How will you celebrate our country’s 243rd birthday on July 4? Houston has an Independence Day celebration for everyone:

Freedom Over Texas

• Where: Eleanor Tinsley Park and Sam Houston Park, Downtown
• What It Is: The city's biggest summer party ... let's hope it doesn't storm.
• Who Will Be There: 50,000 other people, plus country stars Jake Owen and Kellie Pickler
• Fireworks? Well, duh.
• Quintessential America: Owen singing "Barefoot Blue Jean Night"

An American Tradition

• Where: George Ranch Historical Park, Richmond
• What It Is: Chapter 3 of your sixth-grade U.S. history textbook
• Who Will Be There: A history teacher in costume as a Redcoat. Get him!
• Fireworks? No, but there is a cobbler-eating contest.
• Quintessential America: A reading of the Declaration of Independence. Take that, King George.

Summer Symphony Nights: Star-Spangled Salute

• Where: Miller Outdoor Theatre, Hermann Park, Museum District
• What It Is: The Houston Symphony's John Philip Sousa-chella
• Who Will Be There: Granddad. Yours, mine, everyone's.
• Fireworks? Yes, and Granddad will love them. 
• Quintessential America: A sweet transition from "Stars and Stripes Forever" into "Main Title" from Red Dawn (hopefully)

Kidpendence Day

• Where: Children's Museum of Houston, Museum District
• What It Is: The United States of the Marvel Comic Universe
• Who Will Be There: Captain America, Wonder Woman, and children. Many children.
• Fireworks? No, unless you count temper tantrums.
• Quintessential America: Instagram photos of kids in Iron Man masks waving tiny American flags.