Celebrate Fourth of July in Houston with a bang! From sensational fireworks, to parades, barbecues, pool parties, and more: here’s the ultimate list of Fourth of July events in Houston 2024!
Fourth of July Fireworks Houston
1. Freedom Over Texas
This year, the iconic Freedom Over Texas fireworks extravaganza makes a triumphant return to Downtown Houston, promising six hours of lively festivities, captivating performances, and exhilarating live concerts. Set along the scenic Allen Parkway, this Fourth of July celebration culminates in a spectacular, Texas-sized fireworks display.
Starting at 4 pm on Thursday, July 4th, this all-day event will be broadcast live, showcasing a vibrant lineup of local, regional, and national talent. Special performances by Jo Dee Messina and Chapel Hart will highlight the festivities. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Houston Food Bank, supporting their mission to fight hunger in the community.
18-3600 Allen Pkwy
2. POST
Houston’s premier rooftop market is reviving its annual Fourth of July extravaganza on the Skylawn rooftop. This venue offers an unparalleled view of the Freedom Over Texas fireworks display.
Starting at 5 pm, the event boasts a range of activities including balloon artists, face painting, gourmet food stalls, bars, cirque performers, and live music from the Houston Brass Band and Alias Band. Please note that lawn chairs, large bags, and outside food or drinks are prohibited.
Early Bird General Admission tickets are available for $20 (plus fees), while children aged 5 and under enjoy free entry.
401 Franklin St.
3. Star Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Houston’s cherished Miller Outdoor Theatre is set to host its grandest Independence Day celebration, the Star Spangled Salute, once again this year. Produced by the Houston Symphony and led by conductor Jason Seber, this free event will feature stirring orchestral performances of patriotic classics.
Festivities begin at 8:30 pm, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks display at 10 pm. While hill seating is open to all at no cost, those who prefer covered assigned seating will need to secure free tickets, which become available the day before the event.
6000 Hermann Park Dr.
4. Red, Hot & Blue Festival & Fireworks Extravaganza in The Woodlands
The 27th annual Red, Hot, & Blue Festival & Fireworks Extravaganza returns to The Woodlands, promising an unforgettable Fourth of July celebration with mouth-watering food, family fun, and multiple firework shows including an 18-minute blockbuster finale.
This year’s festivities will take place across several locations in The Woodlands. Town Green Park will be the festival’s main hub, featuring two live music stages, face painting, balloon artists, food concessions, and children’s arts and crafts.
In addition to Town Green Park, patriotic revelers can enjoy live music, food vendors, and children’s activities at Northshore Park, Waterway Square, and Hughes Landing.
For a quieter experience, visitors can head to Rob Fleming Park to view the fireworks, though this location will not have vendors, concessions, or live music.
Festivities begin at 6 pm at all locations, culminating in a spectacular 18-minute fireworks display over the Northshore Park/Lake Woodlands area at 9:30 pm. Town Green Park will also feature a secondary fireworks show. Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers, and picnic baskets.
Multiple locations
5. Baytown Fourth of July Celebration
6. July 4th Celebration & Street Festival in Tomball
Tomball’s 51st annual July 4th Celebration & Street Fest is set to light up Business Highway 249 with a festive atmosphere. The streets will come alive with vibrant live music, an array of vendors, children’s activities, and a feast of delicious food, all leading up to one of Houston’s most impressive fireworks displays.
The festivities begin at 4 pm on July 4th, with live music kicking off at 5:30 pm. Performances by Barefoot Nation and Tilluride will set the stage for the evening. The event will also honor the Armed Forces with special tributes and military-themed sing-alongs. The night will culminate in a spectacular fireworks show at 9:30 pm.
Business Highway 249 just north of FM 2920
7. Kemah Boardwalk
Join the patriotic festivities at Kemah Boardwalk for a thrilling and FREE Fourth of July celebration at the amusement park, packed with rides, music performances, and a dazzling fireworks show.
Starting at 1:30 pm on Thursday, July 4th, the day features live music from Lone Star All Star Trio, an entertaining performance by an Uncle Sam Stilt Walker, and a set by The Slags. The celebration will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 pm.
215 Kipp Ave
8. 4th of July Celebration in Galveston
Galveston, Texas is a popular local Houston getaway for Fourth of July, for good reason. In addition to the festivities at Kemah Boardwalk, Galveston will also host its annual 4th of July Seawall parade. The festive procession of floats, performers, and vehicles will commence at 6 pm down 22nd to 45th on Seawall Blvd. Stick around for a stunning firework show at the beach at 9:15 pm.
Seawall, Galveston
9. Pier 6
One of the Houston area’s best waterfront restaurants will provide an amazing front row seat for Fireworks Over The Bay. Its annual Fourth of July festivities kick off at 2 pm with an on-site fire engine for children. The event will also feature live music, balloon artists, snow cones, oysters, cocktails, and more.
Parades and Parties Sans Fireworks
10. Freedom Rocks Fest
The Houston area’s premier lagoon, Lagoonfest, are hosting a special two-day Independence Day celebration with their 3rd annual Freedom Rocks Fest. In addition to all of its aquatic activities, ranging from floating cabanas, paddleboards, and more: the event will feature an expansive line-up of classic rock tribute artists.
