fourth of july bang
Here are the best 4th of July fireworks shows in Houston and beyond
Houstonians can expect a bevy of events celebrating America's 243rd birthday, capped off as always by a fantastic fireworks display happening on Thursday, July 4. A major draw is the annual and popular CITGO Freedom Over Texasshow at Eleanor Tinsley Park.
For locals who would prefer not to venture downtown, there are myriad other bashes to celebrate Independence Day with a bang around Houston and surrounding areas.
CityCentre
The Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular will feature an evening of live music (People's Choice Band will be the headliner), with the 15-minute fireworks spectacular taking place at 9:30 pm. Parking will be $10 in all CITYCENTRE garages beginning at 4 pm.
Galveston Island
Head to the beach and look for a 20-minute fireworks show over the Gulf of Mexico at 9:15 pm near 37th Street and Seawall Boulevard. Before that, there will be a parade featuring a procession of floats, decorated military vehicles, and performers on Seawall Boulevard starting at 59th Street and ending at 25th Street. 7 pm.
Houston Symphony
The symphony will once again pull out its Star Spangled Salute — as part of its ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights — at Miller Outdoor Theatre. As usual, the fireworks display will pop off after the Symphony gets through performing all of your patriotic favorites. 8:30 pm.
Independence Park
The Pearland park will have its grand re-opening during this July 4th party. A military salute will begin the evening’s entertainment followed by the National Anthem on the H-E-B Entertainment Stage. At sundown, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display unleashed by VCA Westside Animal Hospital & Clinic. 6 pm.
Kemah Boardwalk
Kemah has already been in the pyrotechnics frame of mind with Fireworks Fridays, which started in June. Attendees can expect a colorful blast on the Fourth, with a star-spangled sky display, complete with special, patriotic-themed fireworks. (No fireworks on July 5.) 9:30 pm.
Kings Harbor in Kingwood
Things will get cracking with a concert by Dennis Davis Band. That will lead into a fireworks spectacular off the pier at 9:30 pm. Guests can grab lawn chairs and blankets but are asked to park in the garage on the day of the event, as surface parking will be limited. 7 pm.
LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch
The bustling center in Katy will have its annual celebration, featuring live music by Velvet Punch and Darwin Macon Band, an interactive kids zone, and refreshments for purchase from several local restaurants. The evening closes out with a 20-minute firework show, beginning at 9:15 pm. 5 pm.
Missouri City
Residents can expect a fireworks show at 9:15 pm at Buffalo Run Park. Before then, people will be able to celebrate the holiday with a variety of entertainment, activities, and tasty treats. Seating is available in the Thurgood Marshall High School stadium. 6 pm.
The city of Friendswood
Friendswood will once again have a day-long, multi-venue, July 4th celebration. It'll start off with a grand parade on Friendswood Drive, sliding into fun and games over at Stevenson Park. Later that evening, The Molly Ringwalds will perform at Centennial Park. Finally, there's the fireworks show at 9:20 pm. 10 am.
The city of Katy
Katy will begin its official Freedom Celebration with bounce houses, snow cones, a petting zoo, and other fun stuff at Fire Station #1 and Katy Heritage Park. Later that evening, look for an evening program of fireworks and music at 9 pm, near Typhoon Texas and Katy Mills Mall. 9 am.
The city of Tomball
The city of Tomball will host a July 4th street festival over on Business 249 North of Four Corners. Texas Country Music Hall of Fame group The Posse will be the headliners. There will also be a special patriotic tribute to America and its veterans, food vendors, and a giant kids’ zone, followed by an aerial fireworks display at dusk. 5 pm.
The Woodlands
The Woodlands will have an 18-minute fireworks extravaganza at 9:30 pm as part of its Red, Hot & Blue Festival. The primary fireworks display will be located in Lake Woodlands adjacent to Northshore Park, with a secondary, close-proximity (special effects) display at Town Green Park. 6 pm.
Valley Ranch Town Center Amphitheater
The New Caney center will have a Valley Ranch 4th Fest that will conclude with "a fiery salute to America." This one-day, barbecue and Texas country music festival will feature live music from headliner Pat Green and activities for people of all ages. 2 pm.
