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.
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.
The Woodlands is hosting two 20-minute fireworks displays at 9:15 on the Fourth of July.
The building at 4911 will be torn down for the new greenspace. Holland Lodge No. 1, A.F. & A.M./Facebook