STARS & STRIPES ON HOUSTON STREET RETURNS FOR AMERICA’S 250TH WITH FULL-DAY JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AND DOWNTOWN FIREWORKS
SAN ANTONIO, TX - This Fourth of July, Downtown San Antonio is going big for America’s 250th birthda
Stars & Stripes on Houston Street, presented by USAA, returns for its third year on Saturday, July 4, 2026, bringing a full day of patriotic programming, family-friendly events, live entertainment, local food, community celebration, and historic firsts to the heart of Military City, USA.
Led by Centro San Antonio, in partnership with the City of San Antonio and Visit San Antonio as part of the On Houston Street Celebration Series, Stars & Stripes on Houston Street continues its mission to establish Downtown San Antonio as a premier destination for Independence Day celebrations.
USAA has also joined as a foundational partner, helping bring Stars & Stripes to life in a way that aligns with its commitment to service, community, and San Antonio. As the celebration continues to grow, additional partners will help build on this momentum and further establish Stars & Stripes as one of San Antonio’s most iconic Independence Day traditions.
This year’s event marks a major milestone as San Antonio joins communities across the country in honoring the 250th anniversary of American independence. Stars & Stripes on Houston Street is also officially recognized by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission through the America250 national events calendar.
“Stars & Stripes has been around for three years, but this year truly marks the beginning of what we always imagined it could become,” said Trish DeBerry, President and CEO of Centro San Antonio. “We launched this celebration in 2024 with the goal of bringing a major Fourth of July parade back to downtown, something the city had not seen since 1898. Now, as our nation celebrates America’s 250th birthday, we are welcoming fireworks back to downtown for the first time in about 15 years. In Military City, USA, this is exactly where a celebration of this magnitude belongs.”
The 2026 celebration will feature four back-to-back events designed to welcome residents, visitors, families, runners, food lovers, music fans, and all those ready to celebrate Independence Day in the heart of San Antonio.
Stars & Stripes Downtown 5K | 8:30 AM
The day begins with the inaugural Stars & Stripes Downtown 5K, inviting runners to kick off the Fourth of July with a route through the downtown core.
The race will begin at Legacy Park and culminate at Civic Park, where runners can enjoy a post-race celebration with activities and amenities to start the holiday.
- Start Time: 8:30 AM
- Start Location: Legacy Park (103 W Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205)
- Finish Location: Civic Park at Hemisfair (210 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205)
Stars & Stripes on Houston Street Parade | 10:00 AM
Following the 5K, the celebration continues with the signature Stars & Stripes on Houston Street Parade along the historic Houston Street corridor.
Produced in partnership with some of San Antonio’s leading parade professionals, this year’s parade will bring the pageantry and patriotic spirit worthy of America’s 250th birthday. Guests can expect sky-high balloons, elaborate floats, community groups, local organizations, and festive surprises designed to create a memorable downtown tradition for all ages.
Organizations interested in participating in the parade can apply by filling out the parade application form: Application Link
Stars & Stripes Music and Food Festival | 10:00 AM
The celebration continues into the afternoon with the inaugural Stars & Stripes Music and Food Festival at Civic Park.
This free, family-friendly festival will feature live music, local and regional performers, food vendors, and community activations in one of downtown’s most iconic public spaces. Guests are invited to spend the afternoon enjoying local flavor, live entertainment, and the full Fourth of July experience at Civic Park.
Stars & Stripes Downtown Spectacular | 9:00 PM
The evening will close with a major new addition to San Antonio’s Independence Day celebration: the Stars & Stripes Downtown Spectacular, presented by FirstDay Foundation.
This inaugural fireworks display will light up the downtown sky from Civic Park at Hemisfair, creating a landmark grand finale for the day’s events. As one of downtown San Antonio’s first major Independence Day fireworks displays of its kind, the Downtown Spectacular is designed to become a defining moment for the celebration and a powerful new tradition for the city’s core.
“San Antonio is Military City, USA, and there is no better place to celebrate America’s 250th birthday than in the heart of our downtown,” DeBerry said. “Stars & Stripes on Houston Street is about honoring our country, celebrating our community, and creating a welcoming space where families, neighbors, service members, veterans, visitors, and businesses can come together for a day that feels truly worthy of the occasion.”\
While Stars & Stripes on Houston Street began along the historic Houston Street corridor, the event continues to expand its footprint and vision across downtown. With new programming at Legacy Park, Civic Park, Hemisfair, and Houston Street, the celebration reflects a growing effort to bring Fourth of July back to the downtown community in an accessible and unforgettable way.
Stars & Stripes on Houston Street takes place Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Downtown San Antonio.
For event details, parade applications, vendor information, sponsorship opportunities, and updates, visit starsandstripessa.com.