Freedom Over Texas
If you’re looking for one of the biggest Fourth of July events in Houston, Freedom Over Texas is a must. This annual celebration along Allen Parkway near Eleanor Tinsley Park features six hours of live entertainment on multiple concert stages, delicious food trucks and local restaurants, family activities, and an incredible fireworks display that lights up the Houston skyline. It’s Houston’s signature Independence Day party, drawing around 50,000 Houston families every year to honor the nation’s birthday with one of the best fireworks shows around.
This year’s lineup is stacked with national entertainment, including multi-platinum country star Lee Brice, a Grammy-nominated headliner, and a special performance from Ashley McBryde. Other acts include DJ London, Jonah Miles, 80% 80’s, and a crowd-favorite Selena Tribute Band. The night wraps up with a massive, musically choreographed fireworks extravaganza you won’t want to miss.
Keep in mind there are a few rules for the event — no coolers, outside alcohol, glass containers, pets, fireworks, or drones allowed. Be sure to bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a towel or blanket to snag your spot on the lawn near the main stage. Parking is available at the Hobby Center and Theater District garages for a fee. Freedom Over Texas also gives back, donating a portion of food and drink sales to the Houston Food Bank. It’s a great way to celebrate the Fourth while supporting the community.
The Woodlands Fourth of July
If you’re hoping to pack your Fourth of July with non-stop family fun, The Woodlands is the place to be. This community knows how to throw an annual 4th of July celebration with a full day of activities happening all over town. From a vibrant parade to live music, a kids play zone, and a big fireworks extravaganza to cap off the night, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The day kicks off with the 49th Annual South County Fourth of July Parade, starting at 9 a.m. in The Woodlands Town Center and Market Street. It’s the largest Independence Day parade between Houston and Dallas, featuring fire trucks, colorful floats, military units, and plenty of red, white, and blue spirit. This year’s theme, “Wings of Liberty: Celebrating the Bald Eagle,” honors the national symbol of strength and freedom. Get there early for pre-parade entertainment beginning at 8 a.m. around Market Street.
Dr. Ann K. Snyder will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal, recognized for her years of service and dedication to Montgomery County. It’s a fantastic way to start the holiday before heading to one of many other events throughout the day, including pool parties, live entertainment, and a big fireworks show once the sun goes down.
Looking for the best Fourth of July events and fireworks in Galveston, TX? Click here for the full guide on parades, fireworks shows, parking tips, and family fun to make your holiday unforgettable!
Red, Hot & Blue Festival
The Woodlands knows how to throw a good party, and the Red, Hot & Blue Festival is one of its biggest. From 6 to 10 p.m. on July 4, families can enjoy live music, food trucks, and activities spread out across several locations in the community, all leading up to one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks displays in the Greater Houston area. The fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m., and with multiple launch sites, there’s no bad seat in the house.
Each festival location offers something a little different. Town Green Park will be one of the busiest spots, with live music from Cold Shot and Time Warp, face painting, balloon art, children’s activities, craft vendors, food vendors, and strolling entertainment. Northshore Park will have similar activities along with music from Bayou Junction, while Waterway Square features a performance by SheWolf, a Shakira tribute band, and hosts the Fourth of July Parade Awards at 7 p.m. Hughes Landing offers fireworks views and a concert by The Harris County Band, though fireworks visibility there may be partially blocked by trees and buildings.
For those just looking to catch the show, Rob Fleming Park will offer fireworks viewing only, with no additional activities planned at that location. The main fireworks launch near Northshore Park and Lake Woodlands, with other displays happening at Town Green Park, Waterway Square, and Rob Fleming Park. Tune in to KSTAR Country 99.7 FM or stream the station online for a live synchronized soundtrack to the fireworks.
As a reminder, personal fireworks are not allowed in The Woodlands, so leave the sparklers at home and enjoy the professional show.
Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Few things feel more classic on the Fourth of July than an evening of patriotic music under the stars, and the Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre delivers just that. Presented by the Houston Symphony, this annual favorite features stirring renditions of patriotic fan favorites like “The 1812 Overture,” “America the Beautiful,” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” It’s a night of music, community, and tradition that ends with a grand fireworks finale lighting up the sky above Hermann Park in the heart of Houston.
