Just because the temperatures are up in the 90s during the day doesn't mean there aren't cool ways to enjoy your summer nights. CITYCENTRE has a calendar full of free programming sure to make your summer fun — and Houston's hottest mixed-use destination offers plenty of retail shops and restaurants to keep you occupied if the mercury rises well into the night.

This month's events kick off on July 4 with an annual Independence Day celebration. The repertoire of The Grooves, a Texas-based cover band, runs the gamut from Michael Jackson to Marvin Gaye to the Black Eyed Peas. They'll definitely have the crowd on their feet from 7 to 11 p.m., with a performance punctuated by a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

CITYCENTRE tenants are also celebrating the holiday with special offers, from discounted room rates at Hotel Sorella to buy-one-get-one-half-off deals at Olive & Vine, from military discounts and pizza specials at The Tasting Room to the Star Spangled Blitz — a red, white and blue cocktail perfect for toasting the fourth — at Texas de Brazil.

But the celebrating doesn't stop after the holiday night: CITYCENTRE has booked bands through the whole weekend, with vintage soul and classic rock cover band Commercial Art from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, jazz saxophonist Chris Mitchell at the same time on Saturday and Coconuts taking the stage from 5 to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

That entertainment continues with live music in the plaza every Thursday through Sunday, spanning genres from country rock to salsa and flamenco guitar. Arrive early to snag a swanky cabana at Straits, a restaurant with Southeast Asian flair, or a spot on the patio at Ruggles Green — because what's better than al fresco enjoyment of a burger, an ice cold beer and live tunes?

For those who feel the need to work off their vices, Life Time Athletic will host its monthly Boot Camp Demo Session from 10 to 11 a.m. on July 13 at the CITYCENTRE plaza. Expect to sweat at this Saturday boot camp, which is free and open to members and non-members alike. Reserve a spot by emailing mmosely@lifetimefitness.com.

Gal pals can relive the good old days with a $1 ticket to FlashDance on the big screen at Studio Movie Grill on July 10 at 7:30 p.m., part of its monthly Girl's Night Out series, but families with young 'uns might prefer to spread a blanket across the lawn on July 24 for the monthly installment of Moonlight Movies for Kids featuring Brave, a Pixar production that follows the adventurous mishaps of skilled archer and Scottish princess Merida.

Think of it as a kid-friendly version of drive-in movies: The film will be projected on a massive 20 foot by 11 foot screen on the plaza green, and popcorn will be sold for just $1 (b4 hand sanitizer included). The fun starts at 8:30 p.m. and the movie goes on at 9 p.m. Mark your calendar for the Aug. 14 screening of Rise of the Guardians.

Try your hand at tango or the two-step at the monthly Dancing Under the Stars, held in the plaza on July 27 from 7 to 10 p.m. Live music and bright skies make the perfect backdrop for this monthly dance party.

There's something for everyone on the July calendar at CITYCENTRE. Look for more events and offers from tenants online.

  

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