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NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

July 4th Celebration Info

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

The City of Arlington's annual Independence Day Parade returns on Saturday, July 4, bringing one of Texas' largest and longest-running Fourth of July traditions through downtown Arlington and the UTA campus. The parade begins at 9 a.m., with the Firecracker 5K kicking off earlier that morning at 7 a.m.

If you're planning to be on or around campus, please be aware of several parking and traffic impacts as UTA supports this community event.

What to Expect

With thousands of spectators expected, plan for heavy traffic, road closures, and travel delays throughout the morning. Road closures on and around campus will begin at 6 a.m. and remain in place until approximately 12 p.m., or until the parade has safely concluded and roadways are reopened.

Parking & Lot Impacts

To prepare for the parade:

  • Float staging will begin in Lot F10 on Friday, July 3.
  • Lot F10 will close beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday evening for parade staging activities.
  • On parade day, several campus parking areas will have temporary access restrictions, with some lots reserved for parade operations. Free public parking will be available in designated open campus lots.

Residents Parking on Campus

Plan ahead if your vehicle is parked on campus. Once road closures begin at 6 a.m. Saturday, vehicles within the parade route will not be able to exit until the parade has ended and streets reopen.  This is anticipated around 12 p.m. or as directed by Arlington PD.

Please note: UTA offices will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026.

Map titled "Parade Route 2026" showing the parade route through downtown Arlington. The parade begins near West Mitchell Street, travels north along Mesquite Street, loops through downtown near Levitt Pavilion and City Hall, then returns south along the eastern side of downtown before ending near West Mitchell Street. The map also highlights the Firecracker 5K route and start/finish near Levitt Pavilion, free public parking lots, participant parking and drop-off, parade staging areas, horse staging, shuttle stop, public restrooms, TV and parade announcer locations, and notes that some public parking is restricted until the parade ends.

Additional event information is available on the parade website: https://arlington4th.org/