Austin Symphony Marks 49th July 4th Concert at Lady Bird Lake

Thousands of Central Texans are expected to gather at Auditorium Shores on Friday for the 49th annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4 Concert & Fireworks Celebration, a free Independence Day event featuring live entertainment, food vendors and a fireworks finale over Lady Bird Lake.

The City of Austin and the Austin Symphony Orchestra are hosting the annual celebration, presented by H-E-B and produced by Forefront Networks. The evening concludes with the city's signature "mile high" fireworks display synchronized with a live performance by the Austin Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Music Director Peter Bay.

Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. at Auditorium Shores. The opening musical act takes the stage at 5:45 p.m., followed by additional performances through 7:45 p.m. A master of ceremonies will begin at 8:10 p.m., and the Austin Symphony Orchestra will perform from 8:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. before the fireworks show begins.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for the family-friendly event. Organizers said food and beverage vendors, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, will be available on-site. Outside alcohol, grills, glass containers and personal fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited. Pets are also not allowed, except for trained service dogs.

Officials are urging visitors to plan ahead due to expected traffic congestion throughout downtown Austin. Free rides on CapMetro buses and rail services will be available after 5 p.m., with buses operating on a Sunday schedule and rail service following a Saturday schedule.

Those driving to the event can park at several public garages, including One Texas Center, the Palmer Event Center, River South Garage, the City Hall Garage and State Garage N. ADA-accessible parking will be available at the Palmer Event Center Garage and One Texas Center.

Several traffic restrictions will be in effect throughout the day. Riverside Drive will close between South First Street and Lee Barton Drive from 9 a.m. until 10:30 p.m., while streets in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood will remain open only to local traffic. City officials said additional roads could close earlier if pedestrian traffic becomes too heavy, with all roadways expected to reopen by midnight.

For safety, Lady Bird Lake will also be closed to all watercraft between the railroad trestle bridge and the South First Street bridge from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. during the fireworks display.