Looking for the best spots to catch fireworks, live music, and patriotic fun this Fourth of July weekend? From dazzling firework displays to vibrant parades and family-friendly festivals, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Greater Houston area to celebrate Independence Day in style. Whether you’re bringing lawn chairs to a local park or dancing along to live performances, here’s your guide to July 4th weekend in and around Houston.
Star-Spangled Salute with the Houston Symphony
Kick off your Independence Day celebration a little early with the Star-Spangled Salute, a free concert presented by the Houston Symphony on Wednesday, July 3, 2025. Held at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, this event has become a beloved tradition for many Houston-area families.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. The performance includes patriotic favorites, moving tributes, and a classic American atmosphere under the night sky. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy live music, teach your kids about American traditions, and introduce little ones to the magic of the symphony.
Seating is free, thanks to sponsorship from ExxonMobil, making this a great budget-friendly evening option for the whole family. It’s one of those special events that defines the season and is worth arriving early for.
South County Fourth of July Parade
On the morning of July 4, don’t miss the 49th Annual South County Fourth of July Parade, the largest between Houston and Dallas. The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. in The Woodlands Town Center and winds through Market Street, showcasing colorful floats, military units, marching bands, fire engines, and even appearances by Captain America. Pre-parade fun begins at 8 a.m., with family fun and community entertainment.
This year’s theme is “Wings of Liberty: Celebrating the Bald Eagle,” honoring one of the most iconic symbols of American independence. A panel of celebrity judges will vote on parade entries across ten award categories. If you’re looking for one of the best community-based Fourth of July celebrations, this one is hard to beat.
Red, Hot & Pool
For a splashy start to your holiday, stop by any of the Woodlands Township pools on July 4 for Red, Hot & Pool. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., pools across the community will host themed games, music, and refreshments. The main events take place from noon to 4 p.m. Bring your suit, sunscreen, and your sense of fun. Daily pool fees apply, but access is included with season passes.
Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza
End the night with a bang at the Red, Hot & Blue Festival, which runs from 6 to 10 p.m. on July 4 across multiple locations in The Woodlands. This festival features live concerts, food trucks, face painting, balloon artists, strolling entertainers, and more. Highlights include:
- Town Green Park – Two live concert stages with performances by Cold Shot and Time Warp, plus plenty of kids’ activities.
- Northshore Park – Bayou Junction will take the stage, and the park will host vendors, face painting, and a great view of the fireworks extravaganza.
- Waterway Square – Featuring SheWolf, a Shakira tribute band, along with the Fourth of July Parade Awards at 7 p.m.
- Hughes Landing – The Harris County Band performs live. Limited fireworks visibility due to tree cover.
- Rob Fleming Park – Fireworks only. No vendors or live performances.
The fireworks finale begins at 9:30 p.m., with multiple launch locations around The Woodlands. The show is one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the Greater Houston area. For full effect, tune in to KSTAR Country 99.7 FM or stream the synchronized music online.
To help with planning, teaser fireworks will be launched at 9:00, 9:10, and 9:20 p.m. Spectators are advised to stay clear of restricted areas near launch sites, including the Lake Woodlands Bridge and the north side of Town Green Park.
Celebrate with the Houston Symphony at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Thursday, July 3 at 8 p.m.
Free event, ticketed covered seating
Start your Fourth of July weekend with a Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre, produced by the Houston Symphony. This free concert brings patriotic favorites like “America the Beautiful,” “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” and the thrilling “1812 Overture” to life under the night sky. The evening wraps with a dazzling fireworks extravaganza, lighting up Houston’s night sky in a grand finale.
Covered seating requires free tickets, which become available online one day before the show at 10 a.m. You can also grab them in person at the box office, which opens an hour before the concert. Seating on the hill is always open, and the event goes on rain or shine. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for a relaxing night of live performances and patriotic fun.
Bellaire’s Celebration of Independence Parade and Festival
Friday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Parade route: South Rice Avenue
Join the City of Bellaire for one of the most festive Fourth of July celebrations in the area. The Celebration of Independence Parade starts at 9 a.m. at South Rice Avenue and Valerie Street, with a special Children’s Bike Parade launching nearby at Evergreen Street. Expect colorful floats, fire engines, and plenty of patriotic fun as the parade makes its way to Linden Street.
After the parade, the celebration continues with a family-friendly festival on the Great Lawn and in Loftin Park. Enjoy food vendors, music from a live band, and activities for all ages. It’s the perfect way to spend your morning before heading out to an evening fireworks show.
