Live Music in Houston This July

CITGO Freedom Over Texas takes place Weds., July 4, 4-10 p.m. with headliner Chris Young and tons of other live entertainment for every age. (Photo: Richard Carson) 

The beginning of July is on everyone's minds. Whether you're planning a huge 4th of July party or are looking forward to watching your neighborhood fireworks, there is plenty to do in Houston. In between fabulous shows happening here in July, check out the live music events happening on the 4th. There's something for everyone, with events happening all over town.  

July 1: Outlaw Music Festival @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

This festival features headliners Willie Nelson and Sturgill Simpson. Cynthia Woods will be a perfect backdrop to this afternoon (it starts at 2:30 p.m.) show. 

July 4: Freedom Over Texas @ Eleanor Tinsley Park 

This annual party goes from 4-10 p.m. and features a performance by country star Chris Young in addition to other performances throughout the day. The event will end with fireworks. 

July 4: ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights: Star Spangled Salute @ Miller Outdoor Theatre 

Another annual 4th of July event is the Houston Symphony performance held at Miller Outdoor Theatre. The show starts at 8:30 pm and requires tickets. Celebrate the 4th with patriotic music and a fireworks show!

July 4: Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular @ CityCentre 

From 7-11 p.m. on the 4th, CityCentre is hosting a big party with live music and a 15-minute fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

July 6: Walk the Moon and Thirty Seconds to Mars @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

Join other alt-rockers for this cool festival-type show at Cynthia Woods, also featuring artists K.Flay and Welshly Arms. 

July 6: Louis the Child @ Revention Center 

On the same night, Revention Center is hosting an EDM/DJ night with headliner Louis the Child. The event also features artists Big Wild and R.LUM.R. 

July 7: Magic 102.1 Summer Block Party @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

The summer festivals at Cynthia Woods are the place to be this July. On the 7th, headliners include Ne-Yo, Miguel, and Fantasia. 

July 8: Vans Warped Tour @ NRG Park 

Warped Tour is back in Houston featuring acts like 3OH!3, Bowling for Soup, Simple Plan, We the Kings and much more. 

July 11: Allison Krauss and Dee White @ Smart Financial Centre 

Allison Krauss is a soulful singer who has in more recent years done collaborations with Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant. She's a great musician and will put on a nice show with Dee White. 

July 13: Paramore @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

Paramore has been around for years, but they recently released a new album called After Laughter. Joining them for this show is Foster the People, who gave us Pumped Up Kicks. 

July 13: Jimmie Vaughan @ Rockefellers 

Jimmie Vaughan is the brother of blues/rock legend Stevie Ray Vaughan, who tragically died in a helicopter crash many years ago. Jimmie is also a legend, having played with many great blues guitarists at many famous shows and festivals, including the New Orleans Jazz Festival, where I've seen him perform. If you like blues or rock, you really shouldn't miss this. 

July 18: Sam Smith @ Toyota Center 

For the past few years, Sam Smith has been releasing songs that have consistently been at the top of the charts. His shows are getting better and better as his popularity grows, so go see him at his prime. 

July 18: Niall Horan and Maren Morris @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

Niall, ex-member of 1Direction, has put out some great songs since the split of the famous boy band, including song current hit "Slow Hands." For this show, he's teaming up with Maren Morris, the country singer who is the voice behind the hit "The Middle." 

July 20: Whitesnake, etc. @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

On the 20th, Cynthia Woods features another trio of rock bands: Whitesnake, Foreigner, and Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin. This is a pretty hefty trio of music greats, so go to hear the hits or to hear some good live music. 

July 21: 94.5 The Buzz's Bud Light Roast @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

Another music festival at the Pavilion! This one features AWOLNATION, Blue October, Theory of a Dead Man and more. 

July 21: Sugarland @ Smart Financial Centre 

You might know country duo Sugarland from their hits "All I Want to Do" or "Babe," a song co-written with Taylor Swift. 

July 24: Jeff Beck, etc. @ Smart Financial Centre 

Jeff Beck is probably one of the (if not THE) best guitarist alive right now. On the 24th, he's performing with Ann Wilson and Paul Rodgers, all of whom will put on amazing performances with a music focus (don't expect too much talking-- Jeff Beck is notorious for speaking little and playing lots). 

July 26: Daryl Hall & John Oates and Train @ Toyota Center 

Interesting combination, but I'm not complaining! Rock stars Hall & Oates are teaming up with pop/rock band Train ("Hey Soul Sister") for a fun summer show at Toyota Center. 

July 28: Logic @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

Logic is the rapper behind "Sucker for Pain" (from the movie Suicide Squad) and "1-800-273-8255" (popular song that deals with the challenging idea of suicide). NF is also performing at this show. 

July 28: Peter Frampton and Steve Miller Band @ Smart Financial Centre 

Peter Frampton is amazing in concert, and his show will be a bit more fun with Steve Miller Band. 

July 28: Joe Ely @ McGonigel's Mucky Duck 

Would my monthly concert list ever be complete without a Joe Ely mention? He's back in Houston this month at the Mucky Duck!

July 29: Pentatonix @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 

Pentatonix is an acapella group known for amazing vocals and fun music videos. 

See all upcoming events on our event calendar and all blog posts by Haley here.