Planning Your Fourth of July in Houston

The Fourth of July is a fun holiday that often brings family and friends together. Although you know that you'll see fireworks somewhere and that you need to stock up on all things red, white and blue, I've got the rest covered for you. There are plenty of events happening around Houston to celebrate. 

Star Spangled Salute @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

The Houston Symphony will be performing at Cynthia Woods Mitchell for free the night before the fourth of July (July 3) at 8 p.m. 

Star Spangled Salute @ Miller Outdoor Theatre

The symphony will perform the same show at Miller Outdoor Theatre for free starting at 8:30 on July 4th with fireworks to follow at 10 p.m. 

Villages Independence Festival @ Ecclesia Westside

This year is the 25th annual Fourth of July celebration put on by the villages. The festival itself is at 325 Gaylord on July 4th, and the parade starts between Echo Lane and Gaylord, near Memorial High School. The parade starts at 9 a.m. and the festival goes from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and will be very kid-friendly!

West U’s Independence Day Bike Parade and Pool Party @ Colonial Park Pool

Join your West U neighbors for a parade starting at 8:45 a.m. on July 4th in front of City Hall. Decorate your bike, wagon or stroller, and follow the parade to the pool, where there will be face painting, a money dive, a belly flop contests for dads, and hamburgers and hotdogs served by the West U Rotary Club as part of their fundraiser for the West U Little League Challenger Division.

Fourth of July Celebration @ Kemah Boardwalk

A short drive from the city, Kemah Boardwalk is hosting live music and fireworks on the 4th, starting at 9:30 p.m. Kemah is close to the beach but far enough away from all the Galveston visitors that you can have a great view of fireworks.

Freedom Over Texas @ Eleanor Tinsley Park

From 4-10 p.m. on July 4, for $8 ahead of time and $10 at the door, you can catch fireworks as well as live performances from country music star Hunter Hayes and popular band DNCE. Local Houston bands will get the chance to play as well. There will be kid zones with activities, beer gardens, food, and some of Houston's professional athletes. 

4th of July Weekend @ CityCentre

CityCentre is putting on a whole weekend of festivities. From the 1st to the 4th, each night will have a new artist performing live in concert from 7-10 p.m. On the 4th, fireworks will start at 9:30 p.m.. 

4th of July Parade/Festival @ Bellaire

The City of Bellaire is putting on a big parade that you can sign up to participate in for free, starting at 9:30 a.m. At about 10 am, a Fourth of July festival will begin in the Bellaire Town Square. The festival will consist of carnival games, a petting zoo and plenty of food. 

4th of July Parade @ Galveston

If you're looking to go to the beach for the 4th, Galveston is having a huge parade along the Sewall starting at 7:45 p.m. on the night of the 4th. At 9:15, a 20-minute firework show will occur right off the Seawall near 37th Street. 

Fourth of July Celebration @ Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Celebrate the holiday from a historic angle by engaging with historical performers, crafts, cake, listening to a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and signing your own Declaration. The event goes from 12-5 p.m. and is free. 

Kidpendence Day Celebration @ the Children's Museum of Houston

For an admission ticket of $12, spend a day at the Children's Museum, with performances from the High Steppers Brass Band and a live show called "Under Siege." 

The Fourth of July is a fun holiday meant to be filled with hotdogs, hamburgers, music, fireworks and fun. Don't stress about having your own party when you can celebrate with the rest of your neighbors at one of these local parties.

See our event calendar for more upcoming events.