Kemah Boardwalk
If you’re looking for excitement and energy this Fourth of July, head to the Kemah Boardwalk for a full day of rides, food, and live entertainment. The boardwalk will be buzzing with fun, including appearances from the Uncle Sam Stilt Walker, carnival-style games, and two sets of live music from Kalico and Clutch City.
The night ends with a high-energy fireworks show over the water, visible from all around the boardwalk. If you’re up for a splurge, take to the water on the Boardwalk Beast Cruise or enjoy a festive meal on the FantaSea Dinner Cruise.
Admission to the boardwalk is free, but parking fees apply. The event is weather-dependent, so check their site before you head out.
Planning a coastal getaway instead?
If you’re thinking about heading to the beach for Independence Day, don’t miss my guide to Fourth of July 2025 Events and Fireworks in Galveston, TX. From parades along the Seawall to one of the best fireworks shows on the Texas coast, Galveston is packed with family-friendly fun all weekend long.
Moody Gardens summer bounce party and Fourth of July fun
July 2 to 7, 2025
Moody Gardens Hotel, Galveston Island
If you’re planning a Fourth of July getaway with the family, Moody Gardens on Galveston Island has you covered with a full week of indoor activities, fireworks, and family-friendly fun. The popular Summer Bounce Party returns this year, offering more ways to stay cool and entertained throughout the holiday week.
Held inside the Moody Gardens Hotel Ballroom, the bounce party features air-conditioned excitement with bounce houses, laser tag, a mechanical bull, and interactive games for all ages. Tickets start at $25 or $65 for a group of four. Select ticket options also include dining credits and activity passes, making it easy to plan a full day of fun.
Beyond the bounce party, Moody Gardens is hosting a lineup of Fourth of July week events, including:
- July 4 fireworks viewing from Shearn’s Restaurant on the ninth floor. Enjoy dinner with panoramic views of the City of Galveston’s official fireworks show. Reservations are highly recommended.
- Beats on the Beach at Palm Beach on July 5 with live music and a second fireworks display
- Palm Beach water attractions, including a lazy river, wave pool, slides, and splash pad — complimentary for hotel guests
- New summer films at the 3D, 4D, and Audience Recognition theaters
- 25 percent off hotel stays and attraction tickets through early July
An upscale Fourth of July at Thompson Houston
Friday, July 4, 2025
Three ways to celebrate in one unforgettable night
If you’re looking to elevate your Fourth of July celebrations this year, Thompson Houston is hosting one of the most luxurious events in the Greater Houston area. With unbeatable skyline views and front-row seats to fireworks displays, this is a stylish way to celebrate America’s birthday in the heart of the city. Hotel guests and residents are invited to enjoy live music, skyline views, and festive vibes from 7 to 10 p.m. at the rooftop pool. Expect craft cocktails, small bites, and a perfect perch for the fireworks extravaganza lighting up the Houston skyline. RSVP is required.
From 8 to 11 p.m., the 5th floor transforms into an adults-only affair. This ticketed event features a top-shelf open bar, chef-curated bites, a DJ, a dance floor, and indoor-outdoor views of the Fourth of July fireworks. Dress in all white and enjoy a high-energy night out with a grown-up twist.
4th of July celebration on Skylawn at POST
Celebrate Independence Day at POST Houston’s Skylawn with a spectacular rooftop view of the City of Houston’s “Freedom Over Texas” fireworks show. From 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on July 4, 2025, enjoy live music from the Houston Brass Band and Alias Band, Texas’s top cover band, along with cirque performers, face painting, and complimentary balloon art. Delicious food and multiple bars will keep the party going all evening. Tickets start at $20, with limited free admission for children 5 and under. Please note outside food, drinks, lawn chairs, and large bags are not allowed, but blankets and towels are welcome.
Goat yoga at San Luis Resort
On July 5, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, enjoy a relaxing goat yoga session at Galveston’s San Luis Resort. This instructor-led yoga class takes place on the oceanfront gazebo lawn, combining relaxation with the joy of meeting the cutest furry friends. After yoga, enjoy a complimentary petting zoo to interact with the goats. It’s a fun and peaceful way to spend your July 5th morning and part of the resort’s full summer schedule of activities for all ages.
Concacaf Gold Cup Trophy exclusive showcase
Soccer fans, this one’s for you! Hilton Americas-Houston, the official hotel partner of the 2025 Concacaf Cup events, is proud to host an exclusive showcase of the iconic Concacaf Gold Cup trophy. Stop by the hotel lobby at 1600 Lamar Street to see the trophy up close and snap a memorable photo. This special event runs from 2:30 to 6:00 PM and is free to attend. Don’t miss your chance to get close to one of the most coveted prizes in North American soccer.
