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Austin Symphony to Soar with Return of July 4th Concert, Fireworks

Updated: Friday, June 8 2012, 09:18 AM CDT

The Austin Symphony Orchestra will again entertain more than 100,000 people this coming Independence Day with the H-E-B 36th Annual July 4th Concert and Fireworks on July 4.

After missing last year due to drought and fire danger, the free event - and one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the state - returns to Auditorium Shores at The Long Center

The spectacular H-E-B Austin Symphony 36th Annual July 4th Concert and Fireworks is planned, produced and performed entirely by the Austin Symphony, with the financial assistance of community sponsors.  This year’s celebration returns to the banks of Lady Bird Lake at Auditorium Shores in front of the Long Center for the Performing Arts. 

The orchestra will perform a concert of symphonic patriotic classics - including the traditional "1812 Overture" punctuated by the 70 millimeter cannons of the Texas National Guard Salute Battery - starting at 8:30 p.m., followed by “mile-high” fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Organizers advise patrons to park north of Lady Bird Lake in the downtown area, to avoid the extensive congestion in and around Lamar, Barton Springs Road and Riverside.  In addition, the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood will have neighborhood parking restrictions in place for safety.  Organizers also suggest using the Hike and Bike Trail, bicycling to the event, or taking CapMetro buses.

Riverside Drive from Lamar Boulevard to South 1st Street will be closed starting at 10 a.m. on July 4th - as will the lower portion of the Hike and Bike Trail on the north side of Lady Bird Lake - and Cesar Chavez between MoPac and Congress will close at 3 p.m.  North and Southbound MoPac will be diverted to 5th Street and Enfield/5th St.  In addition, the South 1st Street Bridge will close to vehicle traffic at 6 p.m.  All street will be reopened no later than midnight.

No glass or Styrofoam containers will be allowed in the park, nor will alcohol or barbeque grills.  Organizers also recommend that patrons leave pets at home, as the cannon fire and fireworks during the performance is highly upsetting to four-legged friends.

The event is free and open to the public.  A wealth of information about the concert event and public downtown parking is available online at www.AustinSymphony.org.
Austin Symphony to Soar with Return of July 4th Concert, Fireworks