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    freedom over texas 2020

    Freedom Over Texas lights up Fourth of July with new virtual show

    Steven Devadanam
    Jun 15, 2020 | 2:05 pm
    Freedom over Texas fireworks
    Freedom Over Texas is going totally 2020.
    Courtesy photo

    For years, the Freedom Over Texas extravaganza has been Houston’s go-to Fourth of July spectacle. Folk from around the Greater Houston area and beyond pack downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods to get a glimpse of the fireworks and catch the lively concerts.

    But, in this era of COVID-19, organizers are forced to take a novel approach. On Monday, June 15, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced that this year’s “reimagining” of the celebration is going virtual. “Watch it on television, in your backyard, on a balcony,” said Turner during a June 15 press conference.

    CultureMap news partner, ABC13, will broadcast the entire event with a statewide simulcast on Saturday, July 4 from 7 to 10 pm. (Check local listings for times.) This year’s title sponsor is Shell, dubbing the event Shell Freedom Over Texas.

    The program will kick off with a patriotic tribute by the Houston Symphony, according to press release, followed by performances by Houston rappers, humanitarians, and philanthropists, Bun B and Trae Tha Truth. Bun B and Tra the Truth will be joined by nationally acclaimed mariachi band Mariachi Imperial De America, and Houston sibling Norteño trio Los Luzeros De Rioverde.

    Country music icon Pat Green, the three-time Grammy-nominated Texas artists, will close out the diverse evening.

    Local and regional favorite acts will join the show from their stage of choice for virtual appearances and throw-back tributes including:

    • Lyle Lovett – Legendary four-time Grammy Award-winning country music singer/songwriter
    • Josh Turner – Award winning American country and gospel singer known for hits “Your Man” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and 2015 Freedom Over Texas headliner
    • La Mafia – Houston’s own four-time Grammy Award-winning Latin group, celebrating their 40th anniversary
    • Hunter Hayes – 2017 Freedom Over Texas headliner and CMA Award-winning artist

    The evening will culminate in a burst of fireworks that can be seen on ABC13 or in the skies near downtown. Cox Media radio stations will simulcast the music.

    Each year Freedom Over Texas donates a portion of the proceeds to the Houston Food Bank. This year features a “Text to Give” campaign to benefit the food bank and initiatives to help close the digital divide.

    For the fifth year, Walmart and Dr Pepper have partnered with the Military Warriors Support Foundation to give a home to a deserving combat-wounded veteran during the broadcast.

    “We will celebrate Houston’s diversity and America's Freedom at the city's signature Independence Day event in a new way," said Turner, in a statement. “This is an opportunity for us to recognize our community for its perseverance through the ongoing pandemic. I am personally grateful to our new title sponsor, Shell Oil Company, and new fireworks sponsor, Reliant. Their support means we can also honor organizations that have been on the frontlines during the health crisis. I am also grateful for our returning annual sponsors Walmart, Dr. Pepper, and Bud Light Seltzer, who continue to support this important community event.”

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    Weekend Event Planner

    Here are the top 15 things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Aug 5, 2026 | 6:30 pm
    John Mellencamp
    Photo courtesy of John Mellencamp
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    This weekend will be a very musical one.

    Along with the two big shows that we mention below, there will also be live shows starring Masego, Jorge Medina, The Guess Who, The Black Crowes & Whiskey Myers, and Ne-Yo & Akon.

    Also going on this weekend, the return of the UNO Social Club, the grand opening of Eastbound Barbecue, a new version of the Greatest Show on Earth, and a Harry Potter drone show.

    We know it’s crazy, but it’s true.

    Thursday, August 6

    Truluck's presents Yellowstone Bourbon tasting
    Join founder and master distiller Stephen Beam for a tasting of four Yellowstone expressions, along with chef-curated bites, a signature cocktail, and the opportunity to talk bourbon with Beam. The $50 event is only for adults who are at least 21. 5:30 pm.

    Houston UNO Social Club
    UNO is bringing back its fan-favorite UNO Social Clubs, and will be taking over Dan Electro's this weekend. At the Houston UNO Social Club, attendees will also experience local MCs and DJs bringing their own flare to keep the good vibes going all night. And let’s not forget about tons of prizes (including branded merchandise and UNO product packs), UNO-themed decor, custom signature drinks, and plenty of fun photo ops and memorable moments. 6 pm,

    Georgia James presents Amici Wine Dinner
    Modern American steakhouse Georgia James welcomes chefs Renato De Pirro and Douglas Rodriguez for an intimate Amici Wine Dinner, a rare collaborative evening featuring a multi-course menu paired with exceptional wines from Amici Cellars and Olema. Tickets are $150 per person (not including tax and gratuity) and reservations are available through OpenTable. 6:30 pm.

    John Mellencamp in concert
    Do you swell up with pride every time you hear the words “I was born in a small town”? Well, the man who sang those words will be in the area this weekend. John Mellencamp comes to The Woodlands as part of his Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits. The tour marks the first time Mellencamp will be performing all his most beloved songs in a single night, some of which haven’t been played live in many years. Mellencamp has released 25 albums in his 50-year career, most recently Orpheus Descending in 2023. 8 pm.

