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    Live Music Now

    These are the 8 best concerts in Houston this week

    Johnston Farrow
    Johnston Farrow
    Oct 22, 2019 | 9:45 am

    It's a great week to be a Gen X music fan. Several bands whose heyday came in the era of baggy jeans and flannel will be making appearances on Houston stages this week

    Not that it's a bad thing — some of them are the very best at what they do, critically and commercially adored by fans. Some are, well, let's just happily welcome them back. But the fact they are all playing on some of the largest stages in the city is an indication that nostalgia still holds big sway over concert-goers.

    These shows are balanced by some of the better current touring indie and hip-hop acts, so the kids will have plenty to choose from in the days ahead.

    CultureMap's biggest, best, and most notable shows of the week are:

    Temples at White Oak Music Hall
    A throwback to the psychedelic side of British rock, Temples doesn't sound like any other band from the other side of the pond. Their debut, Sun Structures, was one of 2014's best, which included baroque melodies, folky song structures, all laced with a microdose of LSD.

    Their follow-up, Volcano, fell away from the magic of the first album, but they returned to the special Kool-Aid that made the band so special for this year's excellent Hot Motion. Retro never sounded so good.

    Temples are at White Oak Music Hall, located at 2915 N. Main St., on Thursday, October 24. Tickets start at $23 plus fees. Doors open at 7 pm.

    CultureMap recommends: Wilco at Revention
    Few bands are more critically acclaimed than Chicago act, Wilco. The Jeff Tweedy-led vehicle, started from the breakup of cult American act Uncle Tupelo, and quickly established itself as one of the best indie rock acts of the last 20 years.

    While they existed just beneath the surface for years, their label battles and subsequent victory around the release of now-classic Yankee Foxtrot Hotel — documented in the fantastic film, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart — made them heroes of music lovers across multiple genres. The ever dependable band is on the road promoting another great album, Ode to Joy.

    Wilco plays Revention Music Center, located at 520 Texas Ave., on Friday, October 25. Tickets start at $39.50 plus fees. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

    Explosions in the Sky at White Oak
    Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose! One of the best bands from Texas, Explosions in the Sky, is in Houston to celebrate 20 years as a group. It's hard to state the influence of the grandiose, all-instrumental act. After the opening credits of the best TV drama about Texas, Friday Night Lights, launched them into the mainstream, the Austin band's compositions seemingly found their way onto soundtracks and commercials everywhere to evoke anything remotely epic.

    Their last album, The Wilderness, came out in 2016, but it's worth the trip to honor a truly talented homegrown act. Texas forever!

    Explosions in the Sky celebrate their 20th Anniversary at White Oak Music Hall, located at 2915 N. Main St., on Friday, October 25. Tickets start at $23 plus fees. Doors open at 7 pm.

    Buzzfest at Cynthia Woods
    Nineties alt-rock kids, gather 'round: If you close your eyes tight enough, this could be a concert bill circa 1996. The radio sponsored Buzzfest is a throwback to the days when alt-rock radio was edgy and slightly dangerous. Unfortunately, it hasn't changed much in the last 25 years. UK act Bush of "Everything Zen" fame will be joined by pseudo-spiritual, "Lighting Crashes" act Live, and the underrated Canadian group Our Lady Peace who found success with "Superman's Dead."

    Throw in Godsmack and you have a bunch groups that sold millions of albums back when people bought albums. For those who really enjoyed the decade of grunge, this should be a fun show to take in with your middle-aged friends and teenage kids, extolling the virtues of the good old days.

    Buzzfest goes down at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, located at 2005 Lake Robbins Dr. in The Woodlands, on Saturday, October 26. Tickets start at $29.50 plus fees. Gates open at 2:30 pm.

    Tyler, The Creator at NRG Arena
    Tyler, The Creator, the oft-controversial and very talented rapper is out supporting his latest solo effort, Igor. The album has Grammy buzz and if it wins, it will be the first LGBTQ themed hip-hop album to pick up the prize. But if it wins, it will be for the smart production and focused vision of the kaleidoscope mind of it's maker, who has seemingly left his more childish persona from his days in Odd Future behind.

    While he's always had the goods to, ahem, create forward thinking songs but never has he been this good on Igor, throwing in '70s soul record samples over his brash lyrics to create something with more feeling than anything he's previously done.

    Tyler, The Creator performs at NRG Arena, located at 1 NRG Pkwy., on Saturday, October 26. Blood Orange and GoldLink open. Tickets start at $49.50 plus fees. Doors open at 6 pm.

