North Austin News

The City of Austin and the Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) will host the 47th edition of the Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4 Concert & Fireworks Celebration, presented by H-E-B. This free, family-friendly event is now produced in partnership with Forefront Networks and will feature performances by the ASO under Music Director Peter Bay, along with various local sponsors.

The celebration will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2024, starting at 4 p.m. at Auditorium Shores and the Long Center (800 W Riverside Dr., Austin, TX 78704). The evening will include a patriotic celebration with food and drink options, live entertainment from musicians and DJs, and an annual fireworks show accompanied by a live symphony performance.

The schedule begins at 4 p.m. with opening musical acts starting around 5 p.m. Performances will continue until 8 p.m., followed by the Master of Ceremonies from 8-8:45 p.m., and then the Austin Symphony Orchestra from 8:45-9:30 p.m. The night will conclude with a “mile high” fireworks show.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs but are advised against bringing pets except for trained service dogs. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from various vendors. Outside grills/cooking, alcohol, glass containers, or personal fireworks (including sparklers) are prohibited at Auditorium Shores. Attendees should review allowed and prohibited items before arriving and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

Transportation options include ADA-accessible parking at Palmer Event Center Garage and One Texas Center. Road closures around Auditorium Shores will begin at approximately 7 p.m., affecting sections of South First Street and West Riverside Drive. Roads in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood will remain open to local traffic only. Detailed road closure maps are available on the City’s event web page.

Lady Bird Lake between the railroad trestle bridge and South First Street bridge will be closed to all watercraft from 8 p.m. to midnight for safety reasons.

The Austin Police Department, Austin Fire Department, and Austin-Travis County EMS are collaborating to ensure a safe environment for attendees. The public is encouraged to familiarize themselves with signs of heat-related illness, get vaccinated, use hand sanitizer frequently, wash hands often, and stay home if feeling unwell.

Founded in 1911, the Austin Symphony Orchestra is Austin’s oldest performing arts group offering a full season of musical and educational programming including Masterworks Series concerts running monthly from September through May at Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts.

The Austin Center for Events (ACE) is a collaborative assembly of City of Austin departments designed to streamline special event permitting on public and private property.

For more information about the event or to view additional details about road closures or safety tips, visit Starspangledfest.com/july-4.