Celebrate Independence Day with a variety of exciting events happening throughout the El Paso region.
From parades and family-friendly festivities to fireworks and live entertainment, the community will come together to honor America’s birthday.
Whether you’re looking for a fun outdoor activity or a spirited celebration, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the holiday across the borderland.
Fourth of July Events
• El Paso Chihuahuas Fireworks Spectacular: The Chihuahuas host the Sugar Land Space Cowboys for an Independence Day Celebration with post-game fireworks choreographed to patriotic music June 28-29 at Southwest University Park. The games begin at 6:35 p.m. Saturday, June 28 and at 6:05 p.m. Sunday, June 29.
• Rotary Independence Day Parade: Kick off your Fourth of July festivities at the 27th annual Rotary Independence Day Parade, hosted by the Rotary Club of West El Paso. The parade begins at 9 a.m. Friday, July 4, at Western Hills Methodist Church, 524 Thunderbird Drive. The route will continue west and turn left onto Shadow Mountain Drive before turning north onto Mesa Street. The procession will turn onto Champions Place and conclude at Cloudview Drive.
• Town of Anthony Fourth of July Parade: Celebrate Independence Day with the Town of Anthony’s annual Fourth of July Parade, set for 10 a.m. Friday, July 4, along Wildcat Drive. The community event invites residents and visitors to show their patriotic spirit while recognizing local first responders, civic leaders and small businesses. The parade is open to all.
• Upper Valley Artist & Farmers Market 4th of July Festival: Celebrate Independence Day with family and friends at the Upper Valley Artist & Farmers Market’s Fourth of July Festival, set for 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Franklin High School, 900 N. Resler Drive. The evening will feature local vendors, food trucks, a dedicated kids’ zone, live music by DJs Chrri, Droppdeadd and Yari, and prize giveaways throughout the event. The festivities will conclude with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
• City of Socorro Independence Day Xtravaganza: The City of Socorro will host its annual Independence Day Xtravaganza on at 5 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Cougar Park, 10664 Socorro Road. The event will feature a headline performance by two-time Latin Grammy Award winner and Tejano music star Michael Salgado. The free, family-friendly celebration includes live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, games and a fireworks show. It is open to the public. Information: 915-860-8615.
• Red White and Brew at Painted Dunes: Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course will host its fifth annual Red, White and Brew Fireworks Show from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 3, at 12000 McCombs St. The family-friendly event will feature live music, food trucks, vendors, children’s activities and a fireworks display to kick off Independence Day celebrations. General admission is $10, with free entry for children 5 and under. Parking is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Tickets are available at painteddunes.com.
• Pop Goes the Fort: Fort Bliss will host its annual Pop Goes the Fort celebration Saturday, June 28, at Biggs Park, 11388 Sergeant Major Blvd., featuring live performances by Sugar Ray, Free Daps, and the 1st Armored Division Band. The free event kicks off at 4 p.m. and includes food trucks, glow merchandise, and a fireworks display. Attendees are welcome to bring coolers, picnic blankets and chairs, but outside alcohol, pets and glass containers are prohibited. Canopies will be allowed in a designated area until space runs out. A Community Access Pass is required for non-military visitors and is encouraged in advance to avoid long wait times on the day of the event.
• El Paso Locomotive: Celebrate Independence Day with soccer and fireworks as the El Paso Locomotive takes on rival San Antonio FC at 7 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Southwest University Park, 1 Ballpark Plaza. The USL Championship match will be capped with a fireworks display. Tickets and additional event details are available at eplocomotivefc.com.
• Western Playland: The amusement park will host its annual July Fourth Fireworks Celebration from 4 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at 1249 Futurity Drive in Sunland Park. The highlight of the evening — a fireworks display — is scheduled for 9 p.m., offering a colorful tribute to Independence Day. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the amusement park’s attractions and find a good viewing spot before the show begins. Regular park admission applies.
• Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld: The water park in Anthony will host its annual Fourth of July celebration with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Thursday, July 4. Visitors can enjoy extended waterpark hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. before the nighttime display. Admission, cabanas and reserved tables can be purchased in advance through the waterpark’s website. Wet ‘N’ Wild is located at 8804 S. Desert Blvd. in Anthony, Texas.
Where is it legal to pop or possess fireworks in El Paso?
- City of El Paso: It is illegal to pop any kind of fireworks within the city limits and they are illegal to possess. If caught, fireworks will be confiscated and fines can be up to $2,000.
- El Paso County: The El Paso County Commissioners Court on Monday will likely adopt an order banning the sale or use of skyrocket- and missile-type fireworks in any unincorporated area of the county during the Fourth of July holiday season June 24 to July 4. The court has the authority to ban certain fireworks when the Keetch-Byram Drought Index measures a 575 or higher. The KBDI, which ranges from zero to 800, reached 702 Friday. Some areas of Montana Vista, Fabens and Tornillo, as well as Canutillo and Vinton, are unincorporated.
- Town of Anthony, Texas: Fireworks cannot be popped in the town without a permit. Violators may face a fine of up to $100.
- Town of Clint: Fireworks are illegal in the Town of Clint punishable with a fine of up to $150.
- Town of Horizon City: Fireworks are banned in the Horizon city limits and it is also illegal to possess and store them. Offenders may face misdemeanor charges and a fine of up to $500.
- City of San Elizario: The city applies the same laws as El Paso County. Any violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500.
- City of Socorro: It is illegal to possess or pop fireworks in any area not designated a safe zone; safe zones or other areas for igniting fireworks may be located within city parks if allowed by the city manager, according to the city ordinance.
Are sparklers safe? Fireworks safety tips
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission encourages the public to leave fireworks to the professionals, stating that eight fireworks-related deaths and some 9,700 injuries were reported in 2023 – 66% of them associated with fireworks misuse in the weeks before and after the July Fourth holiday. That year, 42% of emergency-treated injuries involved burns. An estimated 800 emergency department-treated injuries involved firecrackers and 700 involved sparklers.
If you plan to light fireworks where they’re legally permitted, the commission offers these safety tips:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association reminds people that sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees, enough to melt some metals. Sparklers account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries, the association reports.
Instead of sparklers, consider safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
Keeping your pets safe
Here are some tips from the Humane Society of the United States on keeping your pets safe and calm during Fourth of July celebrations:
- Leave your pets indoors with a radio or television on to minimize the shock of the loud noises that fireworks may give off.
- If your pet gets anxious around loud noises, talk to your vet for help on medications or to give suggestions on how to alleviate a pet’s anxiety.
- Keep your pets’ collar and nametag on, and get your pet microchipped. Animals may take desperate measures to escape if frightened by loud noises. Name tags and microchips help identify your pet if they get lost.
El Paso Animal Services, 5001 Fred Wilson Ave., is offering free microchips and ID tags for pets from 3 to 5 p.m. every Wednesday in June. No appointment is needed.
The El Paso County Animal Welfare Department is holding three free microchip events prior to the Fourth of July.
- 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, Fabens Veterans Park, 602 4th St. NE, Fabens
- Noon-2 p.m. Saturday, June 14, Coyote Park, 600 O.T. Smith Road, Tornillo
- 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, June 21, Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Drive
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