Are you ready for an all American holiday weekend?  If you want to enjoy a good ol’ Americana celebration, spend the 4th of July weekend in Irving.  Join us for our annual Independence Day Celebration – A Tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces.  There’s something for everyone – fireworks, a downtown parade, food, music, a reception, and more. With all of these activities, we wouldn’t want you to miss a thing.  So please allow me to plan your holiday weekend itinerary.

For more events in Irving and around the area, check the events calendar.

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Have Some Breakfast

Joe's

Let’s start your day off with an all American breakfast. Irving just happens to have some great restaurants right in our historic downtown area.  Joe’s Coffee Shop opens at 5:30 a.m. and offers all kinds of breakfast delights, such as omelets, pancakes, waffles, and lots of meat and egg combinations. Plus it's close the parade route. 

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Watch a Parade

parade

Location: Downtown Irving, Heritage District
Price: Free
When: July 4, 9 a.m.
Your 4th of July celebration wouldn’t be complete without an Independence Day parade.  Can’t you just hear the marching bands now?  Our award-winning parade features community organizations, businesses and families. There’ll be floats, costumes, custom vehicles and more. It’s the delight of every child to see what’s coming just around the corner. Learn More

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Enjoy a Reception

Watermelon Reception

Location: Heritage Park
Price: Free
When: July 4 following the parade, around 10 a.m.
Immediately following the parade, which is usually around 10:00 a.m., everyone gathers at Heritage Park for a down home reception.  There’s plenty of room under the two shaded arbors, or you can find a seat on a bench or at the picnic tables.  Leo Hull and the Texas Blues Machine will provide some original Texas Roadhouse Blues, and while you’re listening to music, bite into some delicious watermelon, while supplies last.  Or lead the kids over to get an airbrush tattoo and a free balloon. Learn More

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Grab Some Lunch

Big State Root Beer Float

Location: Heritage Park
Price: Free
When: July 4 following the parade, around 10 a.m.

From Heritage Park, you’re within walking distance to Big State Fountain Grill, where they’re serving $1 beers (with the purchase of a meal) all day long on July 4.  Brian Reinhart with The Dallas Observer (27 June 2016) says that “Big State’s diner food is darn good . . . serving thin, well-seasoned burgers with a good sear . . . and they are wizards of tater tots and onion rings . . .”   I could bite into one right now. And then after lunch might be a good time to grab a siesta for a bit.

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Experience Americana at Heritage House before the Fireworks

Fourth of july

Location: Lake Carolyn, 601 E. Las Colinas Blvd. 75039.  Click here for this year’s parking map.
Price: Free
When: July 4, 6 p.m.

Fun!  At 6, the children’s fun zone and food court will be open, including an 80’ zip line, giant trampoline, obstacle course and more.  Our special guest, Uncle Sam, will be roaming the crowd looking for photo ops.  Be sure to tag #VisitIrving when you upload your pics to social media.  Also, grab a free flag from the event staff or get a patriotic tattoo (temporary), while supplies last.

Food! For dinner, you can bring your own cooler.  But why bother when there are over a dozen food vendors lining the street with a wide variety of food to choose from?  The list is too long to mention here, but let’s just say there’s something for everyone. 

Music! You’re in for a double treat.  First at 7 p.m., American Aquarium will be playing some raw, rootsy rock & roll on the main stage. Then, at 9:15 p.m. the Irving Symphony Orchestra will start off with some patriotic marches in preparation for the fireworks show.

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And Let the Show Begin!

Fourth of July Fireworks

Location: Lake Carolyn, 601 E. Las Colinas Blvd. 75039.  Click here for this year’s parking map.
Price: Free
When: July 4, 9 p.m.

Performing live, the Irving Symphony will play during the evening’s Grand Finale - a 20 minute fireworks spectacular!  The best viewing location for the show is within the event grounds where you’ll have an unobstructed view.  But if you can’t make it to the event, you can still watch the fireworks from afar and tune into 1080 AM for a live simulcast of the symphony’s performance.  Learn More

How’s that for a day full of fun in the sun and delights at night?  Now, like any good neighbor, I have to tell you about the “Be Sure’s.” 

  • The weather will be as hot as a firecracker, so be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen during the daytime and stay hydrated during outdoor activities.
  • For the concerts and fireworks show, be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.
  • If you take a shuttle from one of the parking garages, be sure to leave your pets at home.  They’re not allowed on the shuttles.
  • If you bring your well-behaved dog to the concert, be sure that fur child is leashed.  Also, be sure to bring them home before the fireworks begin. 
  • Most of all … be sure to have fun!

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For more events in Irving and around the area, check the events calendar.