Lufkin’s 20th Annual Fireworks Extravaganza is one of the most anticipated events in East Texas, and this year, it promises to be bigger and better than ever! Hosted by Mike Love & Associates, this exciting event will take place on Friday, July 4, at Ellen Trout Park.
With a wide range of activities, live entertainment, food trucks, and, of course, an incredible fireworks show, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July with family and friends. Here’s your ultimate guide to everything you need to know about this year’s festivities.
Event Overview
The fun kicks off at 5 p.m. on July 4, with activities, live entertainment, and food trucks lined up for a fantastic evening. The highlight of the night is the breathtaking fireworks show, which will start at approximately 9:15 p.m. The fireworks will be perfectly synchronized to music, which can be heard live on KICKS 105. It’s sure to be the biggest and best fireworks display between Houston and Dallas!
Live Entertainment
The entertainment for the evening will be just as spectacular as the fireworks. A stage will be set up on the southeast side of Ellen Trout Lake, between the train depot and the playground area.
The entertainment schedule includes Fry Music starting at 5:00 p.m., Eric Chin performing at 6:00 p.m., and Caleb Lane playing live music from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Come early to enjoy the music and get into the festive spirit before the fireworks begin.
Activities at the Park & Zoo
There will be plenty of fun activities for all ages throughout the evening. Expect food trucks and vendor booths to open at 5 p.m. For some interactive fun, there will be a Foam-O-Rama foam pit, balloon art with Dr. Rainbow, and a selfie station with V-Photobooth.
The KICKS 105 Road Show will also be live from the event. If you’re planning to visit the Ellen Trout Zoo, be aware that it will remain open until 4:30 p.m., with the Z&OO Railroad running from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., so you have plenty of time to enjoy the zoo before the festivities begin.
What You Can and Can’t Bring
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, please note the following: You are allowed to bring blankets, beach towels, or lawn chairs for seating, but no pets, fireworks, alcohol, or glass containers are permitted. With limited bleacher seating available, it’s best to bring your own comfortable seating for the evening.
Admission, Parking, and Shuttle Service
Admission to the event is free, but parking arrangements are important to note. No vehicle traffic will be allowed into the park after 4 p.m., so free parking will be available at the George H. Henderson Jr. Expo Center parking lots.
Depending on where you park, the walk into the main park area could be anywhere from a quarter mile to a mile. The section of Loop 287 from Highway 59 to the Kurth Drive Overpass will be closed from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
This area will become a viewing space for the fireworks, and parking along the shoulder or grassy areas will be allowed, but be sure to get there before 8 p.m. For those who prefer not to walk, free shuttle buses will run from the Lufkin High School parking lot to Ellen Trout Park from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with buses returning after the fireworks show.
Best Places to View the Fireworks Show
For the best view of the fireworks, head to the shoreline of Ellen Trout Lake. The fireworks show lasts for over 20 minutes and features spectacular barrages that will light up the night sky. These fireworks are best seen from around the lake, as some of the low-level fireworks are barely visible from other locations. However, the fireworks will still be breathtaking from the north Loop or areas outside the park.
Mike Love & Associates: The Event’s Heart
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Mike Love & Associates presenting the City of Lufkin Fireworks Extravaganza. Mike Love and his team are not only the sponsors of the event, but they are also the licensed pyrotechnic experts who handle the fireworks display.
Don’t forget to visit their booth next to the stage for free goodies while supplies last. You’ll also have the chance to enter a contest to be the lucky person who gets to remotely fire off the first firework of the show!