Where To Watch Fireworks

Fourth of July fireworks guide: Where to watch spectacular pyrotechnics in and around Houston

Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our independence by giving thanks for freedom, as well as eating too many burgers or hot dogs, spending time with friends and family, and — of course — watching fireworks blaze bright in the sky.

To help you find the right fireworks spectacular, CultureMap has assembled a comprehensive list of the best (and brightest) fireworks displays around the Houston area.

Southwest Airlines Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park

As the city's official Independence Day celebration, Freedom Over Texas includes several country music acts — including Clint Black and Josh Turner — followed by an incredible fireworks display that has become a tradition for many Houstonians.

The festival runs from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with fireworks usually taking place around 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 per person in advance and $10 at the gate; children under 5 attend free.

Some establishments with views of the area are offering their own watch parties. Republic Smokehouse and Saloon, 1910 Bagby, is touting a viewing party from an 8th floor rooftop parking garage, with rooftop DJ from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. General admission is $20 with cash bar. VIP admission is $100, with complimentary bar and appetizers and prime viewing.

ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights: A Star-Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theater

Enjoy an evening filled with patriotic tunes performed by the Houston Symphony, led by principal POPS conductor designate Steven Reineke. Don't miss the thrilling performance of Tchaikovsky’s triumphant 1812 Overture — complete with booming cannons — accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display.

The performance begins at 8:30 p.m. Free tickets are available for covered seating and space on the hill is always first come, first served.

Beachfront Parade and Fireworks Show in Galveston

Galveston Island is hosting its annual Independence Day celebration, featuring a parade and fireworks show. The parade kicks off on Seawall Boulevard at 7:45 p.m., starting at 41st Street and continuing to 14th Street.

Don't miss the 20-minute fireworks show over the Gulf of Mexico at 9:15 p.m. near 37th Street and Seawall Boulevard.

Fireworks Extravaganza in The Woodlands

As part of The Woodlands' Fourth of July celebration, two different areas will feature fireworks displays — a low-level show across from Town Green Park on The Woodlands Waterway and a large aerial show over Lake Woodlands, fired from the lake's east side near Lake Woodlands Drive. Both displays will be launched simultaneously for 20 minutes at 9:15 p.m.

The Woodlands Waterway and Town Green Park are suggested for the best viewing, and other possible viewing locations include The Woodlands Mall area, Market Street, Hughes Landing and The Woodlands United Methodist Church.

Fourth of July Celebration at CityCentre

CityCentre in west Houston is kicking off its Fourth of July festivities with live country music by the Marcus Eldridge Band from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The performance will be followed by a fireworks spectacular at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Extravaganza of Freedom in Pearland

Fourth of July activities in Pearland include a concert by The Spinsations and a fireworks show at the Pearland High School football stadium.

Admission to the event is free and the fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.

Freedom Celebration in Katy

The Katy Freedom Celebration, which kicks off at 9 a.m., includes family-friendly attractions ranging from firehouse tours and free hot dogs to games at a number of locations around the area, including the Katy Fire Department, Katy Heritage Society and Heritage Park and the VFW Lodge and Park.

The fireworks display will begin at Katy Mills Mall at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Star Spangled Spectacular at Constellation Field in Sugar Land

Come out and celebrate America's birthday at Constellation Field from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., ending with a firework finale.

Tickets are free, but are required for entry. They can be picked up at the Imperial Park Recreation Center at 234 Matlage Way during regular business hours.

Freedom Rings Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks in Fort Bend

Enjoy a free indoor concert of patriotic tunes by the Fort Bend Symphony in Stafford beginning at 6:45 p.m. Following the concert, the city of Stafford will light up the sky with fireworks at 9 p.m. behind the Stafford Centre.

Admission is free.

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Did we miss any fireworks festivities in the Houston area? If so, let us know in the comments sections below.

Southwest Airlines Freedom Over Texas celebration, which features live country music performances, ends with an enormous fireworks display.

Freedom Over Texas

Southwest Airlines Freedom Over Texas celebration, which features live country music performances, ends with an enormous fireworks display.

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always be prepared

Texas tax-free weekend lets shoppers stock up on emergency supplies

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Emergency supplies like first aid kits that cost less than $75 are eligible for a tax break this weekend.

The best time for Texas residents to stock up on supplies to prepare for natural disasters is coming up this weekend. The annual statewide Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday runs from April 25-27, when Texans will be able to purchase critical emergency supplies — plus household necessities like batteries and fire extinguishers — tax-fee.

Shoppers can purchase certain emergency supplies tax-free starting at 12:01 am on Saturday, April 25, and the "holiday" runs until midnight on Monday, April 27. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased during the weekend, and purchases can be made in store, online, through the mail, and via custom order.

Saving on emergency supplies
Emergency preparation supplies must be purchased under certain price brackets to qualify for the tax exemption. For example, portable generators must have a sales price less than $3,000 to qualify for a tax break. Ladders and hurricane shutters that cost less than $300 also qualify.

Delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges are included in the sales price, according to the Comptroller. So if a shopper buys a $299 rescue ladder and is charged a $10 delivery fee, the total sales price for the purchase is $309, and tax would need to be paid for that sales price.

Additional items that qualify for a tax break as long as they cost less than $75 include:

Axes
Batteries – single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
Carbon monoxide detectors
Fire extinguishers
First aid kits
Fuel containers
Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
Hatchets
Ice products – including reusable and artificial ice
Light sources – including those that are battery operated or portable self-powered sources; candles, flashlights, and lanterns
Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
Non-electric can openers
Non-electric coolers and ice chests for food storage
Radios – including portable self-powered radios, battery operated radios, two-way radios, and weather band radios
Smoke detectors
Tarps and other plastic sheeting

The full list of qualifying items is available on The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' website.

As a reminder, over-the-counter items like antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, and spray and wipes are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a "Drug Facts" panel in compliance with Food and Drug Administration regulations.

Non-qualifying items that will still be taxed
Medical masks, face masks, and gloves of any kind do not qualify for a tax exemption. Other taxable items including toilet paper, cleaning supplies (such as disinfectants and bleach wipes), vehicle or boat batteries, chainsaws, plywood, extension ladders, and stepladders. Camping equipment and supplies, including stoves and tents, are also not eligible for a tax break.

Additionally, any repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies do not qualify for tax exemptions, and neither do any services that are performed on or related to those supplies.

What to do if a qualifying item is taxed during the holiday
If customers buy a tax-exempt item between April 25-27 and are still taxed, they may request a refund from the seller on the tax paid for the item. The seller can grant the refund to the buyer, or provide them with Form 00-985, Assignment to Right to Refund, which would allow the customer to file a claim for their refund through the Comptroller's website.

tax free weekend emergency supplies texas