    Friday, August 7

    Eastbound Barbecue Grand Opening Weekend
    After opening full time in June, Eastbound Barbecue is celebrating its grand opening weekend with live music, an all-day happy hour, and plenty of smoked meats. Dig into smoked brisket, sip handcrafted cocktails, and kick back on the expansive patio featuring oversized TVs. 11 am.

    Beats on the Bayou: Back to School Edition
    This back-to-school edition of the outdoor concert series will feature DJ Peach, spoken word by Gianni, a dance performance by 2xclusive Dance Team, and Meta4 Houston, also known as Writers in the Schools. Folks can also enjoy face painting and a juice stand by Peach Market. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs for a relaxed, family-friendly waterfront concert experience. 6 pm.

    Toto, Christopher Cross, and The Romantics in concert
    A trio of '80s superstars will be in The Woodlands this weekend. Toto, Christopher Cross, and The Romantics are performing as part of their co-headlining tour. Toto has released 14 albums in their career, most recently Old Is New in 2018. Christopher Cross – that yacht-rock god – has released 14 albums, including Take Me As I Am in 2017. And the Romantics have done 14 albums, including 61/49 in 2003. 6:45 pm.

    River Oaks Theatre presents Graveyard Shift: The Howling (with Curse of the Where Wolf Book Signing)
    River Oaks Theatre artistic director Rob Saucedo’s new graphic novel Curse of the Where Wolf is set for release this weekend. A sequel to his first graphic novel Where Wolf, it follows a College Station reporter who — after saving a furry convention from being turned into an all-you-can-eat buffet courtesy of a very hungry werewolf — finds himself now cursed with lycanthropy. The theater will also kick off a month-long, werewolf-themed film series, starting with The Howling. Saucedo will sign copies of his book beforehand. 9:15 pm.

    Saturday, August 8

    Bayou Heights Bier Garten presents Luau on the Bayou and Heights Bier Garten presents Y2K End of Summer Event
    Bayou Heights Bier Garten is bringing the tropics with their Luau on the Bayou, the ultimate end-of-summer celebration, with themed cocktails and food available throughout the day. The evening heats up with a spectacular fire/hula dancer performance, followed by a live band. Heights Bier Garten is also throwing its annual Y2K End of Summer celebration, with a full day of music, local shopping, and good vibes. Brunch is served before the evening kicks into high gear with a live performance from Good Time Muffin. 11 am

    Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents The Greatest Show On Earth
    Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will present The Greatest Show On Earth reimagined for a new generation, bringing a fast-paced, high-energy circus experience. Audiences will experience iconic Ringling acts reimagined in new ways, from the Double Wheel of Destiny, where performers leap and jump rope on massive moving wheels high above the ground, to breathtaking trapeze artists soaring through the air in perfectly timed, heart-racing passes. 11 am, 3 & 7 pm (7 pm Friday; 1 & 5 pm Sunday).

    H.C.A.R. presents Nocturne Analysis
    Nocturne Analysis is a new micro-cinema series dedicated to close viewing, discussion, symbolism, and theory. Instead of a packed theater, these gatherings will be intentionally small so everyone has a chance to participate. For the inaugural evening, they’ll be screening a mystery David Lynch VHS double feature. After the screenings, stay for an informal discussion exploring recurring imagery, themes, symbolism, and the hidden connections between the films. DM H.C.A.R. for an RSVP. 7 pm.

    DroneArt Show: Harry Potter
    DroneArt Show: Harry Potter is a two-night, first-of-its-kind open-air drone spectacle that will blend advanced drone choreography with the music and iconic moments from the Harry Potter film series. A live violinist will perform as memorable moments from the films are reimagined through aerial displays set to the soundtrack and dialogue from the films. As part of the experience, attendees will also wear LED wristbands that allow them to interact further with the performance. 9 pm.

    Sunday, August 9

    Lyric Market presents Book and Plant Swap
    For all the Houston plant and book fans, Lyric Market will have a fun afternoon to swap favorite reads or plant trimmings while looking for new treasures. Better Than Therapy Books will be handling the book exchange and selling some of this season’s hottest books, while The Flour Petal Bakery will have all the sweet treats (including dot cakes and Dubai chocolate) and pothos trimmings at the bakery. Also, don't miss additional local vendors selling their goods. Noon.

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents The House in the Woods (La Maison des bois)
    Director Maurice Pialat crafted this seven-part miniseries about the impact of World War I on a community north of Paris. With a naturalistic focus, the film captures both the historical scope of the conflict and the subtle ways that a small town’s routines and rituals are indelibly touched by it. This series — commissioned for French TV in 1971 and now in a luminous new 4K restoration — is one of the great under-seen achievements of postwar French filmmaking. (The other episodes will be screened for the next two Sundays.) 2 pm.

    John Mellencamp
    Photo courtesy of John Mellencamp
    John Mellencamp in concert

    Queensbury Theatre presents Mean Girls
    Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady and her friends devise a "Revenge Party" to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. Through Sunday, August 16. 2 pm.

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