Bonham’s July 4th Tradition — Running Since 1977
Lights Over Lake Bonham is one of the longest-running July 4th celebrations in North Texas. The 2026 event is the 49th Annual, organized by the City of Bonham Visitor Center and the Bonham Kiwanis Club. It is held at Lake Bonham Recreation Area — a genuine lakefront setting about 4 miles from downtown Bonham.
The format is consistent year to year: kids activities run most of the day, a live outdoor concert begins at 7 PM, and fireworks launch over the lake at dusk. Admission is free and open to the public. It draws a broad crowd — families with kids, groups setting up lakeside with coolers and lawn chairs, and visitors who make it a July 4th weekend away from the city.
Four Winds is approximately 20 minutes from Lake Bonham Recreation Area — close enough to make this a base, with no parking-lot hotel experience on either end of the night.
What’s at the Event
Full-Day Program at the Lake
Fireworks Show
Lakefront fireworks launched over Lake Bonham at dusk, following the 7 PM concert. Free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair and arrive early for a good spot.
Live Concert
Outdoor concert from 7:00 PM to approximately 9:00 PM at the lakeside grounds. 2026 headliner TBA — past years have featured Texas country tribute and regional acts.
Kids Zone — Waterslide
Waterslide park open 11 AM to 8 PM. Half-day pass ~$10, full-day ~$20. Operated by a third-party vendor — confirm 2026 pricing at the gate or via the Visitor Center.
Jumpers & Inflatables
Bounce inflatables and jumpers alongside the waterslide as part of the Kids Zone. Open 11 AM to 8 PM. Same pass covers both water and dry activities.
Face Painting & Glitter Tattoos
Available from 6 PM to 9 PM at the lakeside grounds. Waterproof and water-resistant options. Face painting ~$8; glitter tattoos ~$10. Exact 2026 pricing TBC.
Lake Access
Lake Bonham Recreation Area includes boat ramps, picnic areas, and restrooms. Boating and fishing available on the lake before and after the fireworks show.
Getting There
Location & Logistics
Lake Bonham Recreation Area is at 7506 Lake Bonham Dr., Bonham, TX 75418 — about 4 miles northeast of downtown Bonham. From Four Winds at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr, it's approximately a 20-minute drive. From Dallas, plan on about 90 minutes to Bonham, then add 10 minutes to the lake.
Parking is on the lake grounds. On July 4th the lot fills well before fireworks time — plan to arrive by 5:30 PM at the latest if you want lakeside access. The City of Bonham Visitor Center (903-583-9830) posts day-of updates on parking and event status.
| Date | Saturday, July 4, 2026 · Rain date: July 5 |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Bonham Recreation Area · 7506 Lake Bonham Dr., Bonham, TX 75418 |
| Concert | 7:00 PM · Headliner TBA |
| Fireworks | At dusk (~9:00–9:30 PM) |
| Kids Zone | 11 AM – 8 PM · Waterslide + jumpers · Separate admission |
| Face painting | 6 PM – 9 PM · ~$8 face paint / ~$10 glitter tattoo |
| Admission | Free (concert + fireworks) · Kids Zone ticketed separately |
| Bring | Lawn chair, bug spray, cash for Kids Zone and face painting |
| Organizers | City of Bonham Visitor Center & Bonham Kiwanis Club |
| Contact | 903-583-9830 · info@visitbonham.com |
| From Four Winds | ~20 min drive to lake |
| From Dallas | ~90 min to Bonham via US-75 N to US-82 E |
Make It a July 4th Weekend in Bonham
Four Winds Victorian Venue and Suites is a historic, owner-occupied private residence at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr — about 20 minutes from Lake Bonham Recreation Area. More space than a standard hotel room. No cleaning fee. Self check-in. Two pet-friendly cottages available for guests travelling with dogs. Reservations through our third-party short-term rental platform.
Reserve Your StayFAQ
Lights Over Lake Bonham 2026 — Common Questions
Yes. The fireworks show and outdoor concert are free and open to the public. There is no admission fee to enter the fireworks viewing area. Kids Zone activities (waterslide, jumpers) are separately ticketed at approximately $10 half-day and $20 full-day. Face painting and glitter tattoos are a few dollars each.
Fireworks begin at dusk, following the 7 PM concert. On July 4th in Bonham, dusk is typically around 9:00–9:15 PM. Plan to be at the lake by 6:30 PM at the latest for a good viewing spot near the water.
Yes, parking is on the recreation area grounds. On July 4th the lot fills before fireworks time — aim to arrive by 5:30 PM for a close spot. The City of Bonham Visitor Center posts day-of updates: 903-583-9830 or info@visitbonham.com.
Leash rules and pet policies at Lake Bonham Recreation Area are set by the City of Bonham Parks Department — confirm directly at 903-583-9830. If you're travelling with a pet, note that two of the Five guest spaces at Four Winds are pet-friendly: Burke Trammel Cottage and Judge Roy Bean Cottage. $40 per pet, max 2 pets, no size limits.
Lake Bonham Recreation Area at 7506 Lake Bonham Dr. is approximately 4 miles from downtown Bonham and about 20 minutes from Four Winds at 317 W Sam Rayburn Dr. It's a straightforward drive with no highway required.