Event: Fishing on the Fourth — Lockhart State Park
Summary: Drop-in fishing for all ages and abilities on the 4th of July, gear and bait provided
Date/Time: Saturday, July 4, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Drop in anytime during that window
Location: Lockhart State Park · 2012 State Park Road, Lockhart, TX 78644 · ~45 min from Austin · Meet at the picnic area near the dam
Description: Ranger Lauren runs this annual 4th of July fishing event every year at Lockhart State Park. No experience, tackle, or fishing license required — loaner rods are available through the park's free Tackle Loaner Program on a first-come, first-served basis, and bait is supplied. Rangers will teach the basics to anyone who needs it. All ages and abilities welcome; drop in anytime between 9 and 11 AM. Wear sunscreen and closed-toe shoes, and bring your own water. You may also bring your own equipment and bait. Regular park entrance fees apply: $3 per adult, free for children 12 and under. Free with a Texas State Parks Pass.
Event: Prehistoric Hunting — The Atlatl at Pedernales Falls State Park
Summary: Learn to throw an ancient hunting dart at Pedernales Falls — a hands-on link to how Texas was hunted for thousands of years
Date/Time: Saturday, July 5, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM · No registration required
Location: Pedernales Falls State Park · 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636 · ~50 min from Austin · Meet at the Equestrian Trailhead behind the bird blinds
Description: Before the bow and arrow, hunters across the world used the atlatl — a throwing tool that launched darts with enough force to take down bison and mammoths. Park Ranger Stephen Garmon leads this hands-on program where participants learn the history of the atlatl and throw one themselves. Best suited for ages 8 and older; a signed safety waiver is required and provided at the event. Adult supervision required for participants under 17. No registration needed — just show up. Normal park entrance fees apply; no additional fee for the program. Free with a Texas State Parks Pass.
Event: Intro to Archery — Lockhart State Park
Summary: A beginner-friendly two-hour archery workshop with all equipment provided
Date/Time: Check tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/lockhart for the July date · typically Saturday mornings, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Lockhart State Park Archery Range · 2012 State Park Road, Lockhart, TX 78644 · ~45 min from Austin · Meet at the archery range past the pool on the main road
Description: Ranger Lauren teaches the 11 Steps to Archery Success in this two-hour beginner workshop — no prior experience needed and all equipment is provided. Participants must be at least 10 years old and sign a liability waiver; anyone under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. Regular park entrance fees apply: $3 per adult, free for children 12 and under. Free with a Texas State Parks Pass. Note: Lockhart frequently reaches capacity in summer — reserve your day-use pass online in advance.
Event: Archery in the Park — Guadalupe River State Park
Summary: Ranger-led beginner archery on the banks of the Guadalupe River
Date/Time: Check tpwd.texas.gov/calendar for the July date · typically Sunday mornings
Location: Guadalupe River State Park · 3350 Park Road 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070 · ~1 hr from Austin
Description: Rangers at Guadalupe River State Park lead this open archery program for beginners, walking participants through technique and safety before letting them take aim. Equipment is provided. The park sits along a stretch of the Guadalupe River known for its clear, spring-fed water — arrive early to reserve a day-use spot and stay to swim or fish after the program. Park entrance fee is $7 per adult (ages 13 and up); children 12 and under are free. Free with a Texas State Parks Pass.
Event: Star Party at Pedernales Falls State Park
Summary: The Austin Astronomical Society sets up telescopes at Pedernales Falls for a public night of planets, galaxies, and Hill Country dark skies
Date/Time: Saturday evenings monthly · Check tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/pedernales-falls/stargazing for the July date · Typically 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM · Reservations required (link goes live two weeks before the event)
Location: Pedernales Falls Star Theater · 2585 Park Road 6026, Johnson City, TX 78636 · ~50 min from Austin · Adjacent to the Equestrian Area — follow signs from park entrance
Description: Members of the Austin Astronomical Society bring dozens of telescopes to Pedernales Falls' dedicated Star Theater, where they guide the public through planets, nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. No experience or equipment needed. The park is far enough from Austin's light pollution that the Milky Way is clearly visible on clear nights. Reservations are required and open two weeks before the event at no charge — but visitors must pay standard park entrance fees: $6 for ages 13 and up, free for children 12 and under. Free with a Texas State Parks Pass. Bring a red-light flashlight, water, and closed-toe shoes. No dogs at the Star Theater.