What you need to know to celebrate Fourth of July in Corpus Christi

The Mayor’s 44th annual Fourth of July Big Bang Celebration begins Friday, July 2, with a barbecue cookout. We have all the information here on how to participate or attend.

[image  id="33789" title="Where to Watch" linkto="file" ] Where to watch Independence Day weekend events in Corpus Christi.FRIDAY, JULY 1

Barbecue cook-off registration, cooking
On-site participants who want to cook overnight may show up at 9 a.m. Friday, July 2. Setup will end and the lot close at 3 p.m. Friday. To register, read the rules, and submit an entry fee, visit nuecesbrewing.com. The entry fee is $50 per team and $25 per class. Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 29.

SATURDAY, JULY 2

Barbecue cook-off judging happens from 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 3. Competitions include chicken, pork ribs, brisket, and dessert. An open class is also included. Awards ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

MAYOR’S CUP REGATTA

Meet at the south end of the Lawrence Street T-Head from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 3, to watch members of the Corpus Christi Yacht Club’s Junior Sailing Team and local boat owners and sailors compete in the regatta. Twelve, two-person boats will race, two at a time.

SUNDAY, JULY 4

PATRIOTIC CEREMONY

The Mayors Committee for Veterans Affairs Patriotic Ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 4, at Sherrill Veterans Memorial Park, 222 S. Shoreline Blvd. The program includes a joint-service color guard from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. 
Live performances include singing of the National Anthem, music by the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi, and a choir presentation from the Special Hearts in the Arts.
The Downtown Lions Club will unveil a memorial bench.

FOOD TRUCK SUMMERFEST & SUMMERFEST FAMILY FUN ZONE

The sixth annual Corpus Christi Food Truck Summerfest opens for business at noon Sunday, July 4, and will offer food and drink for purchase until 10 p.m. at The Water’s Edge park, 402 S. Shoreline Blvd. 
At the same time and place, the Summerfest Family Fun Zone will provide live music, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, mini-horses, and plenty of children’s activities.

BIG BANG FIREWORKS SHOW PRESENTED BY H-E-B

The sky lights up at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 4, with The Mayor’s Fourth of July Big Bang Fireworks Show at the Corpus Christi Bayfront. Viewing is available from North Beach to Cole Park.The show lasts approximately 20 minutes. Fireworks are choreographed by Pyrotecnico Fireworks and synched to music on 95.5 FM, 92.7 FM, or 1440 AM. You can also livestream the show online at kiiitv.com.
Times are approximate, so get there early! Follow the latest details on Facebook and Twitter.

CORPUS CHRISTI RTA PARK & RIDE INFO

Guests are strongly encouraged to utilize Corpus Christi RTA’s free Park & Ride service from 11:30 a.m. until 30 minutes after the fireworks have concluded.
Per TSA regulations, masks will be required at all stops and while on board any CCRTA buses or cutaway vehicles. You may also need to know: • Coolers and lawn chairs are allowed on the bus.

  • Service animals are allowed anytime, and emotional support or comfort animals must be contained in a pet carrier.
  • Any animal on board needs to be secured.
  • No barbecue pits or coals of any kind will be allowed on the bus.

PARK & RIDE PICKUP LOCATION

Corpus Christi City Hall, 1201 Leopard St.

PARK & RIDE DROP-OFF LOCATION

Water Street between John Sartain and Lomax streets (formerly known as William Street)

NO PARKING

No Parking signs will be positioned at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 3, and enforced beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 4. No Parking and Tow Away Zones will be strictly enforced in all areas.

ROAD CLOSURES

Be mindful of traffic signs and detours. Expect traffic congestion and delays.
Shoreline Boulevard/Downtown
Northbound and southbound Shoreline Boulevard will be closed between Cooper’s Alley and Interstate 37. All traffic will be diverted to Water Street. Closures will remain in place until after the fireworks.
North Beach
The Burleson Street exit on northbound U.S. 181 will be closed at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 4. Visitors looking to access North Beach after 7 p.m. will have to turn around in Portland and drive back down southbound U.S. 181 and exit Beach Avenue. North Beach guests are asked to arrive early.