4 Favorite Activities for the 4th of July

When it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July, Central Texas doesn’t hold back. Whether you're a local looking for the best small-town traditions or a visitor chasing that laid-back, stars-and-stripes summer feeling, you’ll find the perfect spot to spend Independence Day right here in the heart of the Texas Low Prairie. From firework finales and family-friendly parades to bull riding, BBQ, and brass bands, these four events deliver the kind of charm and excitement that make July 4th weekend unforgettable. 

Here are our favorite picks for celebrating America’s birthday near Bellville, Texas. 

Independence: Celebrate Independence in Independence 

Independence, TX may be best known for being the birthplace of Texas, but they make sure to go all out for America’s birthday, as well. If you’re looking for a family friendly, fun for all, evening event in the Low Prairie, this is going to be the perfect one for you. Featuring live music and dancing and fireworks, oh my!!  

They celebrate by shutting down the town square, and hosting a variety of events and activities, ending with a free fireworks extravaganza sponsored by HEB, so you KNOW it’s going to be good. There will be an entire evening of activities prior to the show featuring a golden hour parade and dance featuring live music by Riskey Liver Band. There will be food and drink for purchase, as well as kids' activities including bounce houses. 

Chappell Hill: Biggest Small-Town Parade 

While it might be a stretch to say it’s the biggest small-town parade, it sure is in our hearts. The 48^th Annual Chappell Hill Independence Day Parade kicks off at 10 am. This iconic celebration features exotic cars, floats, and marching groups looking to win a part of the $700 prize money. One of our favorite floats is the Veterans Float, led by the Patriot Guard Riders. Along with the floats, the best part of the whole parade is the World-Famous Marching Kazoo Band. If you’ve ever dreamed of participating in a parade, there’s still time!!! You’re able to join the World-Famous Marching Kazoo Band even during the parade. This is a great way to get involved, and if you have a flair for the dramatics, this is the perfect opportunity. 

After the parade, there will be live music from Bird Dog and Rob Moorman & Company, and Main Street will be closed for shopping, dining, face painting and family fun. We can say from experience that this parade is always a great time, and while we haven’t personally participated in the marching band, it’s our favorite part every year. 

Round Top: Longest Running 4th of July Celebration West of the Mississippi 

Folks travel in from all over Texas to enjoy a taste of an old school, local 4^th celebration. To announce the start of the parade, the town will fire an authentic Civil War Era cannon, and from there, the parade is led by Round Top’s famous Brass Band. Expect to see antique vehicles, trail riders on horseback, a longhorn cattle march, and, of course, intricately decorated handmade floats.  

Once the parade wraps up, the festivities shift a few blocks down to the historic Rifle Hall where a mouthwatering buffet lunch of BBQ is waiting for guests.  Besides the food, there are always multiple musicians playing throughout town. Last but not least, there will be a raffle to finish up the evening, and the prizes are nothing to sneeze at. If you’re yearning for a Fourth of July celebration that makes you  feel like it’s the good ole days, this is the 4^th celebration for you. When you have good food, good company, and good music, you can’t go wrong.  

Giddings: Fury on the Fourth 

Last, and most unique, Giddings hosts the annual event Fury on the Fourth where the Lee County Sheriff’s Posse and Giddings Volunteer Fire Department team up to host a day long spectacular. The event starts off with a relaxing day in the park with standard 4^th type of activities like delicious BBQ and an auction benefiting the local volunteer fire department. 

After an easy day, the Sheriff’s Posse hosts an electrifying night of Championship Bull Riding. Brave cowboys take on 1,500-pound bulls specifically bred for their bucking ability and athleticism. The cowboys are required to hang on for at least 8 seconds. For more information about bull riding and rodeos, click here (link to Rodeo 101 article). After the heart stopping bull riding, you can relax a bit by cheering for the kiddos as they take on mutton bustin’. The whole event is wrapped up in a huge firework display and a dance.  

While this might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it sure is ours and we’re planning on attending for our first time this year. Will we see you there? 

Choose Your Own Adventure 

Whether you're chasing cannon fire and longhorn parades, dancing under the stars, or cheering on bull riders before the fireworks fly, Central Texas offers a full lineup of unforgettable ways to celebrate the Fourth. These events each bring their own flair—rooted in tradition, bursting with local pride, and packed with good food, music, and summer joy. 

So wherever you end up this Independence Day, we hope it’s festive, fun, and full of hometown magic.