North Richland Hills is kicking off Independence Day a little early this year, with the North Tarrant Chamber’s Family 4th (on the 1st) returning Wednesday, July 1. Admission is free, activities start at 5 p.m., and the night wraps up with a combined drone-and-fireworks show expected to light up the sky around 9:30 p.m.
Where to Watch and Who's Behind It
The free community celebration is organized by the North Tarrant Chamber of Commerce and centered at the BISD Plaza parking lot, 6351 Boulevard 26 in North Richland Hills, with a secondary viewing area at Wiley G. Thomas Coliseum in Haltom City. Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis, and vehicles will not be allowed to park along the street, according to North Richland Hills.
Schedule and Family Attractions
Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with food trucks, community stage performances and bounce houses, with a $5 wristband required per child for inflatable fun. Later in the evening, DJ Matt Blake will spin a set ahead of a performance by the Texas All-Star Jazz Orchestra. A corndog-eating contest is slated for 6:30 p.m., followed by a patriotic salute to veterans at 7 p.m., with the drone-and-fireworks finale scheduled to start around 9:30 p.m., according to the North Tarrant Chamber of Commerce.
Drone Show and Why the Date Moved
The sky show pairs traditional fireworks with a 2,500-drone performance produced by PrestoTechnics and Sky Elements Drones, per America250. Organizers shifted the celebration to July 1 this year to avoid public safety and resource conflicts tied to a FIFA World Cup match in Arlington, according to North Richland Hills.
Planning Tips and Safety
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and family-friendly games to stake out their viewing spots. Outdoor cooking devices, alcohol and personal fireworks are not allowed. The event map outlines parking areas, and organizers remind visitors that parking is first-come and wristbands will be required for some attractions, according to the North Tarrant Chamber of Commerce.
Community Partners
The event is backed by the cities of Haltom City, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills and Watauga, with title sponsors including Five Star Ford and Medical City North Hills. Chamber leaders describe the show as a special way to help kick off America’s 250th anniversary, per Texas America250.
