Fireworks in Austin

July 3, 2007 12:22 PM

Where should I watch the fireworks in Austin tomorrow night?

So I might be going down to south Austin, TX to watch the fireworks this year. I know that Zilker Park is where they "are," but I also know that the park is going to be a total cluster. Does anyone know of a good off-the-beaten-path location to get an awesome view of the fireworks in Austin tomorrow night?

posted by cebailey to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (9 answers total)

Luckily we can see them from a block up the street from our house, so I don't know of a good place to go to watch them. I will say that going to Barton Creek Mall is also a cluster, so I recommend avoiding that particular parking lot like the plague.
posted by Addlepated at 1:06 PM on July 3, 2007

Barton Creek Mall has a terrific view of the fireworks from their Northeast parking lot. They'll even let you drink beer, only on July 4. Not exactly off the beaten path, and I hear there is quite a turnout, but the mall is on a high hill with a very clear view toward Zilker and downtown. Just cross your fingers that the rain is gone by then.
posted by theperfectcrime at 1:10 PM on July 3, 2007

oops.
posted by theperfectcrime at 1:10 PM on July 3, 2007

I live on Barton Skyway and (east side of) Mopac. There are a couple office buildings with parking garages that attract people for the fireworks. Seems like it'd be the perfect spot, too. I don't know if you have to be an employee, but I can't imagine it'd be hard to sneak up to the top if you weren't trying to park your car there.
posted by picea at 3:37 PM on July 3, 2007

On Woodland Avenue, just east of 35, there's a church (Google maps indicates it's Holy Trinity Episcopal). Their parking lot is up on a hill overlooking downtown, with a field in front of it and going down the hill. We went up there a few years ago to watch the downtown fireworks and there were several other cars, but plenty of space for everyone.
Bonus -- you can see the fireworks from other towns in the area, both to the west and the north.
Bonus 2 -- you can stay in/on your car if the weather continues to be uncooperative.
posted by katemonster at 4:44 PM on July 3, 2007

... an ark
posted by melt away at 4:44 PM on July 3, 2007 [1 favorite]

^ ha!
posted by Espoo2 at 5:33 PM on July 3, 2007

Sorry, theperfectcrime! We went to Barton Creek Mall parking lot last July because we wanted to see the whole cityscape - the view was awesome, but it took a solid 45 minutes to get out of the lot after the show. Wall to wall cars. Worse than any concert I've ever been to.
posted by Addlepated at 7:51 PM on July 3, 2007

20 years ago... I lived on Enfield and I would ride my bike down Shoal Creek to Towne Lake for the 4th. Then I had easy access to the fireworks at Zilker and Liberty Lunch afterwards.

Mt. Bonnell was another spot (but not on a bike).
posted by jabo at 12:17 AM on July 4, 2007