What to Look 4-ward to This Weekend: July 4th Events

Freedom Over Texas will include a spectacular fireworks display, choreographed to music. (Photo: Richard Carson)

Buzz summer intern Mackenzie Ward is a rising sophomore at the Oxford College of Emory University and a graduate of Bellaire High School. 

Find the perfect event to celebrate our nation’s birthday, from fireworks and festivals to parades and live music. Here’s a list of fun places to enjoy the July 4th weekend. 

Fri., July 1

July 4 Fireworks Spectacular
Start your July 4 weekend off with four nights of free concerts at CityCentre with an Independence Day fireworks spectacular! 

Sat. ,July 2

Memorial Villages Independence Festival
Kick off your Independence Day weekend by joining The Villages Independence Fest Saturday, July 2 with the Festival Parade, beginning at 9 a.m. The parade route will start at the Memorial Church of Christ and conclude at Memorial Drive Baptist Church around 9:45 a.m. The parade is free and includes a great group of decorated cars and floats as well as a new event, the 1.776 Fun Run, which begins just before the parade. 

Sun., July 3

Houston Symphony’s Star-Spangled Salute
Join the excitement at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Sunday, July 3 at 8 p.m. for the annual Independence Eve celebration. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., featuring the Houston Symphony with conductor Steven Reineke and vocalist Christopher Johnstone.

Mon., July 4

City of West University Independence Day Bike Parade and Pool Party
Participate in the annual parade by lining up in from of West U. Elementary at 8:45 a.m. for the 9 a.m. Bike Parade. Stay for the pool party from 9:15 a.m. -12 p.m. and join in the other free festivities afterward.

City of Bellaire’s Fourth of July Parade and Festival
Start your Independence Day off by spending the morning at the City of Bellaire’s Fourth of July Parade and Festival, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy the floats decorated for the 4th and the parade theme of Go for Gold, celebrating the start of the Summer Olympics and stay for the festival in the Bellaire Town Square.

H-E-B Presents Fireworks on the Brazos
Enjoy Independence Day exactly where Texas gained its independence by heading to Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site Monday from 10 a.m. -10 p.m. Participate in a day of family activities, including a free music concert by Cody Bryan Band in the evening followed by a fireworks extravaganza. 

Children’s Museum Kidpendence Day
Show your pride by bringing your family to the Children’s Museum of Houston’s celebration, including the Boy Scout Color Guard, Uncle Sam and Statue of Liberty Character Appearances, Flag Waving Parade, and more!

4th Fest in Pasadena
Come to the Pasadena Convention Center to celebrate Independence Day from 4-10 p.m. Pasadena’s largest city-sponsored event, the 4th Festival is full of free entertainment for all ages including live music, the USMC Toys for Tots BBQ Cook-off, a car/truck show and a fireworks show finale.

Freedom Over Texas
Celebrate the 4th with fireworks and country music at this annual patriotic celebration Monday from 4-10 p.m. at Eleanor Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou. Tickets are available online for $8 until July 3, and $10 per person on the day of the event. 

Interested in volunteering at the event? Freedom Over Texas is still seeking volunteers. Read about the experience from a volunteer’s perspective.  

Memorial City Fourth of July Hot Air Balloonfest
Experience the first-ever Memorial City Fourth of July Hot Air Balloonfest Monday from 4 -6 p.m. to 9 pm. The celebration will include live music, food trucks, art and craft activities and more. Balloon rides will cost $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12.

Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza
Head out to the Town Green Park and Waterway Square in the Woodlands for the 19th annual celebration, featuring one of the largest firework displays in the Greater Houston Area. The free event is Monday from 6-10 p.m., taking place at the two locations along the Waterway with delicious food, fun activities for all, and multiple entertainment stages. 

4th of July Parade and Celebration
Be a part of the 117th annual Independence Day celebration in Galveston Monday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The event includes a fun parade down Seawall Boulevard and a fireworks show after the procession.

ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights: Star-Spangled Salute
Head to the Miller Outdoor Theatre Monday at 8:30 p.m. to enjoy the celebration with the Houston Symphony. The event is free and will include patriotic classics with a cannon and firework finale. Bring a blanket for open seating on the lawn or pick up free tickets for the limited covered seating area, which will be available Monday from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fourth of July Celebration at Kemah Boardwalk
Enjoy your Independence Day with a free afternoon of rides, games and great food on the Boardwalk. Complete your evening with patriotic fireworks over Galveston Bay at 9:30 p.m.

Happy Fourth of July weekend!

Share your fun memories and festive decorations with us; tag us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram throughout the weekend. See what else is going on around town on our events calendar, too.