A guide to fireworks, road closures and other info for Fourth of July 2012 in Austin

Fireworks and music

The City of Austin is expecting thousands of people will attend the Austin Symphony July 4th Concert and Fireworks. The event is free to the public, and attendees are invited to bring a picnic, though concessions will be available on-site as well.

The Austin Symphony Orchestra will begin playing patriotic music at 8:30 p.m., and the fireworks display will take place between 9:30-10 p.m.

A few tips

• Alcohol, glass, Styrofoam and smoking are prohibited.
• Grilling will not be allowed at Auditorium Shores for this event.
• Stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
• The waterway on Lady Bird Lake will be closed between the First Street bridge and the Lamar Boulevard bridge during the fireworks show.
• The hike and bike trail between Shoal Creek and the First Street bridge will also be closed during the fireworks show.
• Pets will not be allowed at this event.

Transportation

• For those who choose to drive, the City of Austin suggests parking north of Lady Bird Lake in a parking garage downtown, at the Palmer Events Center or One Texas Center.
• Capital Metro has several routes that serve Auditorium Shores, including the 1L/1M, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, 30, 338 and the Night Owls. For more information, use Capital Metro's trip planner.
• Capital Metro will be operating on a Saturday schedule on Independence Day, and MetroRail and The University of Texas Shuttle Service will not run at all.
• The City of Austin also has resources available to anyone who wishes to ride a bicycle to the event.
• Click here for a map of the street closures.

City of Austin facility closures for Independence Day

• Austin City Council offices
• All recreation and senior centers
• City health clinics
• Cultural centers and museums
• Austin Public Library facilities
• Zilker Botanical Garden
• Small Business Solutions Center at One Texas Center

Trash, recycling and yard trimmings for Austin Resource Recovery and residential collection customers will be picked up on schedule. City aquatic facilities, golf courses and tennis centers will be open during their regular hours of operation.