Houston’s official Fourth of July celebration returns with a bang. This year, there are live performances from artists like Lee Brice and Ashley McBryde and four different zones, including a kid-friendly section complete with educational activities, dance performances, and face painting. The festivities will close out with a grand Texas-size fireworks finale. Beginning this year, a majority of vendors at Freedom Over Texas will be going cashless, so leave your coins and bills at home.

Eleanor Tinsley Park, 18-3600 Allen Pkwy

Enjoy the holiday from Post Houston’s Skylawn, a five-acre rooftop park. The event will be complete with DJs, circus performers, face painting, balloon artists, multiple bars, and breathtaking views of downtown Houston’s fireworks display.

Post Houston, 401 Franklin St

Head down to Baytown for a special celebration featuring live performances by various artists including musical trio Ezra Ray Hart, comprised of Emerson Hart of Tonic, Kevin Griffin from Better Than Ezra and Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray.  The Spazmatics, an '80s new wave cover band, will also headline the show. The event will feature a car show, food and crafts vendors, kid-friendly activities, and conclude with a lively fireworks display. Parking is available for free at Lee College, though guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.

Bicentennial Park, 1001 Market St

The City of Bellaire will be celebrating Independence Day with two parades and a festival. The first parade will begin at South Rice Avenue and Valerie Street and end at South Rice and Linden Street. It will be immediately followed by the Children’s Bike Parade. It's set to begin at South Rice Avenue and Evergreen Street, and it will end in the same spot as the first parade. After, head over to the Bellaire Town Square, specifically Great Lawn and Loftin Park, for the festival. You'll be met with live music, food, and more fun.

Various locations, including Bellaire Town Square, 7008 S Rice Ave

Celebrate with music, food, fireworks, and a cornhole tournament at Deer Park’s Fourth Fest. Games and temp tattoos are also up for grabs during the event. There will be a musical performance by OMG, and the night will end with a fireworks show beginning at 9:15pm. Attendees also have the chance to win one of five VIP fireworks viewing spots at the ballpark with the purchase of a $5 raffle online or from the Parks and Recreation Department prior to the event.

Jimmy Burke Activity Center, 610 E San Augustine St, Deer Park

The City of Jersey Village is once again hosting its annual July Fourth Festival. Sponsored by M/I Properties, this year's celebration promises a parade beginning at 10am, followed by a festival packed with food trucks and live music. Festivities will conclude with a fireworks show and music from local cover band, the Red Not Chili Peppers. 

Jersey Meadow Detention Pond, 8502 Rio Grande St

Katy is partnering with Typhoon Texas to host its annual fireworks display near Katy Mills Mall. After a day of thrilling rides and chilling in the lazy river, there will be a fireworks display at 9pm to mark the holiday.

Typhoon Texas, 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd

Take a trip to the bay for a fun-filled family day. Explore the boardwalk’s rides, attractions, and restaurants; listen to live music from Kalico; marvel at a stilt walker; and end the night with a fireworks show over Galveston Bay. Boardwalk access is free to watch fireworks, which begin at 9:30pm.

Kemah Boardwalk, 215 Kipp Ave

Start the holiday by bringing your lawn chairs, blankets, and family to this fireworks display that takes place on July 3. In addition to fireworks, there will be live music, inflatables, and food trucks. For easy access, a parking shuttle will be available at Hometown Heroes Park.

Chester L. Davis Sportsplex, 1251 W League City Pkwy

Sit back and relax at CityCentre’s Independence Day celebration with live music from local musician Justin Pena. The organization will not be putting on a fireworks show, but you can enjoy food and beverages from nearby restaurants and listen to live music while watching the inevitable nearby displays.

CityCentre, 800 Town & Country Blvd

Get the party started at Pasadena’s kid-friendly Independence Day celebration. Balloon artists, face painters, a hula hoop contest, and over 10 free amusement rides and inflatable activities will take place in the Campbell Hall Kids Zone. And don't miss out on the celebration's food trucks, hayrides, and DJ. The Pasadena Idol competition will also bring talented local performers front and center. Stick around for the fireworks show that will close out the day, beginning at 9:15pm.

Pasadena Convention center and Municipal Fairgrounds, 7902 Fairmont Pkwy

Head to Sugar Land for a patriotic time filled with activities. Live music from local artists will be setting the ambience for the night, as well as on-site food trucks, rides, games, and, of course, fireworks.

5350 New Territory Blvd

Celebrate big at one of the largest fireworks displays in the Greater Houston area. The day’s festivities begin at 6pm with live music and other attractions at various sites throughout The Woodlands—including Town Green Park, where you can enjoy the best view of the 18-minute fireworks show. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for a family-friendly evening.

Hughes Landing, 1900 Hughes Landing

For an all-American, small-town celebration, head to Tomball for its annual celebration. The event will feature live music, a patriotic singalong, food, and fireworks—plus a much-needed “cool zone” to help beat the heat.

Intersection of Business Highway 249 and FM 2920