Tuscaloosa will host it’s annual Fourth of July “Celebration on the River” on Tuesday starting at 6 p.m. at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. 

As in past years, the free event will kick off by opening up a kids’ zone sponsored by the parks and recreation authority that includes face painting, inflatables and bounce houses. The gates for the amphitheater will also open at 6 p.m. for attendees to buy concessions and begin seating. Music will start at 7 p.m. with a performance by Taylor Hicks. 

“He’s a local,” said Michelle Smart, the special events coordinator for the city of Tuscaloosa. “He’s from Alabama originally, the Birmingham area, so he does really cool things with the Tuscaloosa and Birmingham area and he was just excited to come out and honor our veterans.” 

Hicks will be followed by the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, who will play a selection of patriotic music along with musical accompaniment for the fireworks after they perform. 

The city will be instituting an entertainment district for downtown that day, meaning that customers can buy alcoholic drinks to go and take them anywhere within the district, including the Riverwalk.

Outside alcohol will not be allowed into the amphitheater, said Smart, but attendees who purchase alcohol from the amphitheater concessions will be able to leave amphitheater grounds with them and reenter. 

“You can do everything that you want to do Fourth of July at this event without doing it at your house,” Smart said. “You can come out, you can get a hot dog and you can get a cheeseburger without having to grill. You can watch the fireworks without having to deal with that and not worry about what you can and can’t do in the city limits. It’s basically saying we’re going to take care of all fun Fourth of July stuff you don’t have to worry about it just come out and enjoy it.”