- After the Kiddie Parade, grab a spot on Main Street and stick around for the July Fourth Community Parade which kicks off at 10 a.m. The parade lines up behind the Gillespie County Courthouse and proceeds east on Main Street to the intersection of Main and Washington Streets. It then u-turns and heads west to Bowie Street. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or park their vehicles along the route.
- After the parades, explore Main Street’s 150 unique shops and art galleries and cool off with a sweet treat, like delicious peach ice cream or an old-fashioned coke float at Clear River Ice Cream and Bakery on Main Street. Clear River boasts more than 30 ice cream flavors available each day-so pace yourself!
- In 2023, the City of Fredericksburg's fireworks show returns to Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park! Several viewing areas are available inside the park and at the Gillespie County Fair Grounds. Bring the family and your lawn chairs. Fireworks start around 9:30 p.m.
Fredericksburg Events on July Fourth Weekend
- Start your holiday weekend off with a trip to the Fredericksburg Farmer's Market on Thursday, June 29. Meet local farmers and growers as well as taste fresh Fredericksburg peaches and other produce and goods. The market is set for 4-7 p.m. at the Adelsverein Halle at Marktplatz.
- Enjoy more food and wine events this holiday weekend like a salsa and sangria wine-tasting on Saturday, Sunday Gospel Brunch and hot dogs at Becker Vineyards on the 4th.
- Head to the Gillespie County Fair Grounds on Saturday and Sunday, July 1-2 for live pari-mutuel horse racing. Nibble on local eats and enjoy the shaded stands while watching thoroughbred horse racing during the summer 2023 horse racing season debut at “Gillespie Downs”- the Gillespie County Race Track. Parents can even grab a cold one and place a few bets for their favorites, while everyone is sure to admire the horses as they thunder down the track. The family-friendly Gillespie County Race Track opens at 11:00 a.m. and post times begin at 1:00 p.m. Insider Tip: Skip the line by purchasing tickets online.
- Learn about the history of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County with a tour of the Old Gillespie County Jail on Saturday, July 1.
- Enjoy live music of all kinds at various venues around town, from country to classic rock and piano to polka.
- Attend the Nightly Bat Emergence at Old Tunnel State Park every evening at dusk from May through October, up to 3 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from an abandoned railroad tunnel at Old Tunnel State Park. Thursday through Sunday, be one of the first 70 visitors and get to watch from the lower viewing area for $5 per person. The upper viewing area is limited to 250 visitors and is free.
- If you stay for the whole week, take time to explore the fine art galleries in Fredericksburg as they celebrate First Friday Art Walk. Participating galleries will be open until 8 p.m. on Friday, July 7. Galleries often include demonstrations, receptions and new shows. Just look for the galleries with the First Friday Art Walk flag!
-
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Find a full line-up of events this Fourth of July.
