Looking for a new way to spend this firecracker- and hot dog-themed national holiday? We’ve taken the guesswork out this year to make sure your Fourth of July is a memorable one. From the traditional fireworks extravaganza to more unique locales, you can find the perfect event to suit your personal Independence Day style.

www.williespicnic.com
This Texas tradition, the annual Willie Nelson concert and fireworks display, will take place this year at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Take the whole family to what promises to be a celebration you won’t want to miss. From Merle Haggard and Los Lonely Boys to the ever-popular headliners Willie Nelson and Family (featuring the Calhoun Brothers and Kris Kristofferson), musical luminaries will certainly be in abundance. This site provides you with ticket information, directions and a complete list of events. This is a great resource for making the trip easy and fun.

www.austinsymphony.com
If you’re in the mood for a more conventional holiday celebration, look no further than Austin Symphony’s annual performance at Zilker Park. Enjoy fireworks and the beautiful melodies of the symphony while picnicing and star-gazing. Zilker Park accommodates thousands of attendees to this event each year, making it the largest Fourth of July celebration in Austin. That evening, patriotic tunes including the 1812 Overture will accompany a fireworks show over Town Lake. A shuttle will be provided from Waterloo Park, near East 15th Street, from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The festivities begin at 8:30 p.m. at the northeast triangle of Zilker Park.

www.tourtexas.com
How about a rodeo or a fishing fiesta to celebrate Independence Day? This site provides you with a listing of eclectic activities that are no more than a day-trip away. Some notable events include: the 80th Annual Fourth of July Celebration and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (P.R.C.A) Rodeo in Belton (featuring a barbecue, parade and fiddle contest), the annual Freeport Fishing Fiesta and the Pecos Rodeo. Maps, schedules and brochures are all available on this efficiently organized site.

http://ci.round-rock.tx.us/parks-rec/july_fourth.html
Be a part of a unique two-day celebration, beginning July 3 at 10 a.m in Round Rock. This event incorporates the history of Williamson County as well as the United States with a Western traditions-themed parade in downtown Round Rock. All visitors will have a chance to watch the city transform into the Wild West, complete with a re-enactment of the Sam Bass Shootout. Enjoy arts and crafts, volleyball, horseshoes and much more. And on the Fourth of July, free watermelon will be served in Old Settler’s Park, along with a fireworks show (featuring the Austin Symphonic Band) to punctuate the evening.