A local Austin tradition for decades, the Austin Symphony Orchestra's July 4th Concert & Fireworks will return to Vic Mathias Shores returns this year after having to skip the  2020 performance due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The free event is produced by the symphony with the assistance of sponsors, including H-E-B, and takes place on Lady Bird Lake -a waterway in the center of town.

The program begins at 8 p.m. at Vic Mathias Shores across Riverside Drive from the Long Center. The show will feature guest speakers and performances of patriotic classics by the symphony. An extended fireworks show illuminates the skies after dark.

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A news release announcing the event said food and beverage vendors and crafts and memorabilia vendors would be on site. The announcement also noted that the ASO continues to work closely with the City of Austin and follow public health recommendations.

The City of Austin is expected to release more details about the event soon.

If you want to try something new this year after sticking to more local celebrations or if you love going to Austin for the Fourth and are excited about the tradition continuing, this should be a great year to attend.

My family celebrates Juneteenth and the Fourth of July. We look forward to hearing the symphony playing music while watching fireworks over Lady Birdy Lake.

Because of the pandemic, we went out to Dripping Springs last year and watched the fireworks from the back of our SUV.

My advice: if you plan to make that drive to Austin for an amazing firework show, arrive early, because at a certain point in the evening there won't be anywhere to sit!

Bring you your lawn chairs or a blanket, and bring a cooler with food. They'll have vendors there, but you're welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks. (You probably shouldn't take an glass containers, though.)

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the biggest firework show in the Central Texas area.

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