The photo you see above is of a Flag Waffle I made last year (before my site redesign) for 4th of July brunch. I’m not going to repost the recipe– mostly I just needed a patriotic photo! What I am going to do is provide a list of events and activities that you may want to check out if you haven’t made your 4th of July plans yet. There are so many things going on in and around Austin this 4th, you may want to try something new.  Here are some red, white, and blue activities and events cracklin’ this year!

1. Master Pancake- Independence Day at Alamo Drafhouse Downtown– If you are unfamiliar with Master Pancake, it’s quite the experience. A team of humorous movie buffs will make jokes about Independence Day– the movie — actually during the show! It’s an interesting, play-with-your-mind form of entertainment because typically talking during movies is frowned upon– much less shouting out loud. Shows are tonight, Friday, July 2nd at 10 PM, Saturday, July 2nd at 7 PM and 10 PM, and Sunday, July 4th at 7 PM. Check out the details and get tickets here.
2. Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnic at The Backyard– Door open at 10 AM, opening ceremony begins at 11 AM for this all-day festival full of fun, food, and an extensive musical lineup including Asleep at the Wheel, Jack Ingram, Los Lonely Boys, Randy Rogers, and of course Mr. Nelson himself. Food for purchase will be available from Torchy’s Tacos, GoodPop, and Mandola’s Italian Market, to name a few. Tickets cost $55 and can be purchased online or at Waterloo Records.
3. July 4th Austin at Seaholm Power Plant– This event is free fun on July 4th! Music from T-bird and the Breaks, and several other musical acts will be going on from 4 PM until the downtown fireworks are over at 10 PM. There will be free valet parking and food for purchase. Bring your own chairs to watch the fireworks overhead starting at 9:30 PM. More info here!
4. Big State, Big Taste at Central Market (June 25th-July 4th)– Central Market is highlighting locally-sourced Texas foods leading up to the 4th of July. So make a stop there for local watermelon, peaches, and produce, as well as BBQ sauces, and salsas to bring to that 4th of July BBQ you haven’t yet planned your contribution for. Celebrate this 4th locally! More info here.
5. H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks– Have a patriotic picnic while you listen to American tunes from the Austin Symphony at Auditorium Shores at The Long Center. Music starts at 8:30 PM, and fireworks will be cracklin’ from 9:30 to 10 PM in the heart of downtown Austin. More info here.
6. Samaritan Sunday at Snack Bar– July 4th kicks off Snack Bar‘s Samaritan Sundays. Each Sunday, enjoy a worldly brunch from 10 AM- 3 PM at Snack Bar on South Congress, and a portion of your purchase will benefit a different organization weekly. If you dine on the 4th, you will benefit Austin Zoo & Animal Sanctuary and you may even get to meet some zookeepers and catch a glimpse of some exotic animals!
7. Bob Schneider and Quiet Company at Nutty Brown Cafe– Only $16 for this fun night of local music and fireworks! Doors open at 6 PM, local band Quiet Company plays starting at 7:30, Bob Schneider plays at 9 and 10:15 with a fireworks show in between his sets. You can bring your own folding chairs, and tables are first-come, first-serve. Sounds like a good ol’ Texas Hill Country time to me! Visit the Nutty Brown Cafe website for more info.

If the weather decides not to cooperate, Alamo Drafthouse (listed in #1 above) or hosting an impromptu BBQ may be your best bet. If you go the BBQ route, you can try this Simple Summer Sangria, and use chopped apple or white peaches (white) and blueberries (blue) in the wine mixture (red) to have your patriotic colors covered, or make a white sangria with refreshing white wine and add blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries for an Independence Day beverage you can’t resist!