On the Fourth of July, Woodlawn Lake Park is the premier destination for thousands of San Antonians seeking Independence Day fun in the sun. But if you live a little farther from the West Side park or don’t feel like braving the crowds, there’s likely a celebration of some kind happening in your neighborhood, suburb, or small town.

We've rounded up an impressive list of July Fourth public parades, picnics, and fireworks displays to keep San Antonio-area residents and visitors entertained throughout the day.

San Antonio
The city’s official Fourth of July celebration at Woodlawn begins at 8 am with a parade-style Firecracker Fit Family Walk/Run around the lake, along with free Zumba sessions. The event will include carnival-style rides, games, face-painters, and other family-friendly activities.

Live entertainment will feature a DJ and live performances from the likes of the U.S. Air Force Band of the West, South Texas Symphonic Orchestra, the local Selena tribute act Bidi Bidi Banda, and more.

Of course, there’s plenty of food. (Think a mini-version of Fiesta.) And the fun all wraps up with the H-E-B Fireworks Spectacular at 9 pm.

The Alamo
Celebrate Independence Day at the shrine to Texas liberty. Beginning at 9 am, the family-friendly events include living history demonstrations, photo ops with re-enactors, firing demonstrations, free pallets, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a performance by the 323rd Army band.

Alamo Heights
The city’s 49th annual July Fourth parade begins at 10 am at Estes and Patterson streets. It’s a true neighborhood-style parade — not long but filled with revelry and patriotic pride. It’s a short distance to Episcopal Diocese of West Texas where parade-goers will sing patriotic songs.

First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church hosts Family Fourth from 5-8 pm. It’s a free, family-friendly event with a patriotic concert, games, food trucks, crafts, art and quilt show, car show, and live music.

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
The public is welcome to visit the cemetery for a solemn salute to the country’s fallen heroes during the 34th annual Fourth of July Patriotic Ceremony. The event starts at 10 am at the main cemetery gathering spot and involves American Revolution re-enactors, a wreath-laying ceremony, a 21-gun salute, the playing of taps, and more.

Hollywood Park
The Hollywood Park Community Association puts on the annual Independence Day parade, which starts at 10 am at City Hall. Residents walk, bike, or ride scooters in this family-friendly parade that ends at Voigt Park where community members enjoy a picnic, a dip in the pool, games, and more.

Market Square
It’s Freedom Fest time, a popular free event held across the venue from 12-8 pm. Among the highlights, participants can enjoy live entertainment, dozens of food vendors, and shopping, of course.

Monte Vista
Monte Vista Historical Association starts its annual parade at 10 am at Lynwood Avenue and Belknap Drive and ends it at Landa Library, where there will be a free celebration that features patriotic music and classic Americana food (think hot dogs, apple pie, lemonade, and more treats).

The Monte Vista parade has been known to attract some local politicos. And remember to dress up your kids and/or dog and go all out in decorating your float. Prizes will be awarded for best decorations and costumes at the picnic.

River Walk
The River Walk is illuminated by patriotic luminarias each night from June 29 through July 4 as part of Bud Light’s Stars, Stripes and Lights display.

San Antonio Botanical Garden
The garden opens up for a prime spot to watch a fireworks display that begins at 9 pm. The garden opens at 5:30 pm, so you have plenty of time and daylight to stroll around the garden. Bring a picnic, blanket, or lawn chair. Onsite parking is free but will be limited.

Terrell Hills
The city’s annual parade starts at 10 am at Ivy Lane and Eldon Road and ends at Geneseo and Eldon roads, where residents and visitors are welcome to enjoy a free block party. There’s food, displays of the city’s police and fire vehicles, a petting zoo, games, and more.

Trader’s Village
The South Side market hosts a free, family-friendly celebration from 12:30-4:30 pm, including children’s activities such as face painting, balloon art, a magician, chalk-drawing, and an opportunity to ride a mechanical bull.

SeaWorld San Antonio
The aquatic theme park includes its annual Independence Day celebration with park admission. Guests will enjoy hearing patriotic music during the fireworks at Bayside. Visitors have an option to purchase an all-you-can-eat, chef-prepared dinner in a reserved area.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas
A fireworks display the evening of July Fourth will cap off the theme park’s five-day Coca-Cola Fourth Fest, which offers early exclusive rides 9:30-10:30 am each day in exchange for an unopened bottle or can of Coca-Cola. (Hot tip: The festival includes activities for the family every day.)

Boerne
The Boerne Fire Department puts on the city’s annual fireworks display at Boerne City Park on City Park Road, beginning at 8 pm. Admission to the display is free.

Comfort
Comfort hosts a day-long celebration, which kicks off at 10 am with a parade down High Street in historic downtown. That’s followed by a barbecue lunch in nearby Comfort Park that includes live music, face painting, games, arts and crafts, auctions, and more.

Garden Ridge
The city hosts a morning of patriotic festivities at Paul Davis Park on Grass Creek Road, starting at 9:30 am with a flag-raising ceremony followed by a parade at 10 am. Immediately afterward, attendees are welcome to enjoy a picnic that comes complete with food, a water slide, games, a silent auction, face painting, balloon creations, a scout regatta, and a car show. Awards will be given for best decorations and costumes.

Kirby
The city of Kirby hosts Fireworks in the Park at Friendship Park at 5745 Binz-Engleman Rd. The fireworks conclude an evening of fun activities for the family, and festivities begin at 5 pm.

Leon Valley
Leon Valley hosts a daylong celebration at Raymond Rimkus Park at 6440 Evers Rd., starting with a 5K Fun Run/Walk at 7:30 am. A celebratory parade happens at 9:30 am, followed by a soap box derby at 11 am.

There will be activities around the park pools from noon-2 pm. Evening festivities take place 5-10:30 pm, winding up with a fireworks spectacular. Admission is free.

New Braunfels
The city’s Fourth of July Spectacular in Landa Park begins with a free concert of patriotic music at 6:30 pm. The fireworks over Landa Lake start at 9:15 pm.

Schertz
The city’s Fourth of July Jubilee has become one of the area’s biggest Independence Day parties. The fun starts at 9:15 am with the Let Freedom Run 5K, beginning at Schertz Civic Center on Schertz Parkway. Then at 9:30 am, one of the area’s largest July Fourth parades launches from Clemens High School.

The parade route concludes at Pickrell Park, where a daylong community celebration unfolds. It’s a family-friendly carnival filled with food, games, music, crafters, vendors, and more. The jubilee concludes with a fireworks show in the park at 9:15 pm.

Seguin
The city’s flag-raising ceremony at 9 am at downtown Central Park includes music and guest speakers. It’s the finale of a series of local Independence Day events at Central Park that starts with the annual Freedom Fiesta running June 30-July 1, a patriotic concert at 7 pm on July 1, and a fireworks display July 3 at 9:30 pm.

Windcrest
Members from the local American Legion Post help to put on the city’s annual July Fourth celebration, which begins at 10 am at City Hall. There’s a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a parade that goes around the nearby Windcrest Golf Club. Attendees then can return to the City Hall area and enjoy a picnic that includes free food, music, and children’s activities.