Texas Independence Day takes place on Monday, Mar. 2. This official holiday commemorates the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836 when Texas became an independent Republic. In the coming days, we have many opportunities to show our Texas pride and honor our state at celebrations and memorial services around Austin.

Texas Independence Day Events:

Saturday, Feb. 28

— Texas Independence Day Parade, Congress Avenue Bridge
The Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. and will feature area high school bands, period re-enactor groups, floats, car clubs and other organizations.

Sunday, Mar. 1:

— Alamo Ceremony, South Texas State Capitol Grounds, 2 p.m.
The Annual Remembrance Ceremony will be held on the south side of the Capitol grounds, where the names of the men who died defending the Alamo will be read aloud and a musket volley will be fired in their honor.

— Free Family Day at the Bullock Museum, 12-5 p.m., Free admission
Celebrate Texas’s storied past and exciting future through performances, live music, hands-on activities, food, and a Texas-sized attempt to set a world record!

• Texas Music: Enjoy all that a state as varied as Texas has to offer with music playing on the plaza throughout the afternoon.
• Lone Star Lounge: Sample tastings and treats to discover what foods pair best with Lone Star Beer. Try samplings of “The National Beer of Texas” in a separate 21+ area.
• Art Zone: Try your hand at games of chance and trivia questions for a chance to take home unique prizes. Create your own event poster, take a vintage photograph, and more.
• Meet a Texas Hero: Discover more about famous Texas personalities as costumed interpreters stroll through the crowd telling stories, debunking myths, and posing for photos.
• Largest Gathering of Texas Heroes: Help us set a World Record for the most people dressed like Texas Heroes in the same place. Come in your own costume, or we’ll help you make one once you’re here.
• History Highlights: Visit with the Texas Historical Commission and surf web-based maps that connect stories about Texas Independence Day and National Women’s History Month.
• Talkin’ History: What would your favorite Texas hero say? Make history talk with with this community art project from Texas Monthly.

Monday, Mar. 2

— Memorial Service for the Veterans of the Texas Revolution, Texas State Cemetery, 9 a.m.
The general public is welcome to this annual Memorial Service that will include a guest speaker and reenactors in period dress who will fire a musket volley to honor the Great State of Texas and the men and women who made her so. More info…

— Capitol Celebration in the Rotunda, Texas State Capitol Building, 12 p.m.
For more information to come, visit the Celebrate Texas website.

— Texas Independence Day Celebration, Brush Square Park, 1-4 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon of music and festivities. Free!