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 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)
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 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).
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.
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/
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.
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.
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, 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.
Visit Steel City Pops on Thursday, July 4, and get a FREE POP when you buy four pops!
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 – 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 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.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…