Light Up The Lake – 4th of July Heartland Experience
Join your neighbors for an evening of family fun, food, and fireworks as Heartland kicks off Independence Day with its signature lakeside celebration. Don’t miss out on the nearby family friendly events in Kaufman County!
Your Heartland Holiday Itinerary
- Location: Heartland Park (2020 Heartland, TX 75126)
- Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Free Event
Heartland Park comes alive with “Light Up the Lake A 4th of July Experience”. The perfect prelude to Independence Day! Explore over 10 food trucks, including Frosty Sisters, Tiny House Burgers, Turkey Leg Shack, Kona Ice, and more. Enjoy live entertainment from DJ Copperhead, balloon artists, face painters, slides and rides from Texas Entertainment Group, all leading up to a lakeside fireworks show by Pyrotecnico at dark, approximately 9:15 PM.
Thrill seekers and families alike can enjoy attractions from Texas Entertainment Group, including favorites like the Ninja Wall, Pirates Revenge, Euro Bungee, Axe Throw, and Quad Shot Basketball, along with many more games for all ages.
Parking: There will be complimentary shuttles from Dietz Elementary and Opal Smith Elementary as well as Park & Walk nearby Heartland Park at Walker Elementary.
4th of July Celebrations near Kauffman County, TX
Forney Independence Day Celebration
- Location: Forney Community Park (241 S FM 548, Forney, TX)
- Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Distance from Heartland: ~4 miles
- Free Event
Just a short drive from Heartland, the Forney Independence Day Celebration offers a free, family-friendly evening at Forney Community Park. Enjoy live music by the party band Inside Out from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, a variety of food trucks, bounce houses for the kids, and a spectacular fireworks show starting at 9:30 PM from the north side of the Community Park (near the main entrance/parks building).
Event Reminders
- Park entrances close at 9 p.m. or when parking fills up.
- There will not be overflow parking this year due to new multi-use fields.
- Charcoal grills are not permitted.
- The fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m.
- Parking fills up very fast, so come early and carpool!
- Animals are not allowed at the event.
Terrell FreedomFest
- Location: Terrell Municipal Airport (400 British Flying School Blvd, Terrell, TX 75160)
- Date: Friday, July 4th, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Distance from Heartland: 13 miles
- Free Event
Just a short drive from Heartland, Terrell FreedomFest offers a free, family-friendly evening at the Terrell Municipal Airport. Enjoy free parking, fresh food from local vendors, a Kids Zone, and plenty of fun for all ages! The evening wraps up with a dazzling Fireworks Show beginning at approximately 9:30 PM.
City of Kaufman “Red, White & BOOM”
- Locations
- Kids Parade: Starts at S. Washington St – Ends at Shannon Park
- Festival Kaufman Sports Complex (595 Terrell Hwy, Kaufman, TX 75142)
- Date: Thursday, July 4, 2025
- Time: Parade at 9:00 AM – Festival begins at 6:00 PM
- Distance from Heartland: ~17 miles
- The festival at Kaufman Sports Complex costs $20.00 per carload. CASH ONLY.
Further away, the City of Kaufman’s Red White & BOOM celebration is a full-day event packed with patriotic fun. The day kicks off with The Stars & Stride Kids Parade which features kids who have decorated their own floats, bikes, strollers, or costumes as superheroes! Later in the evening, head to the Kaufman Sports Complex for live music from Ralyn Gayle and LE FREAK! Enjoy food trucks and a Kids Zone that will have a Ninja Course, Bounce House, Face Painters, Air Brush, and balloon artists A fireworks finale will close out the night around 9:30 PM.
Parking: Park anywhere near the parade route on Washington Street. Park at Kaufman Sports Complex for the festival, gates will close once the parking lot is full – typically around 9 in previous years.
Tips for a Great 4th of July Celebration
- Beat the Rush: Come early to snag close parking and secure the best viewing spot
- Seat in Style: Don’t forget lawn chairs or picnic blankets to kick back for the show
- Snacks Save the Day: There are food trucks at some events, but packing snacks can be convenient
- Capture the Spark: Charge your phone or bring a camera to capture the memories
Plan Your Perfect 4th of July
Whether you’re celebrating at Light Up the Lake in Heartland, enjoying live music in Forney, or catching fireworks in Terrell or Kaufman, there’s a full week of patriotic fun to explore from June 28 to July 4. Arrive early, pack the essentials, and soak up every moment with family and friends.
Happy 4th of July from all of us at Heartland!