    CultureMap show of the week: Tool at Toyota Center
    Ohmahgerd, Tool is back! On the heels of their first album in 13 years, the Los Angeles quartet returns with Fear Inoculum, which is famed for its various production delays as much as it is for its music. The art-rockers blew up in the mid-'90s, sharing a similar artistic vision with Nine Inch Nails, but playing a more progressive version of dark art rock than the Trent Reznor project.

    The 1993 smash Undertow and 1996's Aenima, grew a huge cult following and were seemingly everywhere. But then the band went away after 2006's 10.000 Days, not being able to figure out how to top their increasingly intricate songwriting. It only served to grow their popularity even further. Expect this one to be close to sold out.

    Tool returns to Houston at Toyota Center, located at 1510 Polk St., on Sunday, October 27. Killing Joke opens. Tickets start at $59.50 plus service fees. Doors open at 6 pm.

    Zac Brown Band at Cynthia Woods
    RodeoHouston veterans, the Zac Brown Band, makes a stop through Houston, a city that's always turned out for the Georgia country act. The eight-piece Atlanta-based outfit is a witches brew of Southern, including roots, rock, jam band psychedelia, and of course, country.

    They just released their new album, The Owl, and are drawing some snickers over the entirely staged cover photo — group shots are hard, y'all — but there are so many hits from this act that it'll be worth the drive to The Woodlands for ZBB diehards.

    Zac Brown Band is at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, located at 2005 Lake Robbins Dr in The Woodlands, on Sunday, October 27. Lucas Nelson and Promise of the Real opens. Tickets start at $40 plus fees. Gates open at 5:30 pm.

    Morrissey and Interpol (again) at White Oak
    "The more you ignore me/The closer I get/You're wasting your time." Perhaps we should take British mopester and habitual no-show Morrissey at his word and just start ignoring the guy. He's only cancelled or postponed shows in Houston a handful of times. Several more if you include Beaumont, according to the website that has tracked every single one of the 302 shows Moz has cancelled, postponed, or cut short.

    This show is set to make up for a September 21 date that band management claimed was due to flooding from Tropical Storm Imelda, despite it being days after said storm with fair skies. It would be great to see Interpol play again, who always does right by their post-punk roots. But don't hold your breath on this one.

    Morrissey and Interpol tries to play White Oak Music Hall, located at 2915 N. Main St., on Monday, October 28. Tickets start at $59.50 plus fees. Gates open at 6 pm.

    Temples are at White Oak Music Hall on Thursday, October 24.

    Temples band England
      
    Courtesy of Temples / Facebook
    Temples are at White Oak Music Hall on Thursday, October 24.
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    independence day fun

    Where to celebrate the 4th of July throughout the Houston area in 2025

    Holly Beretto
    Jun 18, 2025 | 11:30 am
    Shell Freedom Over Texas
    Courtesy of Shell Freedom Over Texas
    The city has revealed the performers for its July 4 celebration.

    A country only turns 249 once. To celebrate Independence Day, cities around the Houston region have a host of entertainment options for all ages — including, of course, fireworks to light up the night sky. Happy 4th of July!

    Thursday, July 3
    Houston Symphony: Star-Spangled Salute
    This annual concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is free for everyone, and offers a selection of patriotic songs to celebrate the holiday. 8pm.

    Friday, July 4
    Freedom Over Texas
    Houston’s annual July 4th bash returns to Eleanor Tinsley Park along Allen Parkway with local, regional, and national entertainment, headlined by Ashley McBryde and Lee Brice. Attendees also have access to a beer garden; a sponsored area with representatives from local sports teams; the "Red, White & Play Kids Zone" with games, face painting, and entertainment; and "Liberty Park," which salutes the military and includes pictures with military assets. The grand finale of the celebration is a “Texas-sized” fireworks display. This year’s event will donate a portion of the entrance fee to the Houston Food Bank. Gates open at 4 pm. The cost is $10.

    Bubbles and Fireworks
    Buffalo Bayou Partnership hosts this event, which sets sail from Allen’s Landing at 8 pm. Hop on a boat and head into the bayou for a sensational view of fireworks over downtown, complete with bubbly, wine, beer, and light bites. The cost is $150 per person. Space is limited and this event is for ages 13 and older. Reserve online.

    City of Baytown 4th of July Celebration
    Beginning at 4 pm, the event includes live performances from groups like the Spazmatics and The Zydeco Outlaws, among others, food and craft vendors, and children’s activities. The evening is capped off with fireworks. The event is free to attend.

