Cheers to 250: Your Guide to July 4th in Bell County
Join in on the celebration
There’s no better place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than right here in Central Texas, where the flags fly proud, the BBQ smoke rises early, and the whole community shows up.
This Independence Day weekend, Bell County is rolling out a full lineup of patriotic festivities — from live music and fireworks to a century-old rodeo tradition and one of the biggest small-town parades in Texas. Whether you’re a long-time local or making the trip from out of town, there is something worth putting on your calendar (and a few things worth staying the whole weekend for).
Here’s your guide to making the most of it.
Thursday, July 3 | All-American Block Party: Freedom on 4th Street
Downtown Temple | 4th Street
Kick off the holiday weekend early at Downtown Temple’s First Friday, and this month, it’s going all-out for America’s 250th. The July edition is themed around “Cheers to 250” and transforms 4th Street into an All-American Block Party you won’t want to miss.
Live music from Members Only sets the soundtrack for the evening while food trucks line the street and the patriotic spirit runs high. It’s a perfect warm-up for the big holiday and a great reason to explore what’s happening in our revitalized downtown while you’re here. First Fridays are free, family-friendly, and always a good time. For more information, visit downtowntemple.com
July 2–4 | Belton’s 4th of July PRCA Rodeo
Cadence Bank Center | 301 W Loop 121, Belton | Nightly at 7:00 PM
The three-night PRCA Rodeo runs July 2nd through 4th at the Cadence Bank Center, an indoor, air-conditioned facility with a capacity for 5,900 rodeo attendees. This is the only PRCA Rodeo in Texas held over the Independence Day holiday weekend, drawing cowboys and cowgirls from across the country to compete in bull riding, barrel racing, and more.
With the AC running full blast, it’s also one of the cooler ways to spend a July evening in Central Texas. Tickets are required visit the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce website for details.
Saturday, July 4 | North Central Temple Historic District 4th of July Parade
The North Central Temple Historic District (NCTHD) will have an Independence Day Parade. This parade takes place on Saturday, July 4th at 9 AM. The parade route starts at the corner of French and 9th St. Get yourselves, your bikes, and your wagons decked out for this parade! No motorized vehicles are permitted in the parade. Don't have a bike, but still want to participate? You can dress up in red, white, and blue and walk the route. For more information on the event and the organization, find the North Central Temple Historic District on Facebook or visit their website.
Saturday, July 4 | Belton’s 4th of July Parade
Downtown Belton | 9:00 AM
With people lining the streets and a live televised broadcast, the Belton 4th of July Celebration features a 1½-mile parade route running south on Main Street from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor to the Bell County Courthouse, then east on Central Avenue and north on Birdwell to the Belton Police Memorial.
This is the kind of parade that reminds you what Independence Day is really about — generations of Central Texas families staking out their spots on the curb, flags waving, and the whole community coming together. Arrive early to secure your spot and bring your lawn chairs and sunscreen to participate in this local tradition.
Saturday, July 4 | Festival on Nolan Creek
Liberty Park | 700 Veterans Way, Belton | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Right after the parade, the party moves to Liberty Park. The Festival on Nolan Creek features food and craft vendors, games, pony rides, live entertainment at the centrally located gazebo, a hot dog eating contest, car show, and static displays from the military and first responders, all set beside the shaded banks of Nolan Creek. It’s free, it’s fun, and it’s the perfect way to spend a July morning with the family.
Saturday, July 4 | Red, White & Brew at Bold Republic Brewing
Bold Republic Brewing Company | Temple | Evening
If you’re looking for a front-row seat to Temple’s fireworks show with a cold craft beer in hand, Bold Republic Brewing Company’s Red, White & Brew is your spot. Their BOLD Biergarten offers one of the best vantage points in town for the H-E-B Fireworks Show, paired with live music, drink specials, delicious food, and the kind of atmosphere that makes July 4th feel like a proper celebration.
Table reservations and parking passes are available now — and they sell out. General admission is also available, but seating is limited, so don’t wait. Bold Republic will not be open to walk-ins on the evening of July 4th; a ticket or reservation is required.
Saturday, July 4 | Backyard Party at Schoepf’s BBQ featuring Jared Johnson
Schoepf’s BBQ | 702 E Central Ave, Belton | 6:00 PM
End the day in Belton with a bang - literally. The Backyard Party at Schoepf’s BBQ brings live music from Jared Johnson to one of Central Texas’s most beloved BBQ joints, followed by a fireworks show presented by INDECO. General admission is free, with limited VIP tables and reserved picnic tables available for purchase. Clear bag policy in effect; no outside food, drinks, or chairs. Rain or shine. Get tickets on Facebook
Saturday, July 4 | 4th of July at Barrow Brewing
Barrow Brewing Company | 108 Royal Street, Salado | Evening
Down in the charming Hill Country village of Salado, Barrow Brewing is throwing their own Independence Day bash with a free live performance from the Jake Waylon Band. Celebrate 250 years of America with independent craft beer, real live music, and the kind of laid-back Texas evening that never gets old. No cover, just good vibes in the heart of Salado.barrowbrewing.com
Every Saturday | Salado Farmers Market
Barrow Brewing Company | 108 Royal Street, Salado | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
If you’re making a trip to Salado for the holiday weekend, arrive early and browse the Salado Farmers Market, held every Saturday April through September, on the grounds of Barrow Brewing. A Certified Farmers Market by the Texas Department of Agriculture, it features local ranchers, farmers, crafters, bakers, and producers, a wonderful way to start a Saturday morning before the rest of the day’s festivities kick off.
Friday, July 4 | H-E-B 4th of July Fun Fest & Fireworks Show
Crossroads Park | 1020 Research Parkway, Temple | Gates open 6:00 PM
Cap off the holiday weekend back in Temple with the main event. The City of Temple’s annual H-E-B 4th of July Fun Fest & Fireworks Show at Crossroads Park features live entertainment by Groove Knight, Skydivers with the Texas flag and American flag and daytime fireworks and a 20-minute fireworks finale sponsored by H-E-B at 9:30 PM. The free, family-friendly event includes food and beverage vendors for the whole family. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Coolers with food and non-glass drinks are welcome. Come early, find your spot on the grass, and get ready for a sky full of fireworks over one of Temple’s most beloved parks.
Want to tune into the show but can't make it in person to the event? Visitors can download the Pyrocast app from their associated smartphone app store. Use code 4PPN to view the show
Check out our guide
Please note: pop-up tents on the soccer fields, personal fireworks, weapons, and open flames are prohibited. This is a smoke-free park.
Plan Your Stay
With events spread across the full July 3rd–4th weekend and beyond, Temple is a natural home base for exploring everything Bell County has to offer this Independence Day. Browse places to stay at discovertemple.com and make a long weekend of it.
America turns 250 this year, and we think that calls for more than one celebration.