It's time for the Fourth of July and all the fun that goes along with the red, white, and blue holiday. We covered firework displays pretty thoroughly last week--you can see our list of area displays and find even more area displays at . This week, we wanted to expand the Independence Day list to include those activities that just naturally go along with Fourth and some fun events you might not have thought of.
FIREWORKS WATCH PARTIES

WHERE: Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre - 1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas
WHEN: July 4 at 7:45 p.m.
COST: $15-$20
Shhhhh ... Don't tell anyone, but one of the best places in Dallas to view the Fair Park Fourth fireworks is at the Samuell-Grand Park Amphitheatre during the intermission of Shakespeare in the Park. You read that right. The show's intermission is timed to the Fair Park Fourth show, which is just across the highway and starts around 9-ish. Get up and stretch your legs and you've got a front-row view of a super fireworks show without all the traffic. The production currently playing is a modern retelling of "The Odyssey."
is one of the biggest shows in North Texas, and while many revelers will be enjoying the big bash in Addison Circle Park, there are many options for enjoying the fireworks at watch parties across Addison. Here a just a few to check out.
15103 Surveyor Road, Addison
Red, White, and Brew! - Parking lot party with a designated parking spot and catering included for $80.
4060 Beltline Road, Addison
Outdoor watch party all night. Special Kaboom Town! menu. $4.50 domestics and $4.50 wells.
4546 Belt Line Road, Addison
Great watch party location with red, white and blue USA 鈥楻itas
5001 Belt Line Road, Addison
Kaboom Town Block Party - Beginning at 4 p.m., play outdoor games, live music from DJ Yuna, a backyard BBQ menu, Red, White & Blueszy Flights. Complimentary valet for all reserved guests.
5001 Addison Circle, Addison
Watch party on two patios with live entertainment from 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.
FOURTH OF JULY CONTESTS

WHERE: Downtown Square 鈥 700 Oakland St., Denton
WHEN: July 3 from 6 to 11 p.m.
COST: FREE
It just wouldn't be the Fourth of July without hotdogs, and Denton spotlights America's favorite cookout staple with a hot dog eating contest at its annual July Jubilee. You can enjoy live music from The She, Texas High Road and Deidre Thornell. Later settle in for, not one, but two drone shows.
WHERE: Simpson Plaza - East Side, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd., Frisco
WHEN: July 3 from 7 p.m.
COST: $10, . Space is limited
Speaking of hot dogs, your favorite Wiener dog can race for a chance to win prizes at the Dachshund Dash. The hounds are organized into heats. Heat winners then race in the finals to determine the grand prize winners. Each pup will run 10-15 feet from start to finish with the help of their owners. Stick around
WHERE: Downtown Square 鈥 520 W. State St., Garland
WHEN: July 3 from 5 to 10 p.m.
COST: FREE
It doesn鈥檛 get more Red, White & Blue than an apple pie-eating contest. The competition starts at 5:40 p.m. on Garland鈥檚 Downton Square. The event also includes live music from Randall King and Jon Stork, pony rides, food trucks and a hat bar to add embellishments to your favorite hat. The evening ends with a light and drone show.
WHERE: Heritage Park - 217 S. Main St., Irving
WHEN: July 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
COST: FREE
After Irving鈥檚 annual Independence Day Parade, head to Heritage Park for more Fourth of July fun. Enjoy live music, carnival games and of course, a pie-eating contest.
INDOOR CONCERTS

WHERE: Meyerson Symphony Center 鈥 2301 Flora St., Dallas
WHEN: July 4 at 1 p.m..
COST: $26-$82
If you're looking for a way to skip the scorching temps but still celebrate, don't miss the Dallas Winds' annual Fourth of July concert inside the delightfully cool Meyerson Symphony Center. Enjoy patriotic marches, a salute to veterans, indoor fireworks, hot dogs and ice cream. Leading the festivities is guest conductor Colonel Jason Fettig , former Director of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band.
WHERE: Eisemann Center - 2351 Performance Dr., Richardson
WHEN: July 4 at 3 p.m.
COST: $18-$83
Celebrate our nation鈥檚 independence in the cool comfort of the Eisemann Center. The patriotic program includes traditional favorites like 鈥淭he Star-Spangled Banner,鈥 鈥淎merica the Beautiful,鈥 and 鈥淕od Bless America鈥 plus the moving 鈥淪alute to the Armed Forces.鈥 Bonus - this afternoon concert leaves you with plenty of time for dinner and fireworks.
SENSORY-FRIENDLY

WHERE: The Sound at Cypress Waters - 3111 Olympus Blvd., Dallas
WHEN: July 3 from 6-10 p.m..
COST: FREE
This special Independence Day event offers a fun and safe alternative for individuals and pets with noise sensitivity. The main event is the Star Spangle Glow, an LED bracelet experience that creates a light display with synchronized bracelets. Other activities include a concert by the Taylor Swift tribute band, Reputation, animal education from Creature Teacher, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Petting Zoo, face painting, interactive vendor booths, sweet treats and more.
Visit to find even more events.
The Go See DFW calendar is a partnership between 四虎影院 and The Dallas Morning News.
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