Austin Tx Attractions

Not as many fireworks but still plenty of fun for Austin, Central Texas Fourth ...

The H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks has been canceled this year, but you don't have to let the drought, er, rain on your patriotic parade. Many of this year's festivities needed a bit of reworking, but event coordinators are hopeful for a steady turnout.

Leander Liberty Fest coordinator Christian Moore said he hopes that the novelty of this year's laser light show will draw just as many revelers to Crystal Falls Golf Club as years past. The city of Lakeway decided to shift focus from its annual patriotic fireworks bash to an old-timey block party with food, dancing and the band Duck Soup.

Here are some other ways to celebrate Independence Day this year, including a few with fireworks. (Events updated until print time; check ahead and @austin360.com ­- the ongoing drought could still affect some plans.)

- Michelle Cerulli

FIREWORKS

Fort Hood Freedom Fest. 1 to 10 p.m. Monday. Sadowski Field. Live music and entertainment, food, carnival rides, patriotic ceremony and fireworks. Shuttles available from Shoemaker and Ellison high schools every 20 minutes from 3 to 11 p.m. Photo identification required. Fireworks to begin at 9:30 p.m. Sadowski Field is located on Tank Destroyer Boulevard, in front of III Corps HQ. 254-286-5342, www.hoodmwr.com/freedomfest.htm .

Kyle fireworks. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Monday. Park near intersection of FM 1626 and Kohler's Crossing. cityofkyle.com .

Marble Falls Fourth of July Fun & Fireworks. 5 to 9:30 p.m. Monday. Food, live entertainment and more. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Lakeside Park, Marble Falls. Free. 830-613-0083, www.marblefalls.org .

Sertoma Georgetown 4th of July Celebration. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday. Includes food, children's activities, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, live entertainment and more. Parade begins at noon and fireworks at dark. San Gabriel Park, 1003 N. Austin Ave. Free. www.georgetownsertoma.org .

OTHER CELEBRATIONS

Alamo Drafthouse Ritz Quote-Along: 'Team America: World Police.' 7 p.m. Thursday . Screening with sparklers, cap guns, American flags, balloons, streamers and more. According to the Alamo's website, a "triumphant choral walk down the streets" will follow the screening, with mandatory singing. $12. 320 E. Sixth St. www.drafthouse.com/movies/quote-alongs_team_america/austin .

The Best Natural Attractions in Austin, TX

Austin, TX, one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, continues to flourish thanks to a vast technological industry, strong entrepreneurial community, and a culture that embraces local business.  Plus on top of the city’s economic strengths, the natural landscape of Austin and the surrounding area make it a great place to raise a family.

One great example is Barton Springs Pool.  Located in South Austin, this unique park has been a favorite spot for Austin swimmers and sunbathers for many years, and is framed by grass-covered hills and shady oak trees.  Visitors enjoy tossing frisbees, reading, people-watching, and sunbathing between dips in the pool. Barton Springs is a natural, spring fed pool that remains 68 degrees year round, making it a perfect cool down spot during the summer.  However, the pool is open year round, so it is not uncommon to see Austinites swimming laps during the colder months.

A second beautiful natural attraction in Austin is Zilker Park, which is located right next door to Barton Springs Pool. A must-do for visitors and locals alike, the 355-acre park is open 365 days a year from 5am to 10pm, lies alongside Lady Bird Lake, and features wide tree-lined trails, beautiful grass fields, and a perfect view of Austin’s downtown sky-line.  Zilker Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year from the Zilker Park Kite Festival in March to Austin City Limits Music Festival in the Fall.  The Zilker Hillside Theater hosts world-class musicians and entertainers year-round and is home to an outdoor theatre series every summer.

Lastly, McKinney State Park remains one of Austin’s most beautiful natural treasures.  The 744-acre park, located in South Austin is a perfect place to enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping in a beautiful, natural setting.  Swimmers will especially appreciate the pool beneath the falls at Onion Creek, which runs through the park.  Wildlife lovers will be enchanted by parks many natural inhabitants, from whitetail deer to armadillos, birds, and fish.

These are just three great examples of the beautiful natural surroundings of Austin, TX.  On top of these relaxing outdoor spaces, the city’s strong economy, prolific music scene, and wide variety of great cuisine contribute to the fast-growing population.

Dave Jenkins has 13183 articles online and 5 fans

Dave is a writer/blogger based in Austin, TX, a great place to explore the outdoors. If you’re considering moving to Austin, a helpful site is Realty Austin, an Austin real estate website.

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