Hell's Gate Fireworks & 4th of July at Possum Kingdom Lake
How to watch the lake's biggest night, by boat or from shore
Every summer, the Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce sets off a fireworks show over Hell’s Gate, the lake’s most famous landmark. The Chamber has run the show since 1987. In 2026, PK Magazine reported crowds of up to 35,000 people, most of them watching from boats anchored below the cliffs.
Our six cabins at 1782 FM 2951 in Graford are across the road from the lake, with a public boat ramp across the street. From there, Hell’s Gate is about 5 minutes by boat. This guide covers when the show happens, where to watch it and how to stay safe on one of the busiest nights of the year.
When are the Hell's Gate fireworks?
The show is held on or around the Fourth of July and starts at dark. The date moves with the calendar:
- 2026: Saturday, July 4
- 2025: Saturday, July 5
The 2027 date hasn’t been announced yet (as of October 2026). Check the Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce website and its Facebook page for the announcement.
The show is paid for by sponsorships and donations from people who love the lake. PK Magazine reports that the soundtrack is broadcast on KBLY 100.5 FM out of Graham, so bring a radio or tune in on the boat.
What is Hell's Gate?
Hell’s Gate is a narrow passage between Devil’s Island and the mainland, framed by limestone cliffs about 90 feet high. It’s on the south end of the lake, and the Chamber calls it the lake’s most popular cove. You can only reach it by boat or personal watercraft, which is why so many people watch the show from the water.
Watching from a boat
Boats start anchoring in and around the cove well before sunset to claim a spot. Once everyone is settled, the cove turns into one big floating crowd.
- Get there early. Plan to be anchored before sunset, and expect a slow, crowded ride back after the show.
- Bring lights and a radio. You’ll be on the water after dark, so check your navigation lights before you leave the ramp.
- Renting? Book early. For July 4th, The Cliffs Marina only rents boats by the half day or full day, and Bluff Creek Marina requires 7 days’ notice to cancel holiday bookings. Before you book, ask whether a rental boat can stay out after dark. Both marinas say their overnight rentals can’t be run at night. See our boat rentals and marinas guide for options near the cabins.
Watching from shore
You don’t need a boat to see the show. YMCA Camp Grady Spruce (3000 Park Rd 36) sits directly across from Hell’s Gate. The camp isn’t usually open to the public, but it has opened its grounds for the fireworks in recent years. It’s a short drive from the cabins.
In 2025, the gates opened at 5:30 PM and closed at 8:45 PM. Entry was $10 per person, cash only, and kids under 3 got in free. There were food trucks and local vendors, and the only restrooms were portable toilets. Details can change from year to year, so check the Chamber’s announcement for the current year.
Getting there from the cabins
By boat: Launch at the Brazos River Authority ramp across the street from the cabins. There’s boat trailer parking at the cabins, and Motorboat Inn Marina (1777 FM 2951) has 24/7 self-serve ethanol-free fuel. Fuel up before the holiday rush. From the ramp, Hell’s Gate is about 5 minutes by water.
By car: Head to Camp Grady Spruce on Park Rd 36 and arrive before the gates close.
The holiday weekend brings some of the heaviest traffic of the summer. Expect lines at boat ramps, fuel docks and restaurants, and stock up at The Trading Post grocery store (about a mile away) before the weekend starts.
Fourth of July safety on the water
Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Brazos River Authority (BRA) recommend:
- Life jackets for everyone. Texas law requires children under 13 to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while a boat under 26 feet is underway.
- A sober captain. Skip the alcohol if you’re running the boat, and bring a co-captain.
- Don’t overload the boat, and keep to a safe speed around other boats.
- Slow down near the cove. BRA rules require slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of the shore, docks, swimmers and occupied boats.
- No cliff jumping. The BRA prohibits diving or jumping from 20 feet or higher anywhere on the lake, and that includes the Hell’s Gate cliffs.
If there’s an accident, call 911 first. You can also reach the BRA’s Possum Kingdom Lake office at 940-779-2321.
Where to stay for the Fourth
The holiday weekend is the busiest of the year at the lake, so book early. Our cabins sleep 6 to 8 guests each. Four of them, Bearpaw, All Decked Out, Marina Vista and Lake Sippin, sleep 8, so two families can share one cabin.
| Cabin | Sleeps | Private hot tub |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Escape Cabin | 6 | Yes |
| Beneath The Stars | 6 | Yes |
| Bearpaw Cabin | 8 | Yes |
| All Decked Out | 8 | No |
| Marina Vista | 8 | No |
| Lake Sippin | 8 | No |
Coming with a bigger crew? Book several cabins for your group. All six together sleep up to 44 guests. Want to soak after the show? Three of them are cabins with hot tubs, open year-round.
Please note: the cabins are for staying, not hosting. There are no parties or events, fireworks aren’t allowed at the cabins, and quiet hours run from 11 PM to 7 AM.
More summer fun at the lake
The fireworks are one night, but a summer trip has plenty more. Swim in the community pool at the cabins (open 8 AM to 10 PM) or at Sandy Beach and the other public swim areas. Cast a line with our Possum Kingdom fishing guide, or spend a day at Possum Kingdom State Park. For restaurants and trails, see things to do near Possum Kingdom Lake.
Hell's Gate fireworks FAQ
When are the 2027 Hell's Gate fireworks?
As of October 2026, the Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce hasn't announced the 2027 date. The show is held on or around the Fourth of July and starts at dark. In 2026 it was on Saturday, July 4, and in 2025 it was on Saturday, July 5.
What time do the Hell's Gate fireworks start?
The show starts at dark. Boaters usually anchor in the cove before sunset to get a good spot.
Can you watch the Hell's Gate fireworks without a boat?
Yes. YMCA Camp Grady Spruce, at 3000 Park Rd 36 directly across from Hell's Gate, has opened its grounds for the show in recent years. In 2025, entry was $10 per person, cash only, and children under 3 got in free.
How far are the cabins from Hell's Gate?
Hell's Gate is about 5 minutes by boat from the public boat ramp across the street from the cabins.
Can I park my boat trailer at the cabins?
Yes. There's boat trailer parking at the cabins, and a public Brazos River Authority boat ramp is across the street.
Can you jump off the cliffs at Hell's Gate?
No. The Brazos River Authority prohibits diving or jumping from 20 feet or higher on Possum Kingdom Lake.
Can we host a Fourth of July party at the cabins?
No. Parties and events aren't allowed at the cabins, and quiet hours run from 11 PM to 7 AM. Groups are welcome to book several cabins and stay together.
Can we set off fireworks at the cabins?
No. Fireworks aren't allowed at the cabins, including on the Fourth. Enjoy the Hell's Gate show from the water or from shore instead.
Ready to book? Start with any cabin: Lake Escape · Beneath The Stars · Bearpaw · All Decked Out · Marina Vista · Lake Sippin. Each page has photos, amenities and a Check Availability button.