Fireworks and festivities this Fourth of July

Fireworks will light up the Calhoun County coast this week as Port Lavaca and Port O’Connor prepare to host back-to-back Independence Day events.

Port Lavaca’s Star Spangled Bay Bash will take place Thursday, July 3, at Bayfront Peninsula Park. Now in its eighth year, the free event opens to the public at 4 p.m. and offers an evening full of family-friendly activities. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food vendors serving local favorites, live music performances, and plenty of open space to relax and celebrate with friends and family.

The night’s highlight is the fireworks display scheduled for 9:30 p.m. This year, the show is uniquely choreographed to music, which can be heard by tuning into 98.9 FM or through the Skywonder app on smartphones. Fireworks will be visible not only from Bayfront Peninsula Park but also from downtown Port Lavaca, Lighthouse Beach Park, and several surrounding locations, giving residents multiple ways to enjoy the show.

“We’re proud to bring the community together once again for a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration of our nation’s independence,” said Tania French, Port Lavaca Events Coordinator. “There’s something special about watching fireworks light up the bay with your neighbors by your side. We invite everyone to come early, enjoy the music and food, and make lasting memories at the Bayfront.”

Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Parking is available near the park, but attendees are advised to plan ahead as traffic may increase closer to the fireworks show.

Two days later, on Saturday, July 5, Port O’Connor will host its 51st annual fireworks show at King Fisher Beach. This long-standing tradition, held every year on the first Saturday in July, draws large crowds eager to experience the spectacular display of commercial-grade fireworks launched over Matagorda Bay.

Along with the fireworks, visitors can enjoy a variety of food trucks lining the streets near the beach, offering a wide selection of treats and meals perfect for a summer evening. King Fisher Beach recently underwent improvements to enhance the experience for residents and visitors, providing a scenic and comfortable setting for the celebration.

Both events are free and open to the public, offering opportunities for families, friends, and visitors to come together and honor the nation’s independence with joy and community spirit.

For more information about these and other local events, visit portlavacaevents.com/events.