48th Annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th Concert and Fireworks will culminate the two days of music and entertainment, kicking off with Reckless Kelly & Friends on Independence Eve
AUSTIN, TX (May 9, 2025) – Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and producer Forefront Networks (FFN) announce the return of Star-Spangled Fest, Austin’s 2-day Independence Day celebration. This year’s festivities, which will take place at The Long Center and Vic Mathias Shores, include an Independence Eve concert and entertainment throughout Independence Day, culminating in the 48th annual Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4th Concert and Fireworks presented by H-E-B. Access to Vic Mathias Shores is free and open to the public. Premier Access tickets will go on sale to the public today at 10 a.m. CDT at starspangledfest.com.
Independence Eve
Star-Spangled Fest will kick off on Thursday, July 3, with the Texas Music Scene Independence Eve Party, presented by Thomas J. Henry. The concert with Reckless Kelly & Friends will take place from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. at Dell Hall at The Long Center. For fans of the outlaw country band, Star-Spangled Fest offers the chance to see them in an epic super-jam with an exciting list of surprise guests. Complimentary tickets will be distributed to active military and veterans through VetTix.org, thanks to corporate underwriters. A variety of concert ticket types, starting at $29+ tax and ranging up to All Access passes, will go on sale to the public today at 10 a.m. CDT at starspangledfest.com.
“We’re fired-up to kick off Austin’s Star-Spangled Fest and celebrate Independence Day Eve with all of our friends,” said Cody Braun, Reckless Kelly. “It’s going to be a big time. Join us to launch this new family-friendly annual tradition.”
Independence Day
Beginning at 5:00 p.m., local musicians and ASO will perform on Star-Spangled Fest’s shoreline stage, offering patrons amazing sightlines of the performances, cityscape and fireworks. In addition to live performances, patrons can expect great food and drinks from a variety of Austin food trucks, games, activations, and special guests. Access to Vic Mathias Shores is free and open to the public all day and evening. Premier Ticket access to the shoreline and stage areas, as well as evening access to the Terrace and Lawn at The Long Center, will open at 5 p.m.
A Taco Eating Contest hosted by Planet Fitness will be held at the Shoreline stage at 7:25 p.m. where different categories of contestants will show off their skills by taking in multitudes of delicious tacos from Velvet Taco. Contestant sign-up information will be made available closer to the event at www.starspangledfest.com.
4th of July Schedule of Events
4:30 p.m. GA and VIP areas open
5:00 p.m. Local Musicians take the stage
7:25 p.m. Taco Eating Contest by Planet Fitness
8:15 p.m. Master of Ceremonies begins
8:30 p.m. Austin Symphony Orchestra Concert
9:30 p.m. Fireworks Show
10:00 p.m. After-party for VIP Reserved Tables at Long Center
For more information on the schedule of events, sponsorship opportunities, corporate hospitality, or VIP tickets, visit www.starspangledfest.com, follow on Facebook and Instagram at @starspangledfest.
VIP Tickets
There are three premium fireworks and concert viewing options, all with Early Bird pricing available:
The Long Center for the Performing Arts
- VIP Reserved Tables @ Long Center Terrace ($2,500 donation) This 10-ticket package includes a private table on the H-E-B Terrace at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, where guests will enjoy unobstructed views of the stage and fireworks against the Austin city skyline, as well as a bar, family-style dinner, access to the Shoreline VIP area, garage parking, VIP after-party and access to the Long Center’s air-conditioned lobby and restrooms.
- VIP Lawn Access @ Long Center Terrace ($85/person, free under 10 years old): Bring your blankets and enjoy hillside seating with dedicated food trucks, yard games, a photo opportunity, and a full cash bar. VIP lawn guests will have access to the Long Center’s air-conditioned lobby and restrooms.
Vic Mathias Shores VIP Access
- Shoreline Tickets ($45/person, free under 10 years old): Exclusive access to a designated area by the stage and shore where ticket-holders can enjoy amenities including shaded areas, air-conditioned restroom stations, a dedicated bar, proximity to a variety of food trucks, a photo opportunity and surprise and delights along the way.
The fireworks display and concert operate entirely from sponsor support, donations, and funds from ticket sales. Organizers would like to recognize long-time title sponsor H-E-B. “H-E-B is committed to supporting the communities we serve and the traditions that make Central Texas so special. The Austin Symphony Orchestra July 4 Concert and Fireworks is a great example of that commitment with thousands of friends and families coming together to celebrate,” said Heidi Anderson, Senior Director of Public Affairs for Central Texas, H-E-B.
Visit www.starspangledfest.com to view the schedule, purchase VIP tickets, and contact organizer for sponsorship and vending opportunities
About Austin Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1911, the Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is Austin’s most established and enduring performing arts group. Austin is a vibrant, artistic hub with a community that cares deeply for music and the arts. The ASO offers a complete season of musical and educational programming for the citizens of Austin and Central Texas. Masterworks Series concerts include eight concert pairs running monthly, September through May, in the state-of-the-art Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts. ASO’s season also features the Sarah & Ernest Butler Pops Series, which features 4 concerts running from October through June. For further information, visit austinsymphony.org.
About Forefront Networks.
Forefront Networks is a full-service experiential and entertainment agency specializing in corporate partnerships, brand activation, private events, entertainment booking, event management, and video content services. Forefront Networks’ collection of work includes event platforms designed to build connections between brands and their audiences. Their portfolio of work includes: Austin Trail of Lights; Bevo Blvd.; award-winning television series Texas Music Scene; Live In The Vineyard; Live In The Vineyard Goes Country; and Elevation. Forefront Networks also activates for brands such as H-E-B, Kendra Scott, Lucchese Bootmaker, Marriott Bonvoy, Southwest Rapid Rewards Chase Visa, Truist and The University of Texas. For further information, visit forefrontnetworks.com.
PRESS CONTACT:
Say My Name PR | Samantha Foster | 512.670.6744 | sfoster@saymynamepr.com
