The rockets’ red glare will be visible from two locations for the Mayor’s Big Bang Fourth of July celebration this year. The city’s annual patriotic fireworks display will be shot from the USS Lexington and a barge in the middle of Corpus Christi Bay. Courtesy photo
Every spot along the bayfront in Corpus Christi is a great place to see the double display of fireworks set to go off in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Mayor’s Big Bang Fourth of July celebration. A display shot from the deck of the USS Lexington joins one from a barge in Corpus Christi Bay for an evening of music synchronized to Harbor Bridge lights and “bombs bursting in air.”
“We’re super excited to have the fireworks shoot off in two locations,” said Zach Aldridge, event coordinator for the Mayor’s Office. “The fireworks will look like they’re battling each other.”
This year’s celebration will last 20 minutes, following a 30-minute light show on the Harbor Bridge. Both will be synchronized to radio stations 92.7 FM, 95.5 FM and 1440 AM.
During the day, families can enjoy the Big Bang Kids Zone, located next to Sherrill Park on Shoreline. From 3-6 p.m., the Kids Zone is open and free for rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, a rock wall and more. Girl rock band Chica’s Rock will perform on stage. A Food Truck Court will keep the hungry fed from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
The night parade lines up at the American Bank Center at 5 p.m.. At 6 p.m., dignitaries in cars join bands, floats, motorcycles, clowns and more as they make their way South along Shoreline Boulevard.
The Harbor Bridge begins at 9 p.m. followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
“My favorite part is definitely the fireworks,” Aldridge said. “I think this year is going to be amazing.”
Check out 101CorpusChristi.com/EVENTS to send details directly to your digital calendar or email information to your family and friends.
JULY 2
7 p.m.
BIG BANG CELEBRATION
American Bank Center
1900 N. Shoreline Blvd.
The U.S. Air Force Band performs a FREE concert at the American Bank Center’s Selena Auditorium. Orchestra Section to be blocked for VIP seating. VIP tickets available at the Mayor's Office. The remaining seats will be open to first-come, first-served seating.
JULY 4
7 a.m.
FOUR FOR THE FOURTH 4-MILE RUN
Solomon Ortiz Center
402 Harbor Drive
Special award goes to the most patriotic runner. Other unique awards and souvenirs as well. Proceeds benefit the Texas A&M University Islander cross-country/track team. Online registration at corpusroadrunners.com under the “Go Run” tab.
10 a.m.
INDEPENDENCE DAY PATRIOTIC CEREMONY
Sherrill Park
222 S. Shoreline Drive
Hosted by the Mayor’s Committee on Veterans Affairs.
11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
MAYOR’S BIG BAND CELEBRATION FOOD TRUCK COURT
Next to the Kids Zone between Sherrill Park and the Great Lawn on Shoreline Boulevard.
Speciality food trucks featuring culinary experiences from around the globe and Corpus Christi.
3-6 p.m.
MAYOR’S BIG BANG CELEBRATION KIDS ZONE
Between Sherrill Park and the Great Lawn on Shoreline Boulevard.
Features rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, a rock-climbing wall, face painters and more. Performances by Chica’s Rock.
6 p.m.
JULY 4 CELEBRATION
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
1900 N. Chaparral St.
Guests can expect carnival-style games, science shows, face painting, music, craft activities, a petting zoo, an old-fashioned pie-eating contest and more. Food will be available for purchase via food trucks on the plaza.
At 8:30 p.m., guests will make their way to an exclusive reserved seating platform behind the American Bank Center for the best view in town of this year’s H-E-B double fireworks show. (No need to bring your chair! They will be provided.)
Limited parking will be free and available on a first-come, first-served basis for event guests. To purchase tickets, call (361) 826-4667.
MAYOR’S BIG BANG CELEBRATION PARADE
Shoreline Boulevard from Interstate 37 to Park Street
Floats, bands and plenty of patriotism all along Shoreline Boulevard. Grand marshal heads the procession, which is sponsored by Flint Hills Resources.
6:45 p.m.
TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM FIREWORKS ON THE BAY
2710 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Bring your chairs and blankets and get a front-row seat to an amazing light show and fireworks display. Music provided by a DJ. Food and beverages. Explore exhibits and meet new animals. Call (361) 881-1244.
9 p.m.
HARBOR BRIDGE LIGHT SHOW
Best view from anywhere along the bayfront, where you can see the Harbor Bridge
Choreographed to music on 92.7 FM, 95.5 FM and 1440 AM radio.
9:30 p.m.
MAYOR’S BIG BANG CELEBRATION FIREWORKS
All along the bayfront from Cole Park to North Beach
In celebration of its 40th year, the Fourth of July fireworks display has doubled with two locations putting on a choreographed show. Fireworks will be shot from both the USS Lexington and a barge in Corpus Christi Bay just north of the Peoples Street T-head. Optimal viewing stretches from North Beach to Cole Park along the bayfront. The display will last 20 minutes and be synchronized to music on 92.7 FM, 95.5 FM and 1440 AM radio.
