2026 July 4th Parade

The Annual NWACA 4th of July Parade is the largest in Austin! Join us this year as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country, founded in 1776 - an unforgettable milestone and parade you won’t want to miss!

Join us at 9:00 AM for Opening Ceremonies at 7101 Waterline Road (Waterline Rd. & Far West Blvd.). Then, cheer on the parade as it travels down Far West Blvd. to Doss Elementary, where the Freedom Festival kicks off immediately following the parade!

Bring your friends, your family, and your patriotic spirit. Let's celebrate together.

Parade Map

How are you participating in this year's parade?

Join the Parade Float Contest!

Float Contest Registration

Float Contest Rules

Float Contest Award Categories and Prize Amounts:

Grand Champion
Awarded to the float that best combines creativity, effort, visual impact, and overall excellence.

$150 cash or $150 to charity of choice and NWACA Float Trophy for one year

Most Patriotic
Awarded to the float that most proudly and creatively celebrates the spirit, symbols, and colors of America.

$100 cash or $100 to charity of choice

Best Team Spirit
Awarded to the group that shows outstanding enthusiasm, unity, and energy in both their float and participation.

$100 cash or $100 to charity of choice

***NEW THIS YEAR!***
JOIN the BIKE (or SCOOTER) DECORATING CONTEST!

Bike (or Scooter) Contest Registration

Bike or Scooter
(manual only, please) Award Categoties:

Best American Symbol
Creative use of flags, eagles, stars, or other patriotic icons.

Most Sparkle & Shine
Glitter, metallics, tinsel, and anything that catches the sunlight.

Biggest Wow Factor
The bike that makes everyone stop and say “WOW!”

Not joining the float, bike (or scooter) contests for a chance to win bragging rights and cash prizes?

No problem!

Check out the other ways you can participate!

March in the parade!
Decorate your bike, wagon, or scooter (manual only, please) and walk in the parade with your family!

Leashed dogs are welcome, too! Make sure to look for cooling stations and water bowls along the parade route.

No need to register. Just line up on Waterline Rd. by 8:30 AM with other individuals and families, then enjoy the march to Doss Elementary, where the Freedom Festival begins!

March with a Group!
Got a business, civic group, school, team, or neighborhood crew? Register your group to march in the parade and be part of the lineup!

Line up by 8:30 AM on Waterline Rd. alongside the other participating groups.

We’ll share the official lineup ahead of time and again the morning of the event so you’ll know exactly where to go.

Have a cool ride?
Got an antique car, decorated truck, or other motorized vehicle? We’d love to include you in the parade lineup!

Register to let us know you're coming.

Line up by 8:00 AM on Far West Blvd., west of Waterline Rd.

Access the parade map to know the best way to access the parade line up for cool rides!

Watch the Parade!
Pull up a lawn chair anywhere along Far West Blvd. before 9:00 AM when opening ceremonies begin.

The parade will start as soon as opening ceremonies finish. Bring a fan and a cold drink, and cheer on your neighbors as the parade rolls by!

CALLING ALL MILITARY VETERANS

In this 250th milestone year of our nation's birthday, we’re especially proud to recognize and honor the sacrifice of our Veterans. We would be privileged to have you join us as we celebrate our country and pay tribute to you for your service. Please register as an individual or group so we know you're join us!

Veterans Registration

FREEDOM FESTIVAL
Immediately following the parade, join us for the
Freedom Festival at Doss Elementary!

We will have lots of booths, free food, refreshments, games, a face painter, a balloon art twister & more!

New this year: we will have an ice cream truck and breakfast tacos compliments of Lindsay Neuren, Your Austin Realtor. Live music by Shotguns Ready. You can check out all the winning floats, and winning decorated bikes/scooters. The classic cars will be at the Freedom Fest, too!

Check back soon for a map of the Freedom Festival!

Thank you!
NWACA Business Member

QUESTIONS?

Email info@nwaca.org or
contact 2026 parade co-chairs:
Megan Helmbrecht, 512-497-5579 or Amy Hajdu, 512-743-7646

Float Contest Award Categories and Prize Amounts:

Bike or Scooter(manual only, please) Award Categoties:

Bike or Scooter
(manual only, please) Award Categoties: