Fourth of July Events in the Texas Highland Lakes

Two hands holding sparkler fireworks with a background of an American flag at sunset.
Image Courtesy of Highland Lakes of Burnet County

Contributing Author: Christopher Melton

  • There are several Fourth of July events in the Highland Lakes area:
    • Lake Marble Falls
    • Aquaboom in Kingsland
    • Fireworks at Horseshoe Bay Resort
    • Llano Rockin’ Riverfest

One of the biggest holidays across the nation, the Fourth of July, is right around the corner. Almost everywhere you look, there’s an Independence Day celebration going on. The Highland Lakes Chain in Texas is no different, as the area has multiple events during the holiday weekend. With so many festivities, choosing which one to attend can be difficult, so here are a few of the best in the area.

Lake Marble Falls

Residents of the Texas Highland Lakes Chain can join the city of Marble Falls for an early celebration. Located at Lakeside Park, Marble Falls kicks off their Independence Day extravaganza at 5 pm on Saturday, July 1, 2023. Local food trucks and vendors begin setting up before the event and open at 5. Later, enjoy your food with music from a DJ, who starts entertaining around 6. Be sure to check out the free photo booth to capture the night’s memories. The dazzling fireworks showcase starts at 9:15 pm and lasts about 20 minutes. If you bring a boat, you can also watch the fireworks on Lake Marble Falls; just make sure you’re in position by 8 pm.

Lake Marble Falls July 4th key information:

  • When: July 1 from 5 pm – 9:30 pm
  • Where: Lakeside Park, 305 Buena Vista Drive

Kingsland Aquaboom

a set of 5 water skiers with American flags on a lake
Images Courtesy of 101HighlandLakes

Considered one of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the area, Kingsland’s Aquaboom runs from June 17th until July 4th. Aquaboom is a collection of several community-hosted events with a Fourth of July theme, including pageants, car shows, a golf tournament, and parades. Each event is sponsored by different businesses in the community and happens in various locations around the city. Finally, on July 4, the city pulls out all the stops to finish the Independence Day celebrations starting at 4 pm. The events for the big day will be at the River Bridge and include food vendors, a rubber duckie race, live music, a boat parade, and ends with a fireworks show. 

Fourth of July at Horseshoe Bay Resort

Red, yellow, gree, white, and blue fireworks over Lake LBJ with boats in the water.
Images Courtesy of Horseshoe Bay Resort

For those looking for a luxurious Fourth of July experience, Horseshoe Bay Resort puts on a fantastic multi-day celebration for its guests. Running between July 1-4, each day features a blend of unique activities, along with the resort’s usual hospitable offerings. Every day, the resort offers snow cones in the afternoon and s’mores in the evening, as well as lakeside biking. Even the kids can have their own fun with kid-centric activities like a kids’ dance party, inflatable water slides, and glow-in-the-dark putting. The last day of festivities begins with a parade and ends with fireworks over Lake LBJ. Of course, those not staying at the resort can still enjoy the extravagant fireworks display from afar around the lake. 

Llano Rockin’ Riverfest

Three people on jet skis in the water, the one in the middle is flying an American flag.
Fireworks over the river in Llano, Texas during Riverfest for Fourth of July.
Images Courtesy of Llano Riverfest

On July 1, Llano will host Rockin’ Riverfest at Badu City Park from 10 am to 10 pm. For the event, the city lifts its no-watercraft rules on the Llano City Lake to allow jet skis. Guests can see professional extreme jet ski freestylers compete in the World Championship Qualifier, performing giant spins and backflips in the air! The city also allows the public to take their watercraft on the water when the competition isn’t happening. Additionally, the city brings in local food vendors, artisans, and live music for you to enjoy in the park. Lastly, Rockin’ Riverfest concludes with a grand fireworks show finale once the sun goes down.

Llano Rockin’ Riverfest key information:

  • When: July 1 from 10 am – 10 pm
  • Where: Badu City Park, 300 Legion Drive, Llano, TX 78643

Now that you know the best ways to celebrate the Fourth of July around the Texas Highlands Chain of Lakes, you’re prepared for a weekend full of excitement!

Frequently Asked Questions

Considered one of the best Fourth of July celebrations in the area, Kingsland’s Aquaboom runs from June 17th until July 4th.

Aquaboom is a collection of several community-hosted events with a Fourth of July theme, including pageants, car shows, a golf tournament, and parades.

The last day of festivities begins with a parade and ends with fireworks over Lake LBJ. Those not staying at the resort can still enjoy the extravagant fireworks display from afar around the lake.

Llano Rockin’ Riverfest key information:

    • When: July 1 from 10 am – 10 pm

    • Where: Badu City Park, 300 Legion Drive, Llano, TX 78643