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The Rio Grande Valley is planning star-spangled festivities for the Fourth of July. It’s the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Here’s a comprehensive look at how local cities and towns are igniting big celebrations.
HIDALGO COUNTY
>> MERCEDES
Friday, July 3
>> 8 to 10 p.m. Fireworks and Drone Show Extravaganza 250
The City of Mercedes is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with food, 21 and over drinks, a live DJ, fireworks and drone show at the Mercedes Dome at 1202 N. Vermont Ave.
>> McALLEN
For its 98th Independence Day celebration, McAllen will host a string of all-day events, which will conclude in its “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show.
Saturday, July 4
>> 7 a.m. Independence 4K Run
Runners are encouraged to wear red, white and blue for McAllen’s 4K run in Archer Park at 101 N. Main St. The event costs $35 to register, but will include perks like a participant shirt, finisher medal and runner bib, according to the mcallenmarathon.com website. Participants must be at least 9 years old. Registration will close at 11:59 p.m. on July 1 or after the race hits maximum capacity.
>> 8 a.m. Patriotic Program Archer Park Review Stand
>> 9 a.m. Main Street Parade
Enjoy the lively parade floats drive by as patriotic entertainers wave the U.S. flag along Main Street from Houston Avenue to Beech Avenue.
>> 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Freedom Festival
Stop by for music, food, games and artisans for “classic family fun.”
>> 1 to 4 p.m. Aquatica Extravaganza
Community members can stop by the McAllen Municipal Pool to cool off for $2.50 per entry.
>> 6 to 10 p.m. (McAllen) Concert in the Sky
Community members can go to the Municipal Park located at 1921 N. Bicentennial Blvd. for games, food, live music and more. The fireworks show will light up the night at 9 p.m.
>> EDINBURG
From a fun run to barbeque, Edinburg plans to celebrate Independence Day with a lot of sizzle.
Saturday, July 4
>> 7:30 a.m. Edinburg Firecracker 5K Run
The City of Edinburg is inviting runners to pop off to Ebony Hills Golf Course for a morning 5K run. For $20, those interested can sign-up online at activeedinburg.com. The first 500 runners will receive a shirt.
>> 4 to 11:20 p.m. Texas Cook’em: High Steaks in Edinburg
Register for free to attend a cookout for the Valley. More than 12,000 people are expected to attend this year, according to the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce. The event includes a family fun zone, car show, all-day live music, a skydive show, and a cook-off where cooks will prepare barbecue, chicken, ribs, brisket and more. The H-E-B Sizzle and Stripes Firework Show will start at 10 p.m.
>> WESLACO
Saturday, July 4
>> 7 to 10 p.m. Stars and Stripes
The city of Weslaco, Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce and Weslaco’s Economic Development Corporation are hosting a “Stars and Stripes” event with food, live music, drone and fireworks show in downtown Weslaco.
CAMERON COUNTY
>> SAN BENITO
Thursday, July 2
>> 4 to 11 p.m. Resacafest: Celebrating the Spirit of America
San Benito is hosting its free celebratory Independence Day event with live music, fireworks and a car show at Heavin Memorial Park. Performances include Infusion Live Band, Madelyn Victoria, Christina y Los Latinos and more.
>> HARLINGEN
Saturday, July 4
>> 7 a.m. Freedom Fest 4K
Participants can pay $25 to enter into a morning race sponsored by Gold’s Gym at Lon C. Hill Park at 1217 Fair Park Blvd.
>> 5 to 10 p.m. Harlingen Freedom Fest 2025
Harlingen is hosting its Freedom Fest with music from De Parranda. The free event includes fireworks, a beer garden, food, car show and kids carnival. It will take place at Lon C. Hill Park on 1216 Fair Park Blvd.
>> PORT ISABEL
Thursday, July 2
>> 9 p.m. Port Isabel Lighthouse Establishment Cinema
The Port Isabel Lighthouse is hosting movie nights all summer. To prepare for Independence Day celebrations, the lighthouse will be hosting a fireworks show July 2 followed by a free outdoor movie screening of “National Treasure”. Visitors can call (956) 943-0735 or visit the lighthouse website for more information.
>> LOS FRESNOS
Friday, July 3
>> 6 to 9 p.m. Independence Day Celebration
The Los Fresnos Chamber of Commerce is hosting its celebration at Los Fresnos Memorial Park to include fireworks, live music, watermelon and hot dogs, a jalapeno eating contest, patriotic costume contest and more.
>> SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
Saturday, July 4
>> 9 a.m. 4th of July Beach Parade
Get in the sand for a beach parade that starts at Beach Access No. 8 and ends at Beach Access No.4. The parade will include watermelon, water and giveaways.
>> 9:15 p.m. 4th of July Fireworks
Enjoy fireworks over the bay at the Entertainment and Arts District at Stillman’s Landing.
>> BROWNSVILLE
Saturday, July 4
>> 5 to 10 p.m. Brownsville Sports Park Salute to Freedom Celebration
The event features live music from performances like Grupo Siggno, a car show, food vendors and more. Tailgates open at 5 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m. and the drone lights and fireworks show is expected around 9:20 p.m, according to the Brownsville Sports Park.
STARR COUNTY
>> ROMA
Saturday, July 4
>> 7:30 a.m. Firecracker 5K Dash
The Parks and Recreation Commission is hosting its inaugural 4th of July race at Roman Municipal Park to kick off a day of partying. Registration costs $25 and is open until July 2 at 7:30 a.m. At this point, the event is no longer giving out participant shirts, bibs and finisher medals, but is looking for volunteers.
>> 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Back the Blue Car Show
The Roma police department and the city of Roma are hosting their sixth annual car show at the Roma Municipal Park. To participate with classic cars, trucks and custom builds, it costs $20 per vehicle entry and $10 for each additional entry. Registration is on-site on the day of the event and participants will receive trophies for different categories. For more information, contact Ray Rodriguez at (956) 844-2644.
>> Day-long 4th of July Celebration
Roma Municipal Park will have live music, food, carnival rides, fireworks and more. Live music performances include La Incomparable Sonora Bakarash De Gilberto Aldape, El Vayven Del Amor and Los Castillo.
WILLACY COUNTY
>> RAYMONDVILLE
Saturday, July 4
>> 4 p.m. to dusk Raymondville Fourth of July Celebration
Raymondville’s celebrations include a flag ceremony, music, car show, paint ball, dodge ball, watermelon and hot dog eating contests, balloon toss contests, a patriotic pet show and fireworks. Events will take place in Eddie Stark Park, or Smiley Face Park. Contact (956) 865-0711 for more information.