This year, the big Austin Fourth of July celebrations are coming down to the choice of north of the lake or south of Town Lake.

South side of Town Lake

The Austin Symphony will continue its tradition of presenting a concert of patriotic music under the stars at Auditorium Shores. The concert caps off with a rousing performance of the always crowd pleasing 1812 Overture (with real cannon!), followed by fireworks over Town Lake.

The music begins at 8:30 Sunday night, with the fireworks starting at about 9:30. But get there early to get a good listening and viewing spot on the grass.

For more information, including parking suggestions, go to the Austin Symphony website.

North side of Town Lake

In contrast to the symphonic music and grassy lawn at Auditorium Shores, the Seaholm Power Plant will offer the funky sounds of T Bird and the Breaks, the Bright Light Social Hour and Til We’re Blue or Destroy.

It’s the first Fourth of July Celebration at Seaholm Power Plant.

You’ll be able to purchase Tex-Mex food and barbecue other tasty food. And perhaps best of all, the site is reportedly a good spot to see the fireworks over Town Lake.

Admission is free, but organizers hope you’ll make a donation to Anthropos Arts, a non-profit organization that runs music education programs for low-income kids.

(Photo: Some rights reserved, Dan Jones)