July in Houston is packed with fun events, Independence Day celebrations, concerts and theater performances. If you’re looking for things to do or planning a visit to Bayou City in July, this guide takes you through July’s most exciting events, new restaurant openings and exhibits.
4th of July
The month wouldn’t be complete without a Fourth of July celebration and Houston knows how to celebrate. From concerts to fireworks to festivals, there is something for everyone. In downtown, the city holds its annual celebration, Freedom Over Texas, which this year features country superstar Chris Young. Over at Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Symphony treats spectators to a patriotic concert, the Star-Spangled Salute, followed by fireworks. For more, see our list of Fourth of July events in Houston.
Bubbles and Brews
Love beer? On July 7, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Houston’s oldest craft brewery, holds its annual Downtown Pub Crawl. Head to Market Square Park and get ready to hop to downtown’s best bars and pubs. If wine is more your thing, take a short trip to Wild Stallion Vineyards in The Woodlands for its Harvest Day and Grape Stomping Festival also on July 7. Get there early to pick grapes off the vine, enjoy lunch and stomp on some grapes.
Rock On
July brings some great musical acts to Space City. Travel back to the 80s as Boy George and Culture Club, The B-52s and Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey take the stage at Smart Financial Centre on July 15. On July 26, legendary duo Daryl Hall & John Oates share the stage with award-winning hitmakers, Train for an exciting night of music at the Toyota Center. Don’t miss Sam Smith, the GRAMMY, Oscar and Golden Globe winner and chart-topping artist, who will bring his Too Good At Goodbyes tour to Houston on July 18.
Hit the High Note
You may also want to check out these other musical performances in Houston. On July 16, the Houston Symphony will delight you with sounds from the music of David Bowie at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Lawn seating is free! The Rothko Chapel has been hosting a series of summer music. On July 12, check out Arazeel, a group whose repertoire includes music with Brazilian, African and Middle Eastern roots, and on July 26, the chapel welcomes Mariachi Imperial de America. Admission is a suggested donation of $10. Visit our upcoming concerts in Houston page for more great musical performances.
Enter Stage Left
Now in its 44th season, the Houston Shakespeare Festival brings two of the author’s plays to Miller Outdoor Theatre. Catch “Hamlet” on July 27, 29 and 31 and a “Comedy of Errors” on July 28 and early August. The performances are free. If you haven’t seen it yet, hurry to watch the last performance of the Houston Ballet’s “Swan Lake” on July 1 at Jones Hall.
Arts and Culture
While it’ll be around until the end of September, what better time to go see the Museum of Fine Art, Houston's recently opened Big Bambú exhibit? This monumental installation by Mike and Doug Starn features 3,000 bamboo poles bound together. Visitors are invited to walk across a bridge of bamboo and continue along a path of bamboo into the installation. Over at The Health Museum, the interactive Biorhythm: Music and The Body exhibit is drawing to a close at the end of July, so if you haven’t been, make sure to go by.
New Dining Hot Spots
A day of exploration and activity wouldn’t be complete without good food and drink. Make sure to check out some of Houston’s newest restaurants and bars. If you’re into soccer, former Dynamo player Brian Ching opened Pitch 25 Beer Park just in time for the World Cup. It’s perfect to grab a beer, some food and watch your favorite team. For dinner, try Poitín, a new addition to the Heights, or chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s famed sushi outpost, Nobu, which made its debut in Houston in June. Another good option is Henderson & Kane, which will officially opens on July 4, bringing breakfast and barbecue to Houston’s Sixth Ward. And for a taste of James Beard award-winning chef Chris Shepherd’s cuisine, try his newest spot, UB Preserv.
For more July events and activities, head over to our events calendar.
