Southlake will cap its 70th birthday block party with fireworks and a light show at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Southlake Town Square.

The city announced the finale as part of an expanded preview of Celebrate Southlake, the annual community event running from 4 to 9 p.m. Mayor Shawn McCaskill and Festival & Events Coordinator Lauren Kimberly outlined the evening's lineup on the city's SLK City Spotlight video series, published Aug. 31.

The program includes live music from Southlake bands, local food trucks, family activities, yard games and a showcase of city vehicles and equipment. A Youth Entrepreneur Summit is also on the schedule, according to the city's event page. Local businesses and organizations will host free activity booths throughout the evening.

The fireworks are a new addition. A July 29 city announcement described only a light show projected onto the Southlake Town Hall building. The updated preview adds fireworks to that display.

Free tree saplings will be available at the event while supplies last as part of the city's 2,026 Trees in 2026 initiative, which aims to plant 2,026 trees across Southlake this year.

Residents who want to purchase additional saplings can order through Sept. 6 for a Sept. 26 pickup.

Southlake incorporated in 1956 after roughly 200 residents voted 30–24 to form their own city, largely to block annexation by Hurst, according to 360West Magazine. Colleyville and Westlake incorporated the same year for the same reason. The name "Southlake" was suggested by the first mayor's daughter, a nod to the area's location south of Grapevine Lake.

Late longtime resident Mabel Cate, quoted in 360West Magazine's feature on the city's origins, summed up the mood of that era: "I don't think that there's any of us here that were very excited about being Southlake. We just didn't want to be Hurst. But they were coming right down the road after us."

Celebrate Southlake runs Saturday, Sept. 12, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Southlake Town Square. Details are available at the city's Celebrate Southlake website.

Upcoming community events:

• Thursday, Sept. 10 — Colleyville youth pickleball classes begin at City Park.
• Saturday, Sept. 12 — Celebrate Southlake, 4–9 p.m., Southlake Town Square. Fireworks at 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 26 — Fall tree sapling pickup for the 2,026 Trees in 2026 initiative.