Looking for ways to celebrate Independence Day this summer? Check out these July events dedicated to ringing in America’s 250th birthday, including parades, pickleball and pool parties. 

This list is not comprehensive. All events are subject to change. 

4th of July Country Fest
The Fieldhouse at the Crossover is hosting a weekend filled with live music, water slides, a hot dog eating contest and food from local vendors. 

• July 3-4, 10 a.m. (daily start)
• Free (admission)
• 1717 Scottsdale Drive, Ste. 160, Leander

• July 4, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin

• July 4, 9:30 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 1100 Aquarena Springs Drive, San Marcos

Northeast Austin and Travis County residents are invited to weigh in on a new report about the area, as the city and county move forward on a long-term planning project for new development and addressing historic inequities.

The details: Austin and Travis County leaders launched a planning process for the northeastern portion of their jurisdictions, a nearly 30-square-mile district within US 183, Hwy. 290 and SH 130 north of the Colorado River, years ago. The initiative was initially promoted as a piece of an east side Marshall Plan, a reference to the post-World War II economic recovery policy for Europe. Officials said the project was needed to guide new investments and growth in the area after decades of historic disinvestment and rising displacement risks.

This year's report on the district's existing conditions and needs covers topics such as transportation, housing, demographics and the job market. It's available to view online, and residents are asked to provide input about the findings so far as the planning project moves ahead.

The JABS smashburger concept is planning to launch its first brick-and-mortar location later this year in Riverside.

The details: JABS, from brothers and co-founders Faraz and Faseeh Vohra, first opened in a food truck on Rainey Street in December 2023. The eatery later expanded its presence to downtown's Fareground Austin in February 2025 and The All Good in Cedar Park last September.

The family-owned smashburger concept is now planning a 1,400-square-foot restaurant at in Riverside's South Shore District, in the space formerly occupied by Bao’d Up. JABS anticipates opening there in late 2026 with a menu including its original smashburgers and fries, and new offerings like veggie burgers, milkshakes and soft serve ice cream.

A Crunch Fitness, a Bootbarn and a Dick’s Sporting Goods are among the five most expensive projects filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the Austin metro this week.

1. The Westlyn ($70 million): This project involves the construction of a mixed use/adaptive re-use project.

2. TxDOT Georgetown AEM Facility Renovation & Expansion ($19 million): This project includes construction of a new 11,200 square foot area engineer office building at the existing 10.2-acre Texas Department of Transportation property.

3. Boot Barn ($16.5 million): A Boot Barn is coming to Kyle.

4. Dick's Sporting Goods ($16.5 million): Dick’s Sporting Goods is bringing a new location to Kyle Park.

5. Crunch Fitness ($4.9 million): A new Crunch Fitness location is coming to Manor, with construction set to begin in the fall.