Austin, Texas – Fourth of July weekend is here! With Covid-19 restrictions lifted and public gatherings happening in full force, it's time to make a grand re-introduction to the social scene of the city with parties, fireworks, and more to celebrate Independence Day.

There's never been a better time to live in Austin, Texas. Now that the city has opened back up, there is no shortage of things to do over the holiday weekend.

Whether you're looking for things to do with the whole family, or the perfect party to attend and get your drink on in the name of America, there's something for everyone.

Given the current shortage of fireworks in the US, finding the perfect fireworks show is of the utmost importance.

But if fireworks aren't your thing, fret not: there are concerts and cold bodies of water with your name on it.

If you're clueless on what to do or where to go, here are several ideas of how to make the most of your holiday weekend.

As 2020 unfortunately proved, the Fourth of July just isn't the same without the spectacle of an excessive firework show. Luckily for Austin residents and anyone visiting from out of town, H-E-B Austin Symphony's Fourth of July concert firework show is back on this year at Auditorium Shores.

This is probably one of the more popular Independence Day events in Austin, given its location on Lady Bird Lake overlooking downtown. That, and the fact that it's free to attend, offering fun for the whole family.

Festivities will kick off at 8 PM on Sunday and include crafts, food trucks, guest speakers, and a patriotic musical performance by the Austin Symphony. The event ends with a "mile-high" firework show over the water.

If you're not too keen on taking a trip downtown to get your dose of fireworks, head to the free Independence Day Festival at the Hill Country Galleria. There will multiple art vendors on display and live music in the plaza starting at 4 PM. The festival will wrap up at 10 PM with a spectacular fireworks show on the front lawn, so be sure to bring a chair or blanket!

There's also the Bob Schneider Independence Bash and Fireworks just outside the city in Dripping Springs, taking place on Saturday. Though this event requires a ticket for entrance, it's well worth the money. Here, you'll soak in the smooth sounds of a local music legend, Bob Schneider, along with two special musical guests prior to ending the night with a breathtaking display of fireworks.

If you're looking to stay close to home, many neighborhood parks often host scaled-down and family-friendly Fourth of July celebrations with firework shows, as well.

With summer in full swing, what better way to escape the Texas heat this holiday weekend than by floating the river? Get a group of friends together and head outside the city limits to the Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas.

Texas Tubes will be open all weekend long, but given the holiday weekend, expect larger crowds than usual.

If being surrounded by thousands of your closest friends on a thee-hour float isn't your idea of fun, head to Typhoon Texas In Pflugerville, Texas for its annual three-day Red, White, and Boom Fourth of July Festival.

The event kicked off on Friday with carnival activities, live entertainment, and contests galore. Guests will also have access to the lazy river, water slides, and kid-friendly splash pads on-site.

On Saturday, Typhoon Texas will be offering hot air balloon rides, giving you a bird's-eye view of the park. The night will end with a firework show, which guests can watch from the cooling comfort of Typhoon Texas' wave pool. The grand finale comes on Sunday, of course, with a special salute to the US military.

With an array of activities to dabble in and events to attend, this Fourth of July weekend in Austin, Texas will be one for the books.