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Independence Day
Independence Day in Denton, Texas
July 2023
Although the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain on July 2, it took them two more days to wrap up the Declaration of Independence revisions. In keeping with history, we plan to make it a two-day celebration so that you can celebrate July 4 with family and friends.
On Saturday, July 1, we’ll host the traditional Liberty Fun Run and parade in downtown Denton. On Monday, July 3, we'll host the July Jubilee Festival in collaboration with the Denton Kiwanis Drone Show!
Liberty Run
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Race begins at 7:30 a.m. | Denton Civic Center
Join us for our 24th annual Liberty Run 5k and 1-mile walk. The entry fee includes a race t-shirt and race bag. Participants who complete the 1-mile walk will receive a race medal; participants who complete the 5k will have a chance to win a 1st - 3rd place medal.
To learn more about Liberty Run visit the Denton Parks Catalog. Registration open through June 28.
Yankee Doodle Parade
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Parade begins at 9 a.m. | Downtown Denton Square
Join us this year for a live parade. Deck out in red, white, and blue for this patriotic occasion, or watch from your lawn chair on the square as the parade rolls out. The parade route begins near the Wells Fargo building at Austin St. and Hickory St., continues around the square, then down McKinney St. to the Denton Civic Center.
To learn more about the Yankee Doodle Parade policies and to register your organization or float, visit the Denton Parks Catalog.
July Jubilee
Monday, July 3, 2023
6 - 10:30 p.m. | Downtown Denton Square
Celebrate Independence Day downtown on the square with patriotic fun and activities for all ages! This free family-friendly event features live music, tasty treats from local vendors, inflatables, games, rock climbing, face painting, photo opportunities, hot dog eating contest, and to cap off the evening, a spectacular drone shows presented by Denton Noon Kiwanis!
Saturday, July 1, 2023
Liberty Run
- 6:30 a.m. - Check-In
- 7:30 a.m. - Race Begins
Yankee Doodle Parade
- 7:30 a.m. - Parade Check-in/Staging begins - Wells Fargo Parking Lot
- 8:15 - 8:45 a.m. - Parade Entries Judged
- 9 a.m. - Parade begins
Monday, July 3, 2023
July Jubilee
- 6 p.m. - Festival begins
- 7 p.m. - Hot Dog Eating Contest
- 8 p.m. - Live Music: Redline Drift
- 9 p.m. - Live Music: Brave Combo
- 9:30 p.m. - Drone Show sponsored by Denton Noon Kiwanis
- 10 p.m. - Live Music: Brave Combo
- 10:30 p.m. - Second Drone Show sponsored by Denton Noon Kiwanis
Yankee Doodle Parade and Liberty Run - Saturday, July 1, 2023
From 4 a.m. until noon, road closures will impact traffic around the downtown square and TWU campus for the Yankee Doodle Parade and Liberty Run.
Impacted streets include McKinney St., Pecan St., Oak St., Elm St., Hickory St., Locust St.,Walnut St., Mulberry St., Sycamore St., Prairie St., Warren St.,Highland St., Maple St., Parkway St., N. Austin St., Mingo Rd., N. Bell Ave., Parts of TWU Campus.
Denton Jubilee and Kiwanis Drone Show - Monday, July 3, 2023
- Is there a fireworks show this year?
- The City of Denton has opted to sponsor two drone shows presented by the Denton Noon Kiwanis instead of a fireworks show.
- Can I set off my own fireworks?
- The City of Denton and the Denton Fire Department would like to remind residents that it is illegal to use or possess fireworks, including sparklers, within the Denton city limits or to use fireworks within 5,000 feet of the city limits.
- What does it cost to watch the drone show?
- The drone show is free to watch.
The Denton Noon Kiwanis are coordinating a VIP watch party—a paid private event.
- The drone show is free to watch.
- Where will the drone show be located?
- The drone show will be in downtown Denton, on the square.
- When is the drone show?
- Monday, July 3, 2023, at 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- How long is the drone show?
- The drone show will last approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Do the drones make noise?
- No, alternatively to fireworks, the drown show does not make loud noises. Music will be played during the drone show.
- Where is the best place to view the drone show?
- The drone show is best viewed from the northeast corner of the courthouse lawn facing Recycled Books. The drone show is also visible from most downtown areas. Please refer to the event map to plan accordingly.
- Will I have access to restrooms?
- Public port-a-lets, including ADA accessible port-a-lets, are accessible during the event. Public restrooms are available at Quakertown Park North.
- What if it there is inclement weather?
- If the event is canceled due to inclement weather, communication will be posted to this page and social media. The show will not be rescheduled in case of a cancelation due to weather.
- Are outside food and drinks allowed?
- Yes, you may bring your own items in a cooler. No glass beverage containers are permitted.
- Can I bring chairs or blankets to sit on?
- Yes, chairs and blankets are allowed in designated viewing areas.
- Are there any restrictions on photography or recording?
- No, photography and recording is allowed at the event and during the drone show. Tag @dentonparks in your photos on social media and use the hashtag #DentonJubilee.
- No, photography and recording is allowed at the event and during the drone show. Tag @dentonparks in your photos on social media and use the hashtag #DentonJubilee.
Road Closures
Normal traffic patterns will be altered to accommodate road closures and an increase in activity. Please refer to the Denton Jubilee and Kiwanis Drone Show Map (PDF) for closures. For questions, call (940) 349-7275.
Public, Private, and ADA Parking
Visit www.bit.ly/Downtown-Parking to view parking lots and public street parking locations. The Cedar Street parking lot will be designated ADA parking; first come, first served. The lot entrance can be accessed via Bolivar Street, and the TXDMV placard must be displayed.
NCTC Parking Garage
The North Central Texas College (NCTC) parking garage on E. Sycamore Street will also be free to the public on July 3.
UNT Parking with DCTA Shuttle Service
UNT parking lots 54 & 55 on W. Sycamore Street will be free to the public on July 3 with complimentary DTCA shuttle services. Shuttles will loop continuously in 15-minute intervals between UNT and Cedar Street from 5-10 p.m. and stage return-only services at 10:30 p.m. until the event has cleared.
DCTA’s MedPark Station Parking Lot and A-Train “Free Fare” Zone
Festival goers are welcome to park in the DCTA parking lot at 3220 MedPark Dr. and take advantage of the A-train's regularly scheduled "free fare" zone between MedPark and the Transit Station on Hickory Street. Between 10 p.m. and midnight, the A-train will extend the “free fare” zone in 30-minute intervals.
To learn more about Parks and Recreation programming and events, visit www.dentonparks.com.