If you’re spending the Fourth of July in Bastrop, this year’s celebration will take place right on July 4th.
Once you experience the festive energy and thoughtful planning behind Bastrop’s Big Bang! Celebration, it’s easy to see why it’s such a standout hometown tradition. Here’s everything you need to know: where it’s happening, what to expect, and how to make the most of this community celebration.
Location, Hours, & Parking
2026’s Bastrop Big Bang! will take place on Saturday, July 4th. The event spans the entire day, with the first activities starting at 8:00 a.m. and the fireworks exhibition concluding at 9:30 p.m. The Big Bang!’s daytime happenings occur at venues throughout Downtown Bastrop, but the evening’s Bastrop fireworks can be seen from Fisherman’s Park.
Parking is available at the Fisherman’s Park lot, with additional street parking throughout Downtown Bastrop.
Pet & Pedal Parade: Show Off Your Patriotic Pride!
- Date: Saturday, July 4th
- Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (Registration and judging from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM; parade begins at 9:00 a.m. with awards immediately after)
- Location: County Courthouse
Grab your furry (or feathered!) friends and get ready to show off your creativity. Pets of all shapes and sizes are invited to join the fun in this festive, all-ages parade celebrating patriotic spirit on paws and on wheels.
The parade will roll out in two groups: first, pets walking proudly alongside their owners, followed by a wave of decorated bikes, scooters, skateboards, and other non-motorized rides.
This is your moment to go all out! Dress up your pets, deck out your bikes, add streamers, balloons, baskets, costumes. The more flair, the better. Whether you’re walking, riding, or cheering from the sidelines, it’s all about creativity, color, and having a blast together.
Freedom on Wheels: Roll Through Downtown!
- Date: Saturday, July 4th
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – Noon
- Location: South Main Street (from Chestnut to Pine)
If you’ve ever dreamed of gliding through Bastrop’s town center without worrying about car traffic, this Big Bang! event is the one for you. Freedom On Wheels invites participants to bring their bikes, rollerskates, skateboards, scooters, and any other non-motorized wheel devices for a festive and relaxing car-free experience.
Toads & Treasures: A Stars & Stripes Scavenger Hunt!
- Date: Saturday, July 4th
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Downtown Retail Shops
An energetic scavenger hunt held throughout Bastrop’s downtown shopping district, Toads & Treasures will give Bastrop sleuths the chance to put their sharp eyes to good use. Participants can visit one shop after another, and while they’re browsing, they’ll need to watch out for red, white, and blue toads hidden among the shelves. Collecting toads can earn you prizes, so be sure to get as many as you can!
Patriotic Firework Display: Epic Evening of Patriotic Proportions
- Date: Saturday, July 4th
- Time: 6:00PM – 9:30 PM
- Location: Fisherman’s Park
No Bastrop Independence Day celebration would be complete without vivid fireworks, and Big Bang! is happy to oblige. The spectacular show of colors and lights takes place at Fisherman’s Park, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. The park comes alive with live music, bounce houses, and classic field games for all ages. Cool off under the sprinklers, then refuel with tasty concessions throughout the evening
