Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happy: Independence Day 2021 in Downtown Arlington

Put on your patriotic finery and let's celebrate Independence Day weekend together in Downtown Arlington! Check out all the pre-fireworks specials in Downtown's Urban Union on Saturday, July 3, live music at the Levitt throughout the weekend, and the return of our beloved annual Arlington Independence Day parade on Monday, July 5.

Live at the Levitt Pavilion: July 2-3    

During this Independence Day weekend, the Levitt Pavilion celebrates Americana with The Voice’s own Joey Green and the epic songs of Texas songwriters Mike and the Moonpies on July 2. Then on July 3, head back to the Levitt for a trip through the 80s with tribute band Infinite Journey and opening act Tom Sless. 

Come Together in Urban Union: July 3    

There is so much to do and see (and eat and drink) in Urban Union, and July 3 is the perfect day to explore this eclectic Downtown neighborhood. Nearly every establishment in Urban Union is offering 10% off their menu or offerings, and what a great place to sit back, relax, and watch the fireworks at a not-so-distant distance. Visit the Facebook event for details. 

We Love a Parade! The Tradition Continues: July 5    

Head to Downtown on July 5 for the annual Independence Day Parade, which begins at 9 a.m. Spectators are invited to line the streets in the heart of Downtown to enjoy floats, marching bands and other patriotic entries in this long-standing city tradition organized by the Arlington 4th of July Association. The theme for this year’s parade, billed as the largest Independence Day Parade in Texas, is Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Visit arlington4th.org for more details.

Free parking is available throughout Downtown. Visit arlington4th.org/entrants/overview for a map of the area. Attendees are encouraged to practice social distancing, limit groups to ten people or less, and wear masks. Visit the parade website for more COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Parade Footage (added July 6, 2021):    

Dining Out in Downtown    

Before the fireworks and after the parade, residents and visitors are invited to stop by and support Downtown Arlington’s many shops and restaurants.

“Ask anyone from Arlington and they’ll tell you: our hometown’s Independence Day parade is the biggest and best in Texas,” said Maggie Campbell, President and CEO of Downtown Arlington Management Corporation. “After the cancellation of events in 2020, our businesses are thrilled to welcome everyone back for the parade this year. This is a real testament to our community’s commitment to caring for and about each other, and to the Arlington 4th of July Association for its commitment to this long-standing tradition.”

Visit downtownarlington.org/visit/downtown-outdoors for a list of restaurants with patios, public art, and other outdoor destinations you can enjoy in Downtown after the parade. 

Ready for the Boom? Other Independence Day Activities Around Town

The City of Arlington’s fireworks show will take place on Saturday, July 3 in the skies over Globe Life Field. The show is set to begin at 9:30 p.m. Select Globe Life Field, AT&T Stadium and Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center parking lots will be open to the public starting at 8 p.m. so that families can set up chairs around their vehicles or tailgate to enjoy the fireworks display. Visit arlingtontx.gov/fireworks for event details.

The City’s annual fireworks show and related festivities are expected to return to Downtown next year. Planning for this year’s fireworks show began months ago before COVID-19 cases in our community began to improve. Because of public health and safety concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic, the City decided to keep this year’s fireworks display in the Entertainment District for a second year to better allow for social distancing.

Other activities in the Entertainment District and around town can be found on the Arlington Convention and Visitor's Bureau website.
 

Feature image from Arlington Independence Day Parade photogallery.