Looking for ways to celebrate Independence Day and commemorate America’s 250th? Whether you are heading to a local celebration, watching fireworks from home or looking for ways to keep young learners engaged this summer, this roundup connects you with trusted PBS programming, community events and educational resources.
Celebrate Locally
First Friday and Fireworks Show
Friday, July 3, 5-10 p.m.
Each month Downtown Bryan turns into a block party with family-friendly activities, live performances, art demos, vendor booths and more. Later in the evening, head over to Travis Bryan Midtown Park to catch the free fireworks show that will start after the Bryan Yard Dogs baseball game.
View Fourth of July weekend events in Bryan.
Independence Day Signing and Plaque Dedication
Saturday, July 4, 9-11 a.m.
The Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial (BVVM) is hosting a special reading of the Declaration of Independence and a signing reenactment by 56 community members. The event also will include a dedication of the latest addition to the memorial’s American Revolution site. The BVVM is a 12-acre site, located in College Station’s Veterans Park & Athletic Complex, that features 18 memorial sites dedicated to veterans of American wars, a Wall of Honor, life-size statues and interpretive panels.
Learn more through the BVVM’s Facebook page.
July 4th Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy free bounce houses, crafts, refreshments, balloons and face painting at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Attendees can also participate in a special bell ringing at 1 p.m. as part of the nationwide Let Freedom Ring ceremony. Admission to the Bush Library and Museum and the James A. Baker, III Pavilion will be free from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum also will feature its new exhibit, “E Pluribus Unum: Celebrating the American Experience.”
View Bush Library and Museum event details.
First Responders, Frontline Workers and Military Appreciation Day
Saturday, July 4
First responders, frontline workers and military personnel can enjoy free admission to City of Bryan pools:
Bryan Aquatic Center, 1-7 p.m.
Sadie Thomas Pool, 1-5 p.m.
View City of Bryan pool information.
City of College Station’s I Heart America Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 7-10 p.m.
Load up your coolers and head to Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater for a free concert by the Josh Abbott Band and a fireworks display choreographed to patriotic music. Complimentary watermelon and sausages on a stick will be available while supplies last. Food vendors, yard games, face painting, a photo booth and other activities will be on site.
The fireworks display will broadcast on KAMU-TV for those who can’t make it in person. Viewers can watch through their TV provider (Optimum, Northland Cable, DirecTV, Dish), or by using an antenna. It will also be available through the free PBS app, online, and on Prime Video, Hulu and YouTube TV with a live TV package.
View I Heart America Celebration details.
Red, White and Splash
Saturday, July 4, 7:30-10 p.m.
Cool off with an evening swim and watch the I Heart America Celebration fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. from Adamson Lagoon. Admission is free, with capacity limited to 400 swimmers. Guests attending public swim before 7:30 p.m. may remain in the facility without reentry.
View Red, White and Splash details.
Watch on KAMU-TV
Learn all the ways you can watch KAMU-TV.
“America Made in Virginia: 250 Years Together”
July 4 at 7 p.m.
Celebrate 250 years of America’s story with a live two-hour special from Colonial Williamsburg featuring musical performances, historic storytelling, and a patriotic fireworks and drone finale.
Watch a preview for “America Made in Virginia.”
City of College Station’s I Heart America Celebration Fireworks Show
July 4 at 9:30 p.m.
If you can’t make it to Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, watch the fireworks from the comfort of your home on KAMU-TV.
View I Heart America Celebration details.
“A Capitol Fourth”
July 4 at 10 p.m.
This annual television event features live performances, patriotic music and a fireworks display from Washington, D.C. This year’s program includes the national television debut of Trace Adkins’ new song “American Made.” The program also will be available to watch on demand through YouTube starting July 3 at 7 p.m. through July 17.
Watch a preview for “A Capitol Fourth.”
History on Demand
If you haven’t already, download the free PBS app to get access to a variety of documentary shows and films that explore the people, places and events that helped shape America. The app is also a way to watch KAMU-TV and PBS KIDS live if you do not have the channels through other means.
As a special feature for America 250, Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” is available to stream for free through July 12. Even more history and other popular PBS programming can be unlocked with PBS Passport, a member benefit available to KAMU supporters for $6 a month or $72 a year. For America 250, Ken Burns’ “The Civil War,” “The War” and “The Vietnam War” have been added for Passport viewers.
Learn more about PBS Passport.
For Young Learners
Have kiddos interested in learning more about America’s history, people and places? PBS KIDS has special programming tied to America 250 that helps young viewers explore stories from across the country in a fun, age-appropriate way.
America 250 Kids Programming
As part of PBS KIDS Across America, families can find specials, shorts and playlists featuring real kids, American heroes and communities across the United States. Programming includes “America’s Awesome Kids,” “City Island: USA!,” “Molly of Denali: Happy Birthday Qyah!” and “Xavier Riddle Celebrates American Heroes.”
Visit KAMU Kids Corner webpage for more programming information.
Free Educational Resource
PBS LearningMedia also offers free U.S. history resources, including a section dedicated to the American Revolution. The collection includes videos, interactive activities, lesson plans and teaching materials that explore the Revolutionary era and the founding of the United States. While many resources are designed for classrooms and educators, parents, caregivers and homeschool families also can use them to support summer learning at home.
Explore the PBS LearningMedia website.
Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July
As you make plans to celebrate, remember that fireworks are illegal within the city limits of Bryan and College Station. Following local regulations helps protect neighborhoods, pets and property, and allows first responders to focus on emergencies throughout the holiday weekend.
From all of us at KAMU, have a safe and happy Fourth of July.
Published: July 1, 2026
Written by: Elizabeth Drake ’26 and Lacey Lively ’09