    City of Bellaire Celebration of Independence Parade & Festival
    This free event at Loftin Park kicks off with a parade at 9 am. A festival, held from 9:30 am-12 pm, includes music, food, and other family fun.

    City of Friendswood July 4th Celebration
    The day begins at 10 am, with a parade on Friendswood Drive, followed by a festival in Stevenson Park with rides, games, music, and entertainment. At 7 pm, a celebration will be held in Centennial Park, with live music and other entertainment, capped by a fireworks show around 9:10 pm.

    City of La Porte 4th of July in Five Points
    After a parade down Broadway, there’s a party at Five Points Plaza, featuring free hot dogs while they last, live music, and a fire truck that will spray water in the street. All festivities are free. The fun starts at 10:30 am.

    City of Pasadena 4th Fest
    Pasadena's party features a live DJ, Pasadena Idol performers, and a host of other activities celebrating the nation’s birthday at the Pasadena Fairgrounds. The festival starts at 4 pm, with a fireworks display at 9:15 pm. The event is free to attend.

    City of Pearland Celebration of Freedom
    Live music, kids activities, strolling entertainment, giveaways, and a photo booth top the list of fun on the 4th in Independence Park, beginning at 6 pm. The evening finishes with an 18-minute fireworks display. It’s free to attend.

    City of Seabrook Fourth of July Parade
    The parade begins at the Miramar Shopping Center and ends at Rex L. Meador Park. Kids are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters, wagons and other non-motorized vehicles for a special children’s parade. Look for a bounce house, hayrides, hotdogs and other Fourth of July-themed fun. Festivities begin at 9:30 am.

    City of Sugar Land Red, White, and Boom
    Gather at Constellation Field for this epic celebration with music, food, vendors, and a grand fireworks finale. Admission is free. The event kicks off at 5 pm.

    Dueling Pianos and Fireworks
    Katy’s Home Run Dugout hosts this bash, headlined by dueling piano duo Joilux. Guests can request their fave tunes, and enjoy a killer fireworks show. The event is free, and those attending can order bites and drinks off the gathering spot’s regular menu. Celebrations kick off at 8 pm.

    Einstein’s Fireworks Cruise on Lake Conroe
    Depart from Einstein’s Surf & Boat Shop at the Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe for this three-hour cruise, which includes music, snacks, and a great vantage point for seeing the fireworks on Lake Conroe. BYOB. The cost is $75.

    Fourth of July in The Woodlands
    An array of activities are happening all day long, beginning at 8 am with festivities that precede the 49th Annual South County 4th of July Parade, which winds through The Woodlands Town Center and Market Street, featuring fire engines, military units, and marching bands.

    From 10 am to 6 pm, Woodlands townships have a host of Red, White, and Pool activities in their pools (fees vary). Finally, the Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza kicks off at 6 pm with food, live entertainment, and family fun at multiple locations throughout The Woodlands.

    Houston Symphony: Star-Spangled Salute
    The Symphony’s free July 4 concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park is a Houston tradition. Expect songs like “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “America the Beautiful,” followed by a grand finale fireworks display. The concert begins at 8:30 pm.

    Kemah Boardwalk July 4th Celebration
    The popular entertainment zone has live music beginning at 2 pm, with multiple bands taking the stage. A fireworks show starts at 9:30 pm. The fireworks show is free. Those wishing to hop on a boat and catch the show from the water need to pay $40. Boarding begins at 9 pm.

    Missouri City Fourth Fest
    Taking place on the Houston Community College - Southwest College campus, this free party includes carnival games, live performances, food from local vendors, and a fireworks display. Festivities begin at 5 pm.

    Valley Ranch 4th Fest
    Cover band Dunn & Brooks and ZZ Tex highlight this day-long celebration, which also features yard games, a kids’ zone, train rides, a shopping boutique, July 4th swag, food trucks, and a Red, White, and Brews cash bar. It’s all capped off with Montgomery County’s largest fireworks display. The fun starts at 5 pm and admission is free.

    Saturday, July 5
    Stars, Stripes, and Swing
    The Jazz Connection Orchestra performs at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe’s Del Lago Ballroom. There’s a cash bar with offerings such as tacos, hot dogs, and other snacks. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. The concert is at 7:30 pm, with a fireworks show immediately following at 9:20 pm.

    Freedom Over Texas
      
    Courtesy of Freedom Over Texas
    The Freedom Over Texas celebration takes place on the Fourth of July.
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