The Independence Day is finally here. If you’re looking to celebrate our Nation’s biggest party with something more than beer, BBQ and fireworks, we’ve gathered a list of our favorite spots featuring the most exciting events in Austin.
Domo Alley-Gato Tatsu-Ya
Domo Alley-Gato is hosting the inaugural Ban Ban Dog Eating Contest in search for the person who has what it takes to reign Top Cat. A new competition will begin every hour, on the hour from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; contestants are encouraged to arrive early to register to participate. The Ban Ban Dog is a Tatsu-Ya take on the hot dog, made with a panko brioche bun stuffed with curry chili, topped with teriyaki, honey aioli and cabbage.
Buy-in fee is $20 per person. Rules and more can be found below as well as HERE. | 1600 E 6th St (next door to Ramen Tatsu-Ya)
Scholz Garten
Celebrate 4th of July in the oldest, continually running Biergarten in America before you head downtown to the firework display! Scholz Garten is excited to host a Backyard BBQ on Thursday, July 4 – the event is free and open to the public, and will feature music by DJ Giant Hornets from Japan spinning from 2 to 6 p.m. Scholz will have hot dogs, barbecue, burgers, beer specials, a snow cone machine, Biergarten games and will be offering free popsicles.
La Condesa
La Condesa has announced the return of Summer of Ceviche, featuring a rotating selection of ceviche specials to pair perfectly with the Texas heat. Inspired by the freshest catches available, Executive Chef Rick Lopez and team will serve bi-weekly specials relying on sustainably-sourced seafood and local produce. Each rotation of ceviche aims to highlight a regional style of preparation. Now until July 4th, La Condesa will honor Tijuana with El Terrible (golden tilefish, guajillo-citrus broth, red jalapeño, avocado, cebollitas, pasilla salt, tomato) and Rosarita (Louisiana white shrimp, cucumber, serrano, avocado, chive oil, celery, avocado).
Carpenter Hotel
The Carpenter Hotel will host a 4th of July Luau, where there will be luau style entertainment, pool festivities and an exclusive menu of tiki cocktails and food from Carpenters Hall. Menu items include dishes like Kalua Pork, Huli Huli Chicken, Spam Musubi, Lomi Lomi Tomato, among others. There will also be shaved ice, available “to-stay” or “to-go” on the walk to watch the fireworks at Auditorium Shores (beginning at 8:30pm). Tickets are $35 and are inclusive of food. Drinks are sold separately.
St. Elmo & Soursop
July 4 Hot Doggin’ Party, 12-6pm. Try the new release of St Elmo’s collaboration with Fairweather Cider Co, Hot Doggin’. The cider/beer hybrid Double IPA will help wash down all the Soursop Chili Dogs made with St Elmo Beef. Do your best Joey Chestnut impression with a Hot Dog Eating Contest. Family and pet friendly.
W Austin Soundwave Weekender
Whether you prefer to be sipping bubbly in a cabana or submerged in water, W Austin’s WET Deck is one of the best places to be all summer long, including the 4th of July. Party poolside without leaving downtown with a holiday edition of Soundwave featuring a special live performance by Stafford Brothers. Tickets are $40/person (complimentary entry for hotel guests) or go big and rent a cabana for your crew. Tickets can be found here: https://wetdeckatx.com/
Leroy & Lewis
Nothing says July 4 more than burgers, BBQ and big ass chili dogs. Get your fix at LeRoy and Lewis, the truck will be open normal hours and serving specials alongside their regular menu. Sit inside or under the trees and vast amount of misters at neighboring Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden.
Trace
Brunch All Day at TRACE – Whether you’re soaking up a hangover or getting a good drinking base for the holiday, hit up TRACE for brunch before making your way to the pool. Available all day July 4th, enjoy specials like BBQ Sampler plate (featuring brisket, pork ribs, jalapeno cheddar sausage, beans, potato salad and corn bread), a red, white and blue parfait, hot dog benedict, chocolate cherry tart, and an American classic, banana pudding.
St. Gibson Bar
If you’re not able to be submerged in water for the holiday, the next best thing is cooling off by way of frozen drinks. Get your fill of $4 frozens at new Rainey St joint Stagger Lee, Star Bar,Gibson St Bar, and any of Lavaca St Bar’s three locations. If temps soar into the triple digits, get an even better deal, “Land of the $3, home of the brave.”
Hill Country Galleria
Hill Country Galleria, premier lifestyle center located west of downtown Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, is excited to announce the return of its annual Independence Day Festival on Thursday, July 4. The family-friendly community event is free and open to the public and will feature fair rides and games, live music at the Central Plaza pavilion, unique shopping and dining, festival food, art fair with 75+ artisans, a fireworks show and more.
Steel City Pops
Visit Steel City Pops on Thursday, July 4, and get a FREE POP when you buy four pops!
TLC
TLC’s smokin’ hot 2nd Annual Independence Day Pig Roast this July 4 from 1pm-4pm. For only $25 ($30 day of) you’ll get your fill of roasted pig and fixin’s Also get 1/2 Dozen Oysters for $5. See live Music by Grass Half Full and games for the young and young at heart!
Austin Taco Project
Austin Taco Project – a perfect way to toast to America’s birthday: the Firecracker Margarita. In the spirit of the Red, White and Blue, it’s made with tequila and a jalapeño-infused strawberry puree with a salted rim and fresh blueberry pick. The Firecracker Margarita is available from Wednesday, July 4th to Saturday, July 7th and is $6.
NLand Surf park
NLand Surf Park will be throwing the ultimate Fourth of July Beach Bash at the Overlook. Join us for brews, burgers, waves, $5 tubing, crafts for kids, music, and more. Tubing and 2-for-1 Bay Wave tickets available here, additional surfing options available at NLandSurfPark.com.