistas of the sparkling sky . Best of all , you have access to refreshment and bathrooms in the mall .
Zilker Park, Rock Island Park, and Deep Eddy Park
In a similar vein to the trail , cumulate your pals and picnic at one of the closed circuit ’s adjoining park . Zilker , Rock Island , and Deep Eddy have some of the good views , and chances are you ’ll have a celebratory bunch of unexampled pals to mix with . Y’all might wanna halt off atAustin Eastcidersfor a few extra cans on the way .
Austin Symphony Orchestra
Flickr/Chris Zerbes
