Denton, Texas, is gearing up for a vibrant and patriotic celebration of Independence Day, extending over several days with a series of engaging events. In keeping with historical tradition, the festivities will kick off on Saturday, June 29, and culminate on Wednesday, July 3.
Liberty Run and Yankee Doodle Parade
The celebrations will begin with the 26th annual Liberty 5K and 1-mile Fun Run on June 29 at the Denton Civic Center, starting at 7:30 a.m. Participants will receive a race t-shirt and race bag, with medals awarded to those completing the 1-mile walk and top finishers in the 5K.
Following the run, the Yankee Doodle Parade will commence at 9 a.m. in downtown Denton. Spectators are encouraged to don their red, white, and blue attire and enjoy the parade from the square. The parade route will start near the Wells Fargo building at Austin St. and Hickory St., circling the square and concluding at the Denton Civic Center.
July Jubilee Festival and Drone Show
On Wednesday, July 3, the festivities continue with the July Jubilee Festival at Quakertown Park and the Denton Civic Center from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. This free event offers fun for all ages, featuring live music, local food vendors, games, rock climbing, face painting, and a hot dog eating contest.
The highlight of the evening will be two drone shows, presented by Denton Noon Kiwanis, scheduled for 9:15 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Unlike traditional fireworks, these drone shows will be a quieter alternative, accompanied by music and viewable from most downtown areas.
FAQ Highlights
- Fireworks: The city will not hold a fireworks display. Personal fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal within Denton city limits and nearby areas.
- Drone Show: The drone show is free to watch, with a VIP watch party available as a paid private event.
- Location: Best viewed from Quakertown Park, with public restrooms and ADA accessible port-a-lets available.
- Inclement Weather: In case of cancellation due to bad weather, updates will be posted on the event’s webpage and social media.
- Food and Seating: Outside food and drinks are allowed, excluding glass containers. Attendees can bring chairs and blankets.
Parking and Road Closures
To accommodate the influx of visitors, normal traffic patterns will be altered, and specific road closures will be in effect. Public, private, and ADA parking options are available, with detailed information and maps accessible online. The NCTC parking garage on E. Sycamore Street will also be open to the public on July 3.
For more information on the events, including registration for the Liberty Run and Yankee Doodle Parade, visit the Denton Parks Catalog. Volunteers for the July Jubilee Festival can sign up online at www.bit.ly/JulyJubileeVolunteer.
Denton looks forward to celebrating Independence Day with its residents and visitors through these exciting events, embodying the spirit of freedom and community.
