Freedom Over Texas Eleanor Tinsley Park Fourth of July

Hooray for the red, white, and blue

Master list of 4th of July events and fireworks around Houston in 2024

  • Connor Barwin, left, and Bun B
    Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
  • Photographer Julie Soefer and Chris Shepherd
    Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
  • Sydney Dao, left, and Chloe Dao
    Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
  • Mickey Rosmarin, from left, Lucinda Loya and Tally Hall
    Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
  • Some of Houston's hippest during a break in the photo shoot, Guy Hagstette, fromleft, Chloe Dao, Tally Hall, Bun B, Asli Omar, Connor Barwin, Mickey Rosmarin,Lucinda Loya and Justin Cronin
    Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com

  • In invite from "His Imperial Highness" Toan Nguyen to an event to "salute" hischarity, the HIH Poetry Foundation.
  • Toan Nguyen at his Synopsis Wine event at the Houston Motor Club
    Photo by Allamar Young
  • Nugyen with Carolyn Farb at the Philippe grand opening.
    Photo by Daniel Ortiz
  • Holding court at the Houston Motor Club
    Photo by Allamar Young
  • Nguyen and Tami Ernst at opening night for the Houston Grand Opera.
    Photo by © Michelle Watson/CultureMapSNAP.com

  • Photo by © Jenny Antill
  • The Psychedelic Furs take over the party room at House of Blues for Leigh andReggie Smith's 50th birthday bash.
    Photo by © Jenny Antill
  • Photo by © Jenny Antill
  • Photo by © Jenny Antill
  • Photo by © Jenny Antill
  • Photo by © Jenny Antill
  • Photo by © Jenny Antill
  • Photo by © Jenny Antill
  • Photo by © Jenny Antill
  • Photo by © Jenny Antill
  • Photo by © Jenny Antill
  • Photo by © Jenny Antill

  • The first time Lizz Winstead had sex at age 16, the pill didn't work. The eventssurrounding that experience is why she's an advocate for Planned Parenthood,yielding to comedy to tell her story.
    Photo by Mindy Tucker
  • Betty White is passionate about animal wellfare, philanthropy and using heryou-can-trust-me persona for good. Brilliant Lectures hosts this sassy dame fortwo performances on Saturday.
    InstinctMagazine.com
  • Aszure Barton's work will be featured at Houston Ballet's "Women@Art."
    Photo by Amitava Sarkar
  • As Mercury expands its ethos to encompass music beyond the baroque period, it'salso doing so across genres — and that includes the culinary arts. Music andgastronomy commingle with Triniti to rouse what promises to be a multi-sensoryescapade.
    Photo by Kimberly Park

  • Miya Shay and Gene Wu celebrated their marriage during a long weekend bash inPuerta Vallarta.
    Photo by Jillian Mitchell
  • Chloe Dao, pictured here at her own wedding last September, designed Miya Shay'sgown and that of her attendants.
  • New York Knicks' Amar'e Stoudemire held his son's sixth birthday party at theGrille.
    Houston Texans Grille/Facebook
  • Party animals Tod Eason, left, and Mark Sullivan, pictured here at New Year'sEve, rocked on Tod's recent birthday.
    Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com

  • Mayor Annise Parker with WQXR FM's Elliott Forrest on stage at Carnegie Hall tointroduce the Houston Symphony.
    Photo by © Craig Chesek/Houston Symphony
  • Mark Hanson greets string musicians from Virtuosi of Houston.
    Photo by © Craig Chesek/Houston Symphony
  • Phoebe and Bobby Tudor on the balcony at Le Parker Meridien.
    Photo by © Craig Chesek/Houston Symphony
  • Valerie Dieterich, Mary D'Andrea and Kelli Watson at the Kentucky Derby.
    Courtesy Photo
  • Sarah Davis and Corbett Daniel Parker celebrating birthdays at Palace Lanes.
    Courtesy Photo
  • Matthew VanBesien and wife Rosie Jowitt at Carnegie Hall.
    Photo by © Craig Chesek/Houston Symphony
  • Jim Shaffer, from left, Mike Stude and Mike McLanahan at Carnegie Hall.
    Photo by © Craig Chesek/Houston Symphony
  • Houston Symphony performing at Carnegie Hall Isaac Stern Auditorium.
    Photo by © Craig Chesek/Houston Symphony
  • Elliott Forrest, left, with Houston Symphony principal tuba Dave Kirk and WyntonMarsalis at Carnegie Hall.
  • Betty and Jesse Tutor at Carnegie Hall.
    Photo by © Craig Chesek/Houston Symphony
  • Back row, from left, Valerie Dieterich, Tracy Dieterich and Dr. Mark D'Andrea;front row, from left, Chris Watson, Mary D'Andrea and Kelli Watson.
    Courtesy Photo

