People Finder
A Guide to Independence Day
Where to celebrate July 4th
FUN ON THE FOURTH The Dickerson family and the Dunk family, including siblings Brooks (back, at left) and Charlie Dunk (front, at left), and Mason (back, at right), Carter (middle), and Eloise Dickerson (front), attend the Memorial Villages Independence Day parade together each year.
Every Independence Day in Buzz neighborhoods, you’ll see neighbors coming together decked out in red, white, and blue. Families decorate bikes and wagons, line the streets with folding chairs, and wave flags as local parades roll by.
Whether a first-timer or a July Fourth veteran, there are many nearby celebrations worth checking out. We put together a guide to what is happening this year for the Fourth of July.
Memorial Villages Independence Day Parade
July 4, 9:45 a.m.
Memorial Church of Christ
Free to attend
The Memorial Villages Independence Day Parade is a cherished neighborhood tradition that brings all the small-town feels. A fun run and bike ride (no pre-registration required for the bike ride) start the fun at 9:45 a.m. at Memorial Church of Christ on Gaylord, where participants show off their patriotic pride as they head down Piney Point Road.
Rachel Dickerson, a mother of three, says the parade is her favorite part of the holiday. “Our family tradition is to meet at the start, ride our bikes in our red, white, and blue in the parade, then find some friends and post up to watch the floats and fun patriotic cars drive through," Rachel said.
They continue the fun throughout the day. "Our kids look forward to it every year. We follow that with some pool time, grilling, fresh apple pie and fireworks, and it is the best little at-home July 4th."
The morning starts with a 1.776 mile run along flag-lined Piney Point Road, followed by children on their decorated bicycles and finally, a flotilla of decorated cars, trucks, and floats. “The Memorial Villages Police Department (MVPD) always looks forward to this community event and the joy it brings to participants and spectators alike,” said Larry Boggus, an officer/UAV pilot with the MVPD.
Following the bike ride and fun run, the parade kicks off at 10 a.m. The route runs from the church on Gaylord down to Ecclesia. Participants are encouraged to arrive early. Event parking is available in nearby church and school lots. Streets will be closed briefly from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
“The parade has become an annual tradition for the six cities that make up the Memorial Villages enclave,” said Officer Boggus.
Families should set up along Piney Point with chairs or blankets. If you live nearby, walking to the event is your best bet. The event will take place rain or shine; in the event of lightning, the parade will be canceled, so be sure to follow weather.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA Clara and Evelyn Estes race to Colonial Park after the West University July 4th Bike Parade and Pool Party in 2024. (Photo: Jenna Baer)
West University Independence Day Parade and Pool Party
July 4, 2025, 8:45 a.m.-12 p.m.
Starts in front of West University Elementary School; pool party at Colonial Park
Free to attend
West University’s annual Fourth of July parade is a lively patriotic celebration. Participants line up in front of West University Elementary School, sporting patriotic bikes, wagons, and scooters to kick things off, followed by a pool party at Colonial Park. No pre-registration is required.
The fun starts Friday, July 4, with parade lineup at 8:45 a.m. in front of WUE on University Boulevard. The parade begins at 9 a.m. sharp and ends at the Colonial Park Pool, where the celebration continues with music, refreshments, and a fun pool party.
Parking is limited and University Blvd. will close to traffic between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Walking or biking is encouraged. Pack bathing suits (or wear under clothes), towels, sunscreen, water bottles, and do not forget flip-flops for the pool. Decorate bikes the day before to skip the morning rush.
Siblings Isabella, John Luke, and Sienna Munz (from left) celebrate with red, white, and blue at the annual City of Bellaire Celebration of Independence and Festival. (Photo: Christi Blakkolb Munz)
City of Bellaire Celebration of Independence Parade and Festival
July 4, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Parade starts at S. Rice/Valerie St., festival follows at Bellaire Town Square
Free to attend
The City of Bellaire hosts a traditional parade, a post-parade car show, and a fun-filled community festival at Bellaire Town Square. The parade lineup begins between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. at South Rice Avenue and Valerie Street. The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. The Children’s Bike Parade starts at S. Rice Ave. and Evergreen St.
Christi Blakkolb Munz says, “The Bellaire 4th of July parade has become an annual tradition for our family! The kids look forward to setting up chairs and sitting at the start of the parade route every year.”
Lauren Soliz and her daughters, Riley and Kinley Canonico, have also enjoyed the parade over the years. Lauren said it is a fun way to see friends and catch up with neighbors over the summer break and to celebrate the Fourth with community.
“If we are in town, you can count on the Canonico sisters to attend the annual parade,” Lauren said. “The girls enjoy running into friends and neighbors there and cheering on the parade participants.”
After the parade, be sure to stick around for a car show and festival along South Rice Avenue. Streets will remain closed through noon.
The Freedom Over Texas event lights up the downtown skyline. (Photo: Richard Carson)
July 4, 4-10 p.m.
Eleanor Tinsley Park
Tickets are available online for $11, including fees but not taxes. Children 5 and under are free with a paid adult.
Houston’s Fourth of July celebration, Freedom Over Texas, features live entertainment, a massive fireworks show, and family fun along Allen Parkway.
A portion of food and drink sales will benefit the Houston Food Bank. Paid parking is available at the Hobby Center Garage (800 Bagby) and Theater District garages via Rusk Street.
Singer Lee Brice and special guest Ashley McBryde will headline this year. There are also family-friendly fun zones, food trucks, a beer garden, and tributes to U.S. military branches.
Buzz resident Whitney Miller attends each year. “We’ve attended Freedom Over Texas over the years, and it truly is a beautiful display of patriotism. The fireworks against the Houston skyline are breathtaking.”
Be sure to bring a blanket or lawn chairs and arrive early to beat the crowds.
Tips and Tricks for the Fourth
Houston in July is hot (!!!), so dress light. Wear breathable fabrics, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats. And don’t forget your red, white, and blue.
Stay hydrated. Bring your own water bottles and bring lots of water. It is a good idea to arrive early to the parades to grab a shaded spot.
Pack a small bag with sunscreen, snacks, wet wipes, and a portable fan.
Check road closures before you go. Streets around parade routes will close about 30 minutes before starting times. If you can, walk or bike to avoid the hassle.
Whether you plan to bike through the streets of West U, wave from the sidelines in Bellaire, or run down Piney Point in the Memorial Villages, it is sure to be a fun way to wish America a Happy Birthday.
Editor’s note: Share your best red, white, and blue photos with us at [email protected]. Check thebuzzmagazines.com for parade coverage.
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