Fireworks are an American tradition on the Fourth of July. In Central Texas, the annual Independence Day celebrations also include parades, symphony music and a warning from firefighters.

Items sold at fireworks stands are illegal to shoot off inside Austin city limits. The fireworks plus dry conditions increase the chances of sparking a fire. Based on complaints from previous years, Austin firefighters and police will be ready to respond to calls to 311 -- not 911.

"As the calls come into 311 those call takers will gather those calls. Then they'll forward them to the Austin Police Department and the Austin Fire Department in specific areas where we get a high number of those calls. The teams will be out there in those areas trying to deal with those complaints," said Harry Evans, Austin Fire Department battalion chief.

The safer alternative is to head to any of the area July 4 fireworks displays -- including shows in Lakeway, Pflugerville, Round Rock, San Marcos and Wimberley. 

Work is underway to prepare for the annual fireworks display on Auditorium Shores. Temporary fences are going up and a stage is being built for the 32nd Annual Fourth of July concert by the Austin Symphony Orchestra.

"This is our triumphant return to our original home but with a complete different backdrop and that being the beautiful new Long center," said Jim Reagan, executive director.

An estimated 100,000 people will pack Auditorium Shores and for the first time, the park area next to Palmer Auditorium.

"And that's been turned into a beautiful water feature and a park and so people can picnic and gather all down that area there," said Reagan.

Streets around Lady Bird Lake will be closed beginning July 4 at 10 a.m. and won't re-open until the morning of July 5. Parking on the south side of the lake will be limited, so the best advice is to park on the north side and walk across any of the bridges.

Residents don't have to wait until the Fourth for fireworks. A display is scheduled for Thursday night at 9:30 at Carlos and Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar on Lake Travis. Last year's show was canceled after the lake was closed following flood waters.