I Heart America Celebration
I Heart America
Celebrate Independence Day with live music, family activities, great food and a fireworks show at the City of College Station's free I Heart America Fourth of July Celebration at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater.
This year's celebration features a special America 250 observance and a headline performance by the Josh Abbott Band, one of Texas country's most acclaimed acts. Known for its electrifying live shows, seven studio albums and three RIAA Gold-certified singles, the band has earned national recognition while staying true to its independent Texas roots.
The celebration includes food vendors, family activities, and a fireworks show set to patriotic music. The gates open at 7 p.m., followed by welcome remarks at 7:30, the band’s performance at 8, and the dazzling fireworks show choreographed to patriotic music at 9:30.
Blog Post: Music, fireworks, and watermelon: Your guide to College Station’s epic Fourth of July celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2026
7 p.m. - Gates open
7:30 p.m. - Welcome Remarks
8 p.m. - Josh Abbott Band
9:30 p.m. - Fireworks
Can’t attend? Tune in to KAMU-TV to watch the fireworks show live with the free PBS app, KAMU website, your TV provider, or an antenna.
Event Details
- Free parking is available at Post Oak Mall, with accessible parking available near Colgate Drive.
- Holleman Drive East will be closed starting at 2 p.m. from State Highway 6 to Dartmouth Street.
- Guests may bring refreshments. Kegs and glass containers are prohibited. Coolers must be 48 quarts or smaller. Food and beverages also will be available for purchase from food vendors.
- Lawn chairs are welcome except in designated blanket-only seating areas.
- Smoking is prohibited in the main seating area. Designated smoking areas will be available.
- Pets, personal fireworks, tents, canopies and drones are not permitted.
- Parents and guardians should keep children with them at all times.
- In the event of inclement weather or an emergency, please use designated exits and follow staff instructions.
Family Fun and Treats
Throughout the venue and along Holleman Drive, you’ll find an exciting lineup of family-friendly activities, yard games, face painting, souvenir shirt sales, and a photo booth to capture your America 250 memories.
Free Refreshments (while supplies last!)
- Free Watermelon courtesy of the College Station Noon Lions Club
- Free Sausage on a Stick from Slovacek Sausage
- Complimentary Bottled Water available throughout the event
Food Trucks & Vendors
Craving something more? Check out the delicious options spread across the event grounds.
Amphitheater
- Raging Bull Tacos
- JLM Chicken & Waffles
- Carousel's
- Kidz Treats
Holleman Drive Vendors
- Something Different
- Kona Ice
- Raging Bull Tacos
Directions to Wolf Pen Creek
More Ways to Celebrate
Independence Day Signing Ceremony
The Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board will host a special signing ceremony for the United States Declaration of Independence on Saturday, July 4, at 9 a.m. at the memorial’s American Revolution site. The free public event includes a reading of the Declaration, followed by a ceremonial signing by 56 community leaders in tribute to the original signers.
Red, White and Splash
Celebrate Independence Day at Adamson Lagoon with an evening swim, yard games and family fun from 7:30—10 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. The event is free, with capacity limited to 400 swimmers. Guests attending public swim before 7:30 p.m. may remain in the facility without reentry. Fireworks from the I Heart America Celebration can be viewed from the pool at 9:30 p.m. All pool rules apply, and inflatables and alcohol are not permitted.
Exploring History Luncheon
Learn more about our nation’s history at the Exploring History Luncheon on Wednesday, July 15, at 11:30 a.m. at the Larry J. Ringer Library. “Home of the Brave: Celebrating America 250,” will be presented by Lisa Mouton, social studies and world languages coordinator for Bryan Independent School District. Attendance is free, with lunch available for $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents. Lunch reservations are required by July 10, with a limited number of meals available at the door for $12.
Sponsored By:
Parks & Recreation Department
1000 Krenek Tap Road
College Station, TX 77840
(8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays)
979.764.3486
parks@cstx.gov
Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate America's birthday with family and friends while enjoying live music, community spirit and one of the Brazos Valley's premier fireworks displays.