Here, party-goers can enjoy tributes to ZZ Top, Black Sabbath, Bill Joel, Skid Row, Fleetwood Mac, Foreigner, Poison, and Motley Crue. The event will feature a dazzling array of food vendors, bars, and more: all topped off with a drone show at 9 pm on Thursday. The event kicks off on 10 am Wednesday, July 3rd.
12600 Crystal View Blvd.
11. City of Bellaire Fourth of July Parade
The City of Bellaire’s annual Fourth of July Parade and Festival this year kicks off at 9 am on Independence Day. The parade will commence at South Rice Ave. and Valerie St. The event will also feature a Children’s Bike Parade that will start at South Rice Ave. and Evergreen St.
Both parades will wrap up at South Rice Ave. and Linden St. Afterwards, visitors can enjoy the festival full of food, live music, and more on the Great Lawn in Loftin Park.
S. Rice/Valerie St.
12. Fourth of July Concert at Citycentre
Enjoy food trucks, snow cones, and live music from country, pop, rock band, People’s Choice Awards at CityCentre this Fourth of July. The Fourth of July Concert at CityCentre takes place from 7 – 10 pm on July Fourth. No outdoor food or drinks are allowed.
800 Town and Country Blvd.
13. Kidpendence Day at Children’s Museum Houston
Children’s Museum Houston is set to host a festive celebration for kiddos this Fourth of July. Their special Kidpendence Day event will feature a Captain America Storytime, Confetti Blast, Celebratory Science Show, and a 21 Mentos Geysers patriotic salute.
1500 Binz St.
Fourth of July Bar/Restaurant Specials
14. Home Run Dugout
The baseball-themed entertainment venue, concert stage, and restaurant is hosting a special Fourth of July celebration this Thursday. Kicking off at 5 pm with a hot dog eating contest, the event will also feature a corn hole tournament, Slip N’ Slides, a live music performance from Sol Flair from 7 to 11 pm, all capped off with a firework show come nightfall.
1220 Grand W Blvd.
15. Bayou Heights Bier Garten
The sprawling beer garden, restaurant, and coffee house in The Heights will feature a day-long bash this Fourth of July from noon to 2 am. The venue will feature a special $45 BBQ Board as well as a stacked beverage menu.
3905 Washington
16. Axelrad
The laidback artsy hangout in Montrose is celebrating Independence Day with $1 drafts all day long. Additionally, $3 mimosas, $4 wells, $5 margaritas, micheladas, and house wines will be available for Happy Hour from 2 to 7 pm – as well with 20% off craft beers and frozen drinks. Axelrad will also be screening The Sandlot at night.
1517 Alabama
17. State Fare Kitchen & Bar
Over the course of the four-day weekend, State Fare Kitchen & Bar will feature a special ‘Merica-style Freedom Board piled with Andouille and Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Brisket Firecrackers, Elote Corn Ribs with Cotija Cheese, Dill Pickle Dip, Southern Deviled Eggs, and BBQ Chips ($55). Brunch will also be available at the venue from July 4 to July 7.
Multiple locations
18. Tacodeli
The Texas-based taqueria is celebrating the Fourth this July with a special $5 margarita deal. Their featured margarita is the Señorita Margarita, served on the rocks or frozen with organic cane sugar, Paula’s local orange liqueur, el Jimador tequila, and fresh lime juice.
1902 Washington Ave D.
19. Willie’s Grill & Icehouse
Enjoy a patriotic red, white, and blue popsicle-garnished Bomb Pop Rita at Willie’s Grill & Icehouse this Independence Day. The venue will also feature a selection of traditional burgers, including Single Stackers ($8.99), Double Stackers ($9.99), and Hickory BBQ Double Bacon Stacker ($12.99).
Multiple locations
Other Fourth of July Outdoor Fun
20-21. Go to the beach
Is there a better time to turn up on the beach than Fourth of July? Who’s to say. But if you’re trying to catch some sun, some minor waves, and maybe a beach cookout or two, check out our list of the best beaches in Texas.
- When making the rounds, be sure to explore the best coastal towns in Texas to round off the beach vacation.
22. Float the Best Lazy Rivers In Texas
One of the other longstanding Fourth of July traditions in Texas is tubing down a lazy river. Whether bobbing through a lush natural landscape in San Marcos or swimming along Houston’s rooftop lazy river at Marriot Marquis, there are plenty of terrific tubing spots to choose from in the Lonestar State.
23. Take a Dip in a Texas Swimming Hole
It’s going to be a hot one, Houston. If you’re not floating a lazy river, wading in the beach, or swimming in your buddy’s pool, take a day trip out to one of these Texas swimming holes. From natural waterfalls, to natural springs, and more: go for a dip in one of these scenic Texas swimming spots.
24-25. Eat all the Fourth of July staples
We all know the key ingredients to a Fourth of July: hamburgers, hotdogs, and barbecue. If you’re not planning on doing your own cookout, you can leave it to the professionals.
- 10 of the best hamburger joints in Houston
- 10 mouth-watering barbecue restaurants in Houston
- 10 of the best hotdog havens in Houston