Waxahachie 4th of July Independence Day Weekend Events

Written by Luke Adams

This Independence Day, celebrate America's 250th birthday in one of Texas' most patriotic small towns. Historic Waxahachie is pulling out all the stops for this once-in-a-generation milestone with a hometown celebration featuring live music, family-friendly activities, great food, spectacular fireworks, and a patriotic parade through downtown. As the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas comes into full bloom, there's no better place to create lasting Fourth of July memories. Here's everything you need to know to plan a fun, festive, and unforgettable Independence Day weekend in Waxahachie:

Friday, July 3: Food Trucks, plus FREE Kid Zone Activities

Families can enjoy the Whataburger KID ZONE at the Waxahachie Sports Complex from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring free activities for children, including face painting and inflatable bounce houses. Guests can also choose from a variety of food vendors, including Good Directions BBQ, Kingaling Smoked Turkey Legs, Six O Two Tacos, Apa's Lemonade Shack, Lollipops Little Red Wagon, TCB Concessions, Prickly Boba, Gelu Italian Ice, Tommy's Hot Dogs, and Dallas Ice Cream Truck.

Friday, July 3: ZZ Tex - The Ultimate ZZ Top Tribute Rock Band!

The celebration kicks off at 6 p.m. at the Waxahachie Sports Complex with music from DJ Madness Jon Bell. The opening ceremony begins at 7:15 p.m. and features a special performance of the National Anthem by Seaman Riley Seale of the Forrestal Squadron, United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. The Color Guard will be presented by the 1LT Jack Lummus Division, United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps. The evening continues with a high-energy concert by ZZ Tex, the ultimate ZZ Top experience. Best of all, admission is free!

Friday, July 3: Spectacular Fireworks Show

Cap off the evening with the spectacular H-E-B & Myrtle Creek Community Fireworks Show at 9:15 p.m. Fireworks will light up the sky over the Waxahachie Sports Complex in a dazzling display celebrating America's 250th birthday.

For an even more memorable experience, tune your radio to KBEC 1390/99.1 Classic Texas Music to enjoy a special patriotic soundtrack synchronized with the fireworks. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers to relax and enjoy the show. Please note that personal fireworks are prohibited at the Waxahachie Sports Complex.

Saturday, July 4: Veterans Honored with Hometown Parade on Main Street

The patriotic celebration continues on Saturday, July 4, with the beloved CNB of Texas Hometown Parade, beginning at 10 a.m. The parade travels from Getzendaner Park along Main Street to historic Downtown Waxahachie, making for a timeless Independence Day tradition the whole family will enjoy.

Photo Credit: Cameron Gott

All veterans and active-duty service members, including those who served in all wars and conflicts, are honored guests in the parade. Prior to the parade, veterans and one guest are invited to attend the Dan McClinton Veterans’ Memorial Breakfast at Victory Baptist Church beginning at 8 a.m. The breakfast is proudly sponsored by First Baptist Church Waxahachie, Victory Baptist Church, and Texans on Mission.

The Crape Myrtle Festival, Fireworks, & Parade are FREE to the general public!

Event sponsors include: H-E-B, Myrtle Creek, InterBank, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Waxahachie, Whataburger, and Ellis County Title Company.

Saturday, July 4: Liberty & Lemonade Stroll

No Independence Day weekend in Waxahachie is complete without a visit to historic Downtown. After the parade, spend the day exploring locally owned shops, enjoying delicious dining options, and cooling off at the splash pad located just four blocks north of the Ellis County Courthouse.

While you're downtown, don't miss the Waxahachie Downtown Merchants Association's Liberty & Lemonade Stroll! From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, adults and children can enjoy FREE lemonade samples at participating downtown businesses while strolling through one of Texas' most charming historic districts.

Saturday, July 4: 4th of July Rodeo

Celebrate Independence Day the Texas way at The Cowboy Church of Ellis County’s FREE 4th of July Rodeo! Bring the whole family for an afternoon packed with hometown fun, including BBQ, water slides, live music, and plenty of activities for all ages, beginning at noon. Then, settle in for exciting rodeo action kicking off at 1 p.m., featuring bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and more!

HISTORY & BACKGROUND:

In 1997, the Texas State Legislature designated Waxahachie as the “Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas.” We honor that designation each summer with the Crape Myrtle Parade & Fireworks when the city’s historic streets are lined with hundreds of beautiful crape myrtles in full bloom.

For more information about the festival or to register a veteran for the breakfast and parade, contact the Waxahachie Convention & Visitors Bureau at (469) 309-4040 or visit www.VisitWaxahachie.com.

The Insider's Guide to 4th of July Weekend in Waxahachie 2026