Fireworks are illegal in most incorporated city areas, so free city-sponsored displays are a safe and frugal option for your Independence Day celebration. Austin offers one of the state’s most impressive fireworks displays, complete with live music performed by the Austin Symphony. The event is free and held in the heart of the city at Auditorium Shores, with fireworks shot over Lady Bird Lake at about 9:30 p.m.

However, the event is very large. The city expects more than 100,000 people to attend the event this year. Most of those people will drive in from areas outside of downtown, and they will all need to park somewhere. Those parking close in, at the Long Center parking garage, will pay $10 per car to park – not exactly frugal. Those parking farther away might find cheaper parking, but will have to fight the crowd to get to the viewing area and then to return to their car after the event ends at 10 p.m. This could make for a long evening and a hassle, as well as the cost of driving in and parking.

A better option may be attending one of the displays in the communities surrounding Austin. All of the celebrations listed below include fireworks at the end of the evening, but most also feature many other free activities earlier in the day or evening.

For those to the north, Cedar Park is hosting a variety of activities, starting at 4 p.m., including face painting, games, music - even free watermelon!

Georgetown is offering a full day of entertainment, including a parade, games, petting zoo, live music, car show and more, beginning at 10 a.m.

Round Rock calls its Independence Day festivities the July 4 Frontier Days Celebration. The day’s events begin at 10 a.m. with a parade and continue with games, a boat regatta, art and crafts (and free watermelon!), a skydiver and more.

Those to the east can visit Hutto for a full day of fun, including a walking parade at 8:30 a.m. and a softball tournament (which actually begins on Friday, July 3).

To the west, Lakeway and Lake Travis are also hosting events. Lakeway begins the day with a parade at 8:30 a.m., followed by a pageant, free admission to the Skateboard Park (the Swim Center will be open, but admission is $3), and an evening of free music. Lake Travis offers free music and fireworks at Volente Beach, but only if you arrive at the park before 8 p.m. After that, admission will be $5.

If you live south, consider attending the festivities in San Marcos. Beginning at 5 p.m., the city is hosting its Summerfest celebration, featuring a children’s parade, a patriotic costume contest and free live music.

A fireworks display in one of the city’s outlying areas will still provide oohs and aahs and some beautiful explosions and may also include much more, without the cost and hassle of a drive into downtown, parking and a large crowd.