  • Every year I can’t wait to see what the theme is for Catastrophic Theatre’sannual fundraiser. This year it's “Hee Haw Hootenanny."
    Photo by Anthony Rathbun
  • Inn at Dos Brisas, located in Brenham, has beautiful grounds and spa. Therestaurant, which is supplied from its own garden, is the piece de resistance.
  • Taft McWhorter. I can’t say enough good things about this up-and-coming artist,and not just because he is a good friend but because I love his work.
  • Rothko Chapel is a beautiful place where religion, art, and architectureintermingle.
    Hickey Robertson
  • Whether shopping for a unique wedding dress or a dress for another occasion, youwill find the whole experience engaging at Bhldn.
    Heather Staible
  • Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours are a great way to see downtown Houston from a wholenew angle not to mention a great work out.
    Photo by ©Katya Horner/Slight Clutter Photography
  • I love going to movies, especially independent ones and was so excited when theSundance Cinema brand took over the theater at Bayou Place.
    Photo by © Michelle Watson/CatchLightGroup.com
  • If you are a chocolate lover, then The Chocolate Bar is the place for you.
    The Chocolate Bar/Facebook
  • No list would be complete without the addition of chef and restaurateur ChrisShepherd, who recently opened up Hay Merchant and Underbelly.
    Photo by © Julie Soefer
  • Steve Lee, a stable in the wedding and event photography business, is nowoffering baby portrait photography! Inspired by the birth of his baby girl, hebrings his unique photography style to the world of cherished memories.
  • Phoenicia Specialty Foods mega-grocery store is so full of interesting culinarydelights that it could take years to try everything.
    Phoenicia Specialty Foods/Facebook
  • The intimate atmosphere and great selections of wine at McGonigel’s Mucky Duckreally make for a great time.
    Photo by Ray Redding

  • An oldie but always a goodie, The Corinthian
  • A little artsy, and very snazzy, The Gremillion Gallery
  • The Treemont House spares no expense for every occasion.
  • Hudson Lounge is beautiful!
  • Welcome to the Hilton Americas, where the Skyline Room offers breaktaking viewsof our city.

  • The pork chop on Perry's Steakhouse & Grille's Houston Restaurant Week's menu isenormous.
    Perry's Steakhouse/Facebook
  • We loved our $35, three-course dinner at Ouisie's.
  • Brennan's delivers top notch cuisine for Houston Restaurant Weeks diners.
    Photo by Jay Stevens
  • Kristine Mills with Timothy Jones performing at the Bering Omega party at DentiqDentistry.
    Photo by Morris Malakoff
  • Gala after-party co-chairs Liz Gorman and Nick Espinosa held court with a packedhouse at the Omega Bering kick-off.
    Photo by Morris Malakoff

  • Birthday girl Suzy Bergner gets a kiss from David Gooch, right, at Galatoire'sin New Orleans.
  • The Galatoire's party girls wore masks and feather boas.
  • Proud papas Matthew Burrus-Pearce, left, and Mike Burrus-Pearce flank babyshower friends Deborah Duncan and Monsour Taghdisi.
  • Malisa and Rene Galvan, left, joined Susie and Bob Hale at Philippe Restaurant +Lounge.
  • Roberta Miller, left, and Cindi Rose in Aspen.

  • Dr. Robert Shimko speaks at Rienzi’s April 14th Twilight Talk.
  • Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, 1922, gelatin silver print. Courtesy of theNational Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
    Photo by Man Ray
  • Spacetaker's weekly Cultured Cocktails happy hour at Boheme Cafe & Wine Baroffers a fun way for Houston arts groups, artists and audiences to mix, mingleand enjoy some killer-good sangria.
    Photo by Jenni Rebecca Stephenson
  • Divas World Productions "Salon Cold War Stories: Individuals Who Pierced theIron Curtain." Pictured are Salon host David Eagleman, left, neuroscientist andbest selling author; and Andrei Codrescu, author and NPR personality.
    Photo by Rodney Waters
  • Misha Penton, soprano and artistic director of Divergence Vocal Theater withdancer and choreographer, Meg Brooker, perform an excerpt from Elliot Cole's"Selkie, A Sea Tale," at the Divergence space opening soiree-salon on May 21.
    Photo by Dave Nickerson

  • The party space at the new Tootsies is a great place for lunching ladies.
    Photo by Shelby Hodge
  • Sheridan Williams and Mickey Rosmarin at the CultureMap lunch hosted byTootsies.
    Photo by Shelby Hodge
  • Kelli Blanton, from left, Lindsey Brown and Isabel David at the luncheon.
    Photo by Shelby Hodge
  • Dan and Kim Tutcher chaired the MFAH sporting clays competition.
    Photo by Jenny Antill
  • Sporting Clays Invitational guests included Robert and Amy Urquhart, left, andBrittany and Travis Cassin.
    Photo by Jenny Antill
  • Sharon Adams left, Clifford Pugh and Melinda Berkman at Tootsies.
    Photo by Shelby Hodge
  • Lucinda Loya, left, and Amy Lee at Tootsies.
    Photo by Shelby Hodge
  • Laura Sweeney and Brittany Sakowitz at the ladies luncheon.
    Photo by Shelby Hodge
  • Karen Mayell and Fady Armanious at Tootsies.
    Photo by Shelby Hodge

