The Fourth lands on a Saturday this year, and it is a milestone one: July 4, 2026 marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Round Rock has watched a good stretch of that history roll past. A blacksmith set up shop on Brushy Creek in 1848, the town took the Round Rock name in 1854 from the limestone ledge he liked to fish from, and that same rock still sits in the creek today. This weekend the fireworks, the live music, and the lobster rolls are all ours. Here is where I would spend it.

Let's get to it.

— Vivian

🎆 America 250 Celebration turns The Fieldhouse at The Crossover in Cedar Park into a two-day Independence festival Friday and Saturday, with a country lineup led by the Steph Cash Band, family activities, and plenty of patriotic energy.

🎭 Jesus Christ Superstar takes its final bows at the Georgetown Palace Theatre this weekend, closing Sunday. The Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera is the newly restored Palace's first show back, so this is your last chance to catch it.

A free, all-ages night on Kalahari's open-air Amatuli stage, with a bar, a fire pit, and an African market to wander between songs.

Named Best Cover Band by the Austin Music Awards, this Central Texas mainstay plays a free set of 80s and 90s rock favorites on the patio at Spare Birdie.

Aaron Barber and Ryan Archuleta bring their loose, big-personality stand-up to Georgetown for a rowdy night of crisp punchlines and easy chemistry.

A one-actor play that builds a growing list of small reasons to keep going. Warm, funny, and quietly moving.

The Fourth done right at San Gabriel Park: Cousins Maine Lobster rolls from late morning, a Crosby, Stills & Nash tribute at midday, and fireworks after dark.

A free family Fourth at Milburn Park with live music, carnival rides, inflatables, food trucks, a fireworks show, and a movie to close out the night.

The Express host the Albuquerque Isotopes, then hand the night to a United Heritage fireworks show once the last pitch lands.

Ride restored 1930s railcars from Cedar Park to Bertram and back, crossing a 300-foot trestle over the South San Gabriel River.

Lakeline Park's second-annual run pairs a 4K for the grown-ups with a separate dash for the kids. Chase a record or just celebrate.

Around 100 local vendors bring fresh produce, made-here goods, and a friendly Georgetown morning crowd. It runs rain or shine.

Vibe District ATX blends dancehall, reggae, and 90s boom bap at The Dime for a high-energy, welcoming crowd in Round Rock.

Bluebonnet's kitchen fires up with panini-pressed sandwiches, bratwurst, and soft pretzels to pair with a cold Round Rock pour.

Independence weekend demands one more act of glorious excess. Compete, or just come heckle over a pinball machine.

⚾ The Round Rock Express clinched their series in Tacoma with a 6-1 win, Josh Smith and Jonah Bride both going deep.

🏛️ Round Rock's historic Palm House, a two-room home first built in 1873, is getting a full restoration backed by up to $500,000 from the city's hotel tax fund.

🎉 Hutto ISD passed a balanced $134.5 million budget for 2026-27, its first balanced budget in six years, while holding the tax rate flat.

Want to reach engaged Williamson County locals who actually open their email?

The Wilco Loop goes out to neighbors across Round Rock, Hutto, Cedar Park, Leander, and Georgetown who trust us to point them toward the good stuff. If your business wants to get in front of them, reply to this email or reach out at [email protected] — we'd love to talk.

Thanks for reading The Wilco Loop. If you found something useful, please share our Newsletter and Instagram with someone you know.

— Vivian ❤️

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