This July, explore Houston’s best festivals, free concerts, and Independence Day celebrations designed for all ages and interests.
Summer Bounce Party at Moody Gardens
July 2–7
Moody Gardens Hotel, Galveston
Celebrate Fourth of July week indoors with bounce houses, laser tag, a mechanical bull, and interactive games for all ages in an air-conditioned ballroom.
Tickets: $25 per person, or $65 for a group of 4
Also at Moody Gardens:
- July 4: Fireworks dinner at Shearn’s Restaurant with panoramic views
- July 5: Beats on the Beach concert plus fireworks at Palm Beach
Shell Freedom Over Texas
July 4
Eleanor Tinsley Park
Houston’s signature Fourth of July event features a full evening of live music, food, family activities, and one of the city’s largest fireworks displays.
Admission: $10 for adults, free for children under 5
READ MORE: Best things to do in Houston July 4th weekend 2025
CityCentre Fourth of July Celebration
July 4
CityCentre Plaza
Live music begins at 7 p.m., followed by a high-energy fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Dine al fresco at your favorite restaurant and enjoy the show. No outside food or coolers allowed.
Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre
July 4
Hermann Park
This beloved Houston tradition features a patriotic concert by the Houston Symphony followed by fireworks. Free admission, with open seating on the hill.
Summer Saturday Evening Picnic at Houston Botanic Garden
Saturday, July 5,
Enjoy a special summer evening picnic at Houston Botanic Garden from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitors can bring ready-to-eat picnics and relax during golden hour in the beautiful outdoor setting. Non-alcoholic drinks in non-glass containers are allowed. Grills, heating devices, alcoholic beverages, and glass containers are prohibited. Guests must pack out all trash.
Blankets and tarps are welcome on mowed lawns, and tables and chairs are available. The event offers a unique way to enjoy the Garden after hours.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children, students, seniors, and military. Members attend free with their membership.
Galveston’s San Luis Resort
Enjoy summer at The San Luis Resort with daily activities like lawn games, arts & crafts, face painting, scavenger hunts, wellness classes, and family movie nights. Special events include mixology classes, goat yoga, live music evenings, afternoon tea, and wellness sessions.
WHEN:
Mixology Classes: June 14, July 26, August 16 at 7 p.m.
Goat Yoga: July 5 and August 30, 10–11 a.m.
Evenings in The Promenade: Fridays and Saturdays, with Happy Hour Fridays 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Afternoon Tea: Saturdays, 3–5 p.m.
Wellness Hour and Pickleball Clinics: Various dates June–August.
Houston Caribbean Festival
July 6
Midtown Park
A celebration of Caribbean culture with live music, DJs, traditional food, dancing, and vibrant costumes. This lively, all-ages event brings island energy to the heart of the city.
Latin Restaurant Weeks
July 11–25
Citywide
Support Latin-owned restaurants across Houston with special menus, cocktails, desserts, and more at over 25 participating locations. From casual bites to upscale Latin fusion, this two-week celebration showcases the flavors and stories of Houston’s Latin culinary community.
More details: www.latinrestaurantweeks.com
Goode Co. Armadillo Palace July Concerts
Houston’s Goode Co. Armadillo Palace presents three July shows featuring Reese Goode (July 11), Jacob Stelly (July 19), and Slade Coulter (July 25). Enjoy Texas-style food and drinks while listening to live country music. Shows are 21+. Tickets start at $12. Doors open at 8 p.m.
Location: 5015 Kirby Drive, Houston.
Meow Wolf Houston launches Summer Concert Series
Meow Wolf Houston is turning up the heat this summer with its first-ever Summer Concert Series, a four-part showcase of Houston’s best musical talent. Shows start at 8 p.m. on select summer nights, blending Meow Wolf’s immersive art with the energy of Texas music.
The Mighty Orq – July 11, 8 p.m.
A Houston blues-rock legend, The Mighty Orq delivers gritty bayou blues, swampy juke-joint vibes, and powerful rock ’n’ roll. Expect heartfelt storytelling and electrifying slide guitar riffs.
Mango Punch! – July 25, 8 p.m.
A six-time Houston Press Music Award winner, Mango Punch! offers a diverse mix of styles including Top 40, swing, disco, R&B, country, salsa, merengue, and more.
Tickets are available at meowwolf.com/houston and include concert entry with Radio Tave evening admission. Portal Pass Members enjoy free entry to all shows.
Dancing Under the Stars with Fred Astaire: Country and Western
July 11, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Sugar Land Town Square
Kick up your boots for a free night of country and western dancing, led by instructors from Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Learn classic moves like the two-step, polka, and popular line dances in a family-friendly outdoor setting. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Free parking is available in nearby garages.
ArtWalk
July 12
Explore local galleries, artist studios, and creative spaces during ArtWalk, a free, self-guided event held monthly on Second Saturdays. Presented by Galveston Arts Center in partnership with downtown art spaces and businesses, ArtWalk invites the public to discover new exhibits, shop local, and connect with artists.
This month’s featured exhibitions include Crowned in Contradictions by Kingsley Onyeiwu and The Sea of Lost Children by Brandon Ballengée.
Beats and Eats: Bayou City Funk Fest
July 13
White Oak Music Hall
Get your groove on at this one-night music festival celebrating Houston’s funk and soul scene. Enjoy live performances, food trucks, and local vendors.
Karbach Brewing Co. 713 Day Celebration
July 13, 3 p.m.
Karbach Biergarten, Houston
Celebrate Houston’s 713 Day with a live performance by Lil’ Flip and DJ Marco Torres. Enjoy local vendors, limited-edition glassware, food, and drinks at this free event.
More details: karbachbrewing.com
Rangers vs. Astros at Daikin Park
July 13, 1:10 p.m.
Daikin Park, 501 Crawford St., Houston, TX 77002
Catch the exciting Texas rivalry as the Astros take on the Rangers at Daikin Park.
Houston World Series of Dog Shows
July 16–20
One of the largest dog shows in the country returns with breed competitions, obedience trials, Meet the Breeds, and more. Explore 100+ breeds, shop pet vendors, and enjoy family-friendly fun.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire
July 19–20
Experience a thrilling monster truck show packed with glow-in-the-dark action, giant jumps, and family-friendly fun. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire lights up the Toyota Center for two days only.
WWE Monday Night Raw
July 21
WWE’s flagship show returns to Houston for an action-packed night of wrestling at the Toyota Center.
Lotería Game Night at MFAH
July 24, 6–8 p.m.
Join a special Lotería game night inspired by MFAH’s art collections. Play the classic Latinx game with a custom board featuring 54 artworks from the Museum. Win prizes and explore the galleries while you play. Free with Museum admission. All ages welcome, seating is first come, first served.
Houston Shakespeare Festival: Henry V
July 31
Miller Outdoor Theatre, Hermann Park
Enjoy a free outdoor performance of Henry V as part of the Houston Shakespeare Festival, produced by the University of Houston. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and experience Shakespeare under the stars.
Have an event to add? Email hollyinhouston@yahoo.com.