  • The site of Live at Bayou Place.
    Photo by Steven Thomson
  • The interior of the future Live at Bayou Place.
    Photo by Steven Thomson
  • The site of Live at Bayou Place.
    Photo by Steven Thomson
  • RÖCBAR is now Live at Bayou Place.
    Photo by Steven Thomson
  • RÖCBAR's suicide note.
    Photo by Steven Thomson
  • A new cinema will open in July.
    Photo by Steven Thomson

  • Photo by Oliver Puzon
  • Photo by Oliver Puzon
  • Photo by Oliver Puzon
  • Photo by Oliver Puzon
  • Photo by Oliver Puzon
  • Photo by Oliver Puzon
  • Photo by Oliver Puzon
  • Photo by Oliver Puzon

  • While Last Concert Cafe is still having shows, it's limited to 49 people in thebuilding at any one time.
  • The Fire Department is working with Last Concert Cafe to make sure itsprescheduled events can go on.

  • MTV Tr3s helped with the check for buying the coffin that Erika Lopez would popout of to make an entrance.
    Photo by Brissa Aguilar
  • Erika is entertained by Mexican singer Christian, former member and castmate ofthe Mexican teen novella "RBD," for her sweet 15 or quinceañera.
    Photo by Brissa Aguilar
  • Having Chavez perform is like having Mark Paul Gossler come to your party in the'90s.
    Photo by Brissa Aguilar
  • Erika arises from a coffin for her grand entrance.
    Photo by Brissa Aguilar
  • Erika and her "damas" (basically like bridesmaid), perform a non-traditionaldance for this Nightmare Before Christmas party.
    Photo by Brissa Aguilar
  • Fellow party goers are swooning over Chavez as he is walked in with a horde ofzombies.
    Photo by Brissa Aguilar
  • The ravers for the party at Diesel Dive Bar were donned out in their partyoutfits for the staged shooting.
  • Unlike other sweet 16 episodes, Erika raised money for her party in the hopes ofinspiring other girls to make their memorable night a reality.
  • Erika wears her non-traditional black dress that was hard to find. There aren'tmany dress shops that make a dress in black. With the help of Zombiewalk Houston-- a non-profit that raises money for charity by roaming Houston's streets aszombies -- the scene was set for this photoshoot. For more information, go tohttps://www.zombiewalkhouston.com.

  • Butch Hancock
  • Butch Hancock, "Visitor to the Revolutionary Rainbow...Kiev, Ukraine," 1987

  • Tony and Donna Vallone celebrate 45 years of Tony's restaurant on April 1.
    Photo by Barbara Kuntz
  • The third incarnation of the venerable restaurant enjoys a sophisticated NewYork or Los Angeles vibe.
    Photo by James Dean
  • Tony's whole baby trout is gently oven roasted and swimming in a lemony sauce.
  • Lavish floral arrangements fill the restaurant's interior.
    Photo by Barbara Kuntz
  • The Greenway Plaza location is a contemporary departure from the Post Oak site.
    Photo by Chris Conyers
  • Table place settings are elegant and grand.
    Photo by Barbara Kuntz
  • The three muses, commissioned from renowned sculptor Jesus Moroles, hold acentral position in the art-filled restaurant.
    Photo by Barbara Kuntz
  • Ladies lunching in Tony's -- a favorite place for midday socializing.
    Photo by Barbara Kuntz

  • "The Winged Victory of Samothrace" provided a stunning backdrop for Houstonguests attending the 'Liaisons au Louvre' dinner held amid the antiquities ofthe hallowed museum.
    Photo by Lydie de la Carpentier
  • Becca Cason Thrash reached her finest hour, to date, as chair of the AmericanFriends of the Louvre 'Liaisons au Louvre' three-day gala in Paris.
    Photo by Lydie de la Carpentier
  • The 41@80 birthday celebration closed with a dramatic fireworks display abovethe open-air roof of Minute Maid Park.
  • Lester and Sue Smith with niece Erica Hunter, right, at Noche Caliente held atthe Hilton Americas-Houston.
    Photo by Pete Baatz
  • Sir Elton John, left, Lynn Wyatt and Sir Roger Moore led the partying throngscelebrating Houston Grand Opera's 50th anniversary.
  • M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 60th anniversary party at Minute Maid park raised$10.3 million.
  • John Eddie Williams and Sheridan Williams entertained more than 500 guests ontheir yacht and in an adjacent party tent on Pier 21 in Galveston.
  • The San Luis Salute at the Galveston Convention Center sets the zany tone forMardi Gras on the island.
    Photo by Kim Coffman

Shelby About Town

The best parties of the decade

  • Cesar Galindo walks the runway with a model during the Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek in September in New York.
    Photo by Kristian Dowling/Getty Images
  • Anderson Fair celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and was the setting fora double 40th birthday bash.
  • Rich Kinder, left, the Rev. T.J. Martinez and Nancy Kinder
  • Jared Lang and his holiday friends
    Photo by Todd Parker
  • Pin Oak Charity Horse chairwoman Lynn Walsh, left, Franco Valobra and JanineIannarelli
    Photo by Fulton Davenport: PWL Studio

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