4th of July Festivities Spark Joy in the RGV

(This article was written by Lisa Campos and was featured in the July 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)

Photo courtesy of Mario Leal

The 4th of July, also known as Independence Day, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. On this historic day, the Continental Congress declared the 13 American colonies free from British rule. Anchored in ideals of liberty and self-governance, the holiday has evolved into a celebration of patriotism marked by parades, fireworks, and family gatherings.

For the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), the way we celebrate 4th of July is no different: thousands of people gather in cities across the RGV to celebrate with live music, firework shows, and family fun.

Here is a list of the various 4th of July activities in the RGV that I was able to find prior to press time:

Alamo

The City of Alamo is hosting its Freedom Bash on Thursday, July 3, from 5 pm to 11 pm, at the Alamo Sports Complex, located at 600 E. Ridge Road. Attractions include kiddie rides, food, beer garden, vendors, and firework show. Live music will be provided by Mesteño, Delta Boys, De Parranda, and Little Joe. Admission is free before 6 pm. General admission tickets ($5 plus service fee) and table seats ($45 per seat plus fees) may be purchased on tixplug.com. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

Brownsville

The City of Brownsville is holding its 25th Annual Salute to Freedom Celebration on Friday, July 4, from 6 pm to 10 pm with tailgate at 5 pm, at Brownsville Sports Park, located at 1000 Sports Park Blvd. Festivities include a car show, music by Audio Escape, Old Bones, Revo Live Band, and a Tribute to George Strait by Derek Spence, and fireworks show at approximately 9 pm.

Donna

The 4th on the Farm Celebration will take place on Friday, July 4, from 4 pm to 9 pm, at Red River Farms, located at 777 W. IH-2 in Donna. There is a $3 entry charge and $5 fee for all-you-can-play bounce houses. Activities include BBQ, fireworks, music, water slide, mechanical bull, facepainting, and market.

Harlingen

The City of Harlingen is having its Freedom Fest Car Show & Shine event on Friday, July 4, from 5 pm to 10 pm, at Lon C. Hill Park. Activities include live music by De Parranda and David Marez, food, beer, kids carnival, and firework show.

Hidalgo

The City of Hidalgo is having its 4th of July Show in the Sky event on Friday, July 4, at Payne Arena at 2600 N. 10th Street. Festivities include live entertainment, lucha libre wrestling, kiddie rides, vendors, and food and drinks. Doors open at 5 pm.

La Feria

The City of La Feria is hosting its Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 5, from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm, at Veterans Memorial Park, located at 904 Pancho Maples Drive. It will feature food vendors, a BBQ cookoff, and live music by Buck’n Crazy. The band performs at 6:45 pm, with the fireworks starting at 9 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Los Fresnos

The Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 3, from 6 pm to 9 pm, at Los Fresnos Memorial Park, located at 900 N. Arroyo Blvd. This event will feature guest speaker Angela R. Burton, fireworks, booths, live music, food, and contests for patriotic costumes, hot dog eating, and jalapeno eating.

McAllen

The City of McAllen’s 97th Annual Independence Day Celebration will be held on Friday, July 4. They will have several activities including an Independence 4K Run at 7 am; Patriotic Program at 8 am; Main Street Parade starting at 9 am; classic family fun at the Freedom Festival at Archer Park from 10 am to 2 pm; Aquatica Extravaganza at McAllen Municipal Pool from 1 pm to 4 pm; and culminating with the Concert in the Sky at Municipal Park from 6 pm to 10 pm, with a fireworks show starting at 9 pm.

Mission

The City of Mission will have its 4th of July Celebration on Thursday, July 3, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, at the Mission Event Center, located at 200 N. Shary Road. Festivities include free rides, vendors, live music, and more.

Pharr

The City of Pharr is holding its Independence Day Festival on Friday, July 4, from 7 pm to 11 pm, at Allen & William Arnold City/School Park located at 615 W. Eldora Road. Attendees can expect food, a carnival, vendors, a petting zoo, live music, and a fireworks show at 10:30 pm.

San Benito

The City of San Benito’s Resacafest will be held on Saturday, July 5, from 5 pm to 11 pm, at the San Benito Fairgrounds. This free event features live music from Los Bravados del Norte, Grupo Textura, and Cardenales de Nuevo Leon.

San Juan

The City of San Juan will have its Independence Day Block Party on Thursday, July 3, starting at 2 pm, at the San Juan Municipal Park, located at 506 U.S. 83. This free event features fireworks display, food and market vendors, kids rides, and live music by Jay Perez, Buck’N Crazy, Whiskey D, Lucky Joe, Midnight Run, Wreckless Texas, The Melodious Bastards, and Cheyenne.

South Padre Island

The City of South Padre Island will have multiple events on the weekend of the 4th of July, including:

• Beach parade on July 4 at 9 am at Beach Access 8

• Fireworks on July 4 and 5 at 9 pm at Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill, 6900 Padre Blvd.

• Fireworks on the Bay on July 4 at 9:15 pm at Louie’s Backyard

Weslaco

The City of Weslaco will have its Stars and Stripes: A Freedom Festival, on Friday, July 4, from 6 pm to 10 pm, in historic downtown Weslaco on S. Texas Blvd. It will feature live music, food trucks, shopping, and a drone show at 9:15 pm.