Leading up to the event, the community will also have the opportunity to participate in an Apple Pie Baking Contest, with the winners being announced during the celebration. In addition, the event will feature the America Mile Challenge, where participants will compete to complete as many miles as possible within a two-hour timeframe for a chance to win a prize.
The lineup of musical entertainment begins with DJ Boris, followed by opening act Selestial Alcoser. Direct support will be provided by Mustache the Band, with the headlining performance by Eli Young Band. Formed in Texas, the Eli Young Band has achieved national success with four No. 1 singles on the Billboard Country Airplay charts, making them a fitting headliner for this year’s celebration.
The evening will conclude with the City’s signature fireworks show, a pyrotechnic display that has become a highlight of the annual celebration. Residents and visitors are encouraged to join us on July 4 at Bicentennial Park as we come together to celebrate this historic milestone with music, community spirit, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
This festival has earned the Baytown Sun Readers’ Choice Award for Best Community Event three years in a row, from 2023 to 2025. It is a celebration that blends national pride with local tradition, honoring 250 years of American independence while continuing the Baytown traditions that generations have cherished.
2026 Event Date
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Admission
This is a FREE, Non-Ticketed Event
Event Schedule
- 4:00 – 4:30 PM: Music Begins with DJ Boris
- 4:30 – 5:30 PM: Selestial Alcoser
- 6:00 – 7:30 PM: Mustache The Band
- 7:30 – 8:00 PM: National Anthem and City Leaders
- 8:00 – 9:30 PM: Eli Young Band
- Fireworks Immediately Following Eli Young Band
Event Highlights
- Free live music concert
- Food vendors
- Shopping vendors
- Family activities - some paid, some free
- Free swag thrown off-stage
- Firework show
New, in Honor of the 250th Milestone
- Frontier Day Exhibits
- Cannon Demonstrations
- Photo Op with a Real Bald Eagle
- Photo Op with 250th Signage
- Kids Wagon Parade
- Pie Baking Contest
- America Mile Run, Presented by P2:3
- On Independence Day from 2PM to 4PM, runners take on a 1-mile loop in a true AMRAP format (as many rounds as possible), pushing lap after lap through peak Texas heat around Bicentennial Park in Baytown. With $999 in prize money across four divisions, only 250 committed runners will earn a spot in this mile-driven showdown. Winners will be presented on stage at 7:30 PM
- Baytown's America Mile Registration Opens May 9 and closes June 9 or as soon as it fills!
Event Tips
- Bring your chairs or blankets
- Shade tents are allowed for the first half of the concert
- Coolers are allowed, but no glass containers or alcohol
Location
Bicentennial Park, 1001 Market St, Baytown, TX 77520
Parking
Free public parking is generally available at Lee College across the street from the park, while those needing access to handicap parking will be accommodated at the Lee College Performing Arts Center.
Event Guidelines
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, please follow these guidelines that apply to all special events at Bicentennial Park:
Event rules for entire park property:
- NO personal use of drones
- NO BBQ pits, grills, or open flames
- NO glass containers
- NO alcohol
- NO motorized vehicles
- Bags, coolers, and wagons are allowed but subject to inspection at any time.
Special rules within a 200 foot radius of the stage/crowd area:
- NO smoking or vaping
- NO personal pets, even leashed
- Service animals are allowed
- NO bikes, skates, scooters, skateboards, or other wheeled recreational devices.
- Mobility devices for accessibility purposes are permitted.
- Personal tents are allowed but must be taken down at dusk.
All rules apply unless otherwise approved for accessibility needs, staff vehicles, sponsors, or vendors.
