July is the pinnacle of summer! The weather is hot, kids are already complaining that they’re bored, and vacation travel is at its peak. If anyone is looking for a getaway or staycation, Houston has plenty of activities for friend groups, couples or the entire family. From Fourth of July fireworks to a Trap Wine Fest (yes, trap music and wine), come stay and play in Houston.

 
Courtesy of @houstoncarnival_hcf on Instagram

Caribbean Fête Weekend

July 1 – 4, Times Vary

Get on island time without going to the islands. Escape city life and feel the rhythm of Caribbean Fête across H-Town. From Thurs. Jul. 1 – Sun. Jul. 4, get together with Caribbean people who hail from the 16 countries that make up this region. Each country has its own vibe and style that will certainly be on display along with fabulous food, drinks, music and dancing. There are multiple events throughout the long weekend and tickets are required for some. One thing is for certain, this group is ready to throw a fête like you’ve never seen.

Courtesy of @mortezasafataj on Instagram 

Shell Freedom Over Texas

July 4, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

From celebrating the islands to celebrating the good old red, white and blue, you can’t miss Shell’s Freedom Over Texas. Back for 2021 and ready to pop some of the best fireworks in Texas, this iconic Fourth of July celebration combines the best of pyrotechnics and live music. Further, this year’s show will celebrate the brave frontline workers who worked tirelessly over the last year and a half. Since everything is truly bigger in Texas, fireworks will reach 800 ft., almost doubling the height of the traditional show. Now, even more people can enjoy the show from further away. To view the event in person, head to Eleanor Tinsley Park or any open spaces with a view of the western downtown skyline. Lastly, for those who prefer to stay home, you can watch it on ABC13 both online and on television.

Courtesy of @hitsbackstage on Instagram

Showstoppers: A Broadway Musical Scrapbook Presented by HITS Theatre

July 9 & 10, 8:30 – 10 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre is 35! We know that’s hard to believe. This outdoor venue is a staple in Houston’s live music and production circuit, that’s why we’re so excited for the upcoming “Showstoppers: A Broadway Musical Scrapbook” presented by HITS Theatre. HITS Theatre is a very talented performing group made up of 25 kids ranging from grades 1 – 12. These small thespians will be performing musical numbers from shows that have been performed at Miller over the last 35 years. The songs pulled from the archives will have everyone tapping and clapping along. Don’t miss it, as all Miller Outdoor Theatre performances are free!

Join The Texian Army

July 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Step right up and join the Texian army…of 1836. The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and San Jacinto Museum created the Texian Army summer program, where history buffs can watch weapon demonstrations, participate in wooden musket drills, make candy bullet cartridges and see how soldiers lived during the Texas Revolution. Not able to make the event, don’t worry! The San Jacinto Battleground is an excellent spot to visit throughout the year. This historical site is where General Houston spent two weeks training his men at Bernardo Plantation. There, they learned how to march and fight in formation and prepared the supplies they needed for the battle. It is also where the army took possession of the Twin Sisters, the Texian army’s only cannons. You’ll make your kid’s history teacher proud with the field trip.

Courtesy of @houstoncomicpalooza on Instagram 

Comicpalooza

July 17 – 18, Times Vary

Whether you love old school comics, are a Marvel fan or prefer collecting memorabilia, Comicpalooza is for you! As Texas’ largest pop-culture festival, Comicpalooza is a must-visit event. Hosted at the George R. Brown Convention Center, the festival includes hosted panels, autograph and photograph sessions with celebrity guests, a literature conference, film festival, cosplay competitions along with attractions, games, entertainment and more. Want to shop for interesting collectibles and goods? Artist Alley and the Dealer’s Room will be full of unique and interesting finds. The Innovation Lab is a great spot for younger attendees to explore and enjoy new technologies. Get your tickets and get ready to geek out!

ThriftCon

July 18, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For those who love a good deal and vintage finds, we’ve got the event for you. Head to ThiftCon at NRG. Described as the premier vintage clothing and collectible convention in the world, thrifters will be lined up early to score the best finds. ThriftCon features a minimum of 100 vendors hosting thousands of products ranging from valuable, vintage men's and women's clothing, to collectibles and more, all under one roof. This isn’t your grandmother’s estate sale! Tickets are required. 

2021 Contemporary Italian Film Series

July 21, 9 p.m.

Join the Italian Cultural and Community Center for the final installment of its Contemporary Italian Film Series. This month’s film is “Nevia” which is the Nevia, the story of a Neapolitan girl that comes from a poor family, joins a circus to escape from poverty. All movies are in Italian with English subtitles. The movie screenings the ICC is able to promote Italy’s compelling film legacy by exploring its contemporary films. These nights are perfect for a chance to experience authentic cultural immersion while supporting the Italian community.

2021 Houston Trap Wine Fest

July 24, 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Trap music plus wine plus festival vibes in one location. We know, we haven’t heard of many Trap Wine Fests either, but we are ready for it! In its third year running, Trap Wine Fest describes itself as the “livest” wine festival you could experience. No more stuffy smelling, sipping and spitting wine tastings, it’s time to sip while DJs spin the best of today’s trap music. The event will feature over 20 different wines, games, amazing food and more. Tickets are required and the event will take place at Grooves Houston.

Where To Stay in Houston

For a turnkey stay, complete with restaurants and shopping all within walking distance, head to the Westin Memorial City or The Moran Hotel CityCentre. We love both of these locations for the ease and proximity of CityCentre, Memorial City Mall and Town & Country, three of Houston’s premier shopping and dining locations. Within CityCentre guests can shop at their favorite stores like Anthropologie, J.Crew, lululemon and more. Should you want to eat well on your trip, we definitely recommend The Moran’s Radio Milano or The Capital Grille.

Courtesy of @bayouandbottle on Instagram

Should you want to stay Downtown, we love the Four Seasons. Who doesn’t? Honestly, you could stay on-site for your entire trip and have a blast. Within the Four Seasons there is an amazing pool that’s complete with cabanas, a 24-hour fitness center, the TopGolf Swing Suite, Bayou & Bottle specializing in Bourbon selections, men’s fine retailer Buttonhook Boutique, and plenty of kid-friendly activities.