The performance takes place at Miller Outdoor Theatre, and like all shows at the venue, it’s completely free. If you’d like a seat in the covered area, you’ll need to reserve a ticket. Free tickets will be available online starting at 10 a.m. on July 3, and you can claim up to four per person while they last. Any remaining tickets can be picked up at the box office one hour before showtime. If you prefer a more laid-back experience, the lawn seating is always open — just bring a blanket or lawn chair and settle in for the evening.
This event won’t be livestreamed, so the best way to experience it is in person. The Star-Spangled Salute is a beautiful way to celebrate America’s birthday surrounded by neighbors and accompanied by the sounds of one of Houston’s finest orchestras.
4th of July Celebration on Skylawn at POST Houston
Celebrate Independence Day on the rooftop at Skylawn, POST Houston from 5 to 10 p.m. Enjoy live music from the Houston Brass Band and Alias Band, plus balloon artists, cirque performers, and face painting. Grab drinks and delicious food from onsite bars and local restaurants.
The rooftop offers a great rooftop view of the city of Houston and the Freedom Over Texas fireworks starting around 9 p.m. Blankets and towels are allowed, but no outside food, drinks, large bags, or lawn chairs. Tickets are limited and will increase in price, so book early for this exciting event.
Celebration of Independence Parade & Festival in Bellaire
If you’re looking for a classic small-town Fourth of July celebration close to Houston, the City of Bellaire’s annual 4th of July parade and festival is a great pick. The fun kicks off at 9 a.m. with a lively parade making its way down South Rice Avenue, followed by a family-friendly festival packed with food trucks, live entertainment, and community spirit.
The parade starts at the corner of South Rice and Valerie Street and travels north, ending at South Rice and Linden Street. There’s also a Children’s Bike Parade that begins at South Rice and Evergreen Street, giving kids a chance to lead the way decked out in red, white, and blue. If you want to join the big parade, the city welcomes participants — just email the city ahead of time to sign up.
Once the parade wraps up around 9:30 a.m., the festival takes over Bellaire Town Square’s Great Lawn and Loftin Park. Expect live music, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained through the morning. Admission is free, but you’ll want to bring some cash or a card for food and a few activities that may charge a small fee.
Parking is available at nearby spots like Bellaire Library, Condit Elementary, and the Bellaire Recreation Center, or along neighborhood streets (just be sure not to block driveways). Note that pets are not allowed at the event, so it’s best to leave furry friends at home.
5th of July Fireworks Celebration at Kings Harbor
If you didn’t get your fireworks fix on the Fourth, Kings Harbor Waterfront Village in Kingwood is keeping the summer fun going with its 5th of July Patriotic Fireworks Celebration. The free, family-friendly event will have live entertainment, games, face painting for the kids, and plenty of space to relax by the water.
Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and grab a good spot on the lawn. You can pick up takeout from one of the village’s local restaurants while you enjoy the night’s fireworks show lighting up the sky over Lake Houston.
The event takes place at Kings Harbor, 4501 Magnolia Cove Drive, Kingwood, TX 77345. No tickets are needed — just come out and enjoy.
Kemah Boardwalk Fourth of July Celebration
Looking for waterfront fireworks, live music, and classic boardwalk fun? Head to the Kemah Boardwalk on July 4 for a full day of patriotic celebration. With thrilling rides, live performances, and a fireworks show to cap off the night, it’s a great way to celebrate Independence Day with the whole family.
The entertainment lineup kicks off at 2 p.m. with live music from Kalico, followed by Uncle Sam on stilts roaming the boardwalk from 5 to 9 p.m. Then Clutch City takes the stage from 7 to 11 p.m., keeping the energy high as the fireworks show gets closer.
If you’re looking for a unique view of the fireworks, hop aboard one of the cruises. The Boardwalk Beast Cruise boards at 9 p.m., with tickets available only at the booth on a first-come, first-served basis. Or book a spot on the Boardwalk FantaSea Dinner Cruise, which offers an evening on the water with food and fireworks. Tickets for the dinner cruise must be purchased in advance at boardwalkfantasea.com.
Admission to the boardwalk is free, and you can catch the fireworks show without a ticket. Just be aware that there is a parking fee, and space fills up quickly, so arriving early is a good idea.
