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!
The parade kicks off at Waterline Rd. and marches down Far West Blvd. It all leads to Doss Elementary, where the Freedom Festival begins immediately after!
Bring your friends, your family, and your patriotic spirit. Let's celebrate together.
How are you participating in this year's parade?
Join the Parade Float Contest!
Register by July 1st and participate in the July 4th Parade Float Contest!
Float Contest Rules
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!
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!
Register your group today so we know to expect you.
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!
FREEDOM FESTIVAL
Immediately following the parade, join us for the
Freedom Festival at Doss Elementary!
We will have lots of booths, free food (breakfast tacos/donuts/watermelon), refreshments, games, a face painter, a balloon art twister & more!
New this year: we will have an ice cream truck serving complimentary ice cream treats! 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!
Questions? Email info@nwaca.org or
contact 2026 parade co-chairs:
Megan Helmbrecht, 512-497-5579 or Amy Hajdu, 512-743-7646
