If you’re spending the Fourth of July in Bastrop, don’t be surprised if the big celebration doesn’t fall on the 4th itself. Around here, we do things a little differently—with a massive community event the Saturday before!
Once you experience the festive energy and thoughtful planning behind Bastrop’s Big Bang! Celebration, it’s easy to see why it gets a day of its own. Now in its fourth year, the 2025 Big Bang! is shaping up to be the best yet. Here’s everything you need to know: where it’s happening, what to expect, and how to make the most of this hometown holiday tradition.
Location, Hours, & Parking
2025’s Bastrop Big Bang! will take place on Saturday, June 28. 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 & Pal Parade: Show Off Your Patriotic Pride!
- Date: Saturday, June 28th
- 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
Calling all four-legged Bastrop residents and visitors! The Big Bang! The Pet & Pal Parade is among this event’s most beloved traditions, and participants are strongly encouraged to dress their canine companions in festive red, white, and blue attire. Once the pups are in their patriotic holiday best, they can march along Main Street with their humans (who are also free to dress for the occasion!)
Freedom on Wheels: Roll Through Downtown!
- Date: Saturday, June 28th
- 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, June 28th
- 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!
North Main Games: Good Old-Fashioned Fun!
- Date: Saturday, June 28th
- Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Location: North Main Street (from Chestnut to Spring)
For lawn games galore and spirited play options for all ages, be sure to check out the Big Bang’s “field day”. Cornhole, water balloon tosses, giant “Connect Four” boards, and other outdoor fun activities are free and open to guests!
Patriotic Firework Display: Epic Evening of Patriotic Proportions
- Date: Saturday, June 28th
- Time: Sunset – 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
