July 4th In Houston: Fireworks, Music, Barbecue And More

HOUSTON, TX — Independence Day is a big deal in Houston, and the skies will be bright — let's hope we'll have a dry evening — the crowds big, the barbecue delicious, and the patriotism high. There's a lot going on across the Greater Bayou City, so to make sure you don't miss anything we've put together a handy guide to the festivities. Bookmark this page, and come back often for updates.

First, how about some classical music to go with your fireworks? If that sounds like something for you, get to the Miller Outdoor Theatre on the 4th, because the the Houston Symphony will be performing some favorites, including the 1812 Overture, and there will be cannons. The show begins at 8:30, but get there early. You can get free tickets for covered seats on a first-come, first-served basis at the Miller box office between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the day of the show.

The main event, at least in the central Houston area, must surely be Freedom Over Texas, which will include them music of Hunter Hayes, a giant fireworks show, and more. It's set for Eleanorr Tinsley Park, and will begin at 4 p.m. Get your tickets for $5 until May 31, $8 per person from July 1 through July 3, and $10 the day of the show. Click here for more information.

If you are a CityCentre fan, you can spend some time there from July through July 4 and enjoy some great music, plus fireworks on the 4th. Here's the schedule, and it's all free (click here for all the details):

Saturday, July 1 from 7 - 10 PM: Pete Simple Band (Pop & Rock)
Sunday, July 2 from 7 - 10 PM: Janell McDonald & Grace Point (Inspirational)
Monday, July 3 from 7 - 10 PM: Max Flinn Band (Country)
Tuesday, July 4 from 7 - 11 PM: People’s Choice Band (Country & Rock) & 15 minute fireworks spectacular at 9:30 PM

Events are also happening in Humble, Kingwood and Atascocita this weekend, with the early celebration starting Saturday, July 1 at 6p.m., with a street dance and BBQ at Alspaugh's Ace Hardware in Kingwood, followed by the Kings Harbor Fireworks Display. Then there's the July 4th Festival at the Overlook Events Center in Atascocita on Tuesday, July 4. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, coolers, and your whole family. The event includes Water slides for the kiddo’s, so bring sunscreen and bathing suits. Hot dogs, Hamburgers, Chili and Cheese Nachos, Chips and Bottled Water Provided inside Kennedy’s Ballroom. Kingsley’s Lookout will be open with a cash bar for Adult Beverages, and music will be provided by the Mambo Jazz Kings. The fireworks extravaganza begins across the water at 9 p.m.

On July 3, at 8 p.m., the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion will come alive to the sounds of the Houston Symphony as it hosts the Star Spangled Salute. Expect patriotic numbers and a fireworks show that will leave you ready for the holiday. It's free, and it starts at 8 p.m., and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Staying in the Woodlands, don't miss the Red, Hot & Blue Festival & Fireworks. It takes place at Town Park Green and Waterway Square, and begins at 6 p.m. on July 4. There will be food, children's activities, music, and an 18-minute fireworks show (at 9:30 p.m.). Click here for all the details.

In Tomball, just south of The Woodlands, the city will host the Tomball July 4 Celebration and Street Festival: The second largest July 4th celebration in Harris County with live music, food vendors, the giant Kroger Kids Zone and more topped off with a spectacular fireworks show at dark. This year's event features award winning Beatles cover band, The Fab 5 on the Quick Quack Car Wash Stage, and a special tribute to veterans. Free American flags will be available at Allied Siding and Windows tent while supplies last. Gates to the event open at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 4. Admission is free

Do you live in or near Pasadena? If so the 4th Fest is where you need to be on the, yes, 4th. It's free, and from 4-10 p.m. you'll be treated to music, a car show, a barbecue cook-off, games, a Kidzone, and lots more. The action goes down at the Pasadena Convention Center, so be there.

Fulshear Freedom Festival in Downtown Fulshear – The Spazmatics will headline Fulshear’s family-friendly festival where you can shop, get a back to eat, watch the parade, and see a fireworks display. 6pm to 9pm.

Up in Katy, the Katy Freedom Celebration is a must-do. It's on at the Katy Mills Mall on the July 4, and the fireworks display promises to be huge. The show begins at 9:30 p.m.

Bellaire is going with a parade, which begins on the 4th at 9:30 a.m., and a festival, which kicks off right after the parade ends. There will be a petting zoo, a ferris wheel, a dunk tank, and lots more. Children must register for the parade, so don't wait to get your entry in. Click here for all the news you need to know about this fun event.

Pearlanders, this one's for you. It's the Celebration of Freedom, and the fun takes place at the Pearland High School football stadium on the 4th, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be a VFW military salute, The Slags will play, and it's all free.

The Kemah Boardwalk 4th of July party is always a great place to be, and this year will be no exception. The show begins at 9:30, and you know it will be a big one. Plus, all those restaurants and sights and sounds ... don't miss this one.

Missouri City is taking over Buffalo Run Park for its celebrations on the 4th, and from 6-9 p.m.there will be rides, face painting, food trucks, and a rock wall. The fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m., and there will be seating at Thurgood Marshall High School.

In Sugar Land, the city hosts its annual Star Spangled Spectacular at 18355 Southwest Freeway. The festival will take place from 5-10 p.m., and will highlight patriotic family fun with activities for all to enjoy coupled with great food and a variety of music! Festive entertainment and activities will include a children's zone complete with fun photo opportunities and face painting, onsite voter registration, a variety of information stations and a main stage area featuring local talent. Austin's modern party band, Satellite, will take the stage along with appearances from DJ/Drummer Don Vaughn and Svet, an electro hip hop violinist. The event will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display that families can enjoy from various locations throughout the Sugar Land area. The event is free.

We can't forget Galveston, can we? It's the 177th City of Galveston 4th of July Celebration, and this one is special. A parade along the seawall is set, and the fireworks show promises to elicit the oohs and ahhs down by the Gulf. Come early to beat the traffic.

How are you going to spend your 4th of July? Let us know in the comments section.

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