Red, White and Woohoo! Celebrating the Fourth of July in Downtown Arlington

Regulars to the annual Light Up Arlington and Arlington 4th of July Parade celebrations know: come early. Some families even send scouts to spend the night in their “unofficial official” section of the curb along the parade route. But if your sleeping bag is in storage, all it takes is a little preparation for you and your tribe to make the most of these two beloved Downtown traditions.

Light Up Arlington

Monday, July 3 starting at 6:00 p.m.

Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

It’s Arlington’s favorite street party! For the eleventh year in a row, Light Up Arlington is taking over the blocks north and south of City Hall. Come early, pack a picnic or dine from food truck fare and carnival concessions. This year’s event features three kids’ zones, including:

BOOMTOWN

Northeast corner of Center St. and Border St.

92.1 Hank FM live music stage, food trucks, train rides, face painting, inflatable games and glow-in-the-dark items for sale. Some activities require a fee.

FIRECRACKER ALLEY

Northwest corner of Abram St. and Pecan St.

Food trucks, face painting and glow-in-the-dark items for sale. Some activities require a fee.

ROUGH RIDERS REMODELING KIDS AREA

Northwest corner of Front St. and Pecan St.

Concessions, bounce house, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides and glow-in-the-dark items for sale. Some activities require a fee.

Throughout the night, bands will perform on four stages around Downtown, including the Municipal Office Tower State, J.R. Bentley’s Stage, Grease Monkey Stage and the Levitt Pavilion.

The fireworks start at 9:45 p.m. and will be set to music provided by 95.9 The Ranch. With construction in and around City Hall and the Library, this year’s fireworks will be shot off from the Municipal Office Tower at 101 Mesquite Street.

Visit the website for maps and the complete schedule.

Arlington 4th of July Parade

Tuesday, July 4 starting at 9:00 a.m.

The theme for this year’s Arlington 4th of July Parade is “4th of July, Texas Style.” Martin High School graduate and Cleveland Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett is this year’s Grand Marshal. The parade’s International Grand Marshal is Thomas Helbling, bürgermeister of Arlington’s German sister city, Bad Konigshofen. Following the parade, everyone’s invited to join parade participants at the annual Awards Ceremony which takes place at 1:00 p.m. at Knapp Heritage Park.

In its 52^nd year, the Arlington 4th of July Parade is billed as the city’s longest running event. Members of the Arlington 4th Of July Association, organizers of the event, take special pride in respecting the event’s history while welcoming new traditions. For a closer look, check out this Culture Buzz video, produced by the City of Arlington, featuring the association’s PR coordinator Donna Darovich.

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Visit the website for parade route, parking and more information. Download Waze for real-time traffic and parking updates. 

Around town

While the main events take place in Downtown, there’s no shortage of patriotic pomp and circumstance throughout our American Dream City. Extended holiday activities include the Stars & Stripes Independence Day Celebration at Viridian, July 4th Fest at Six Flags Over Texas and a special fireworks show after Monday and Tuesday’s Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers games at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Before you pack up the kids and the car, check out the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau Pursuit of Happy blog for 13 Tips to Make Your Arlington Fourth of July Extra Fabulous.

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About Downtown Arlington

An official State of Texas Cultural District, Downtown Arlington, Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Downtown Arlington brings together a plethora of cultures and inspirations with a character all its own.