Houstonians have an uncanny ability to turn anything into a party. A group of five people lounging on the grass at the Menil - that’s a party. If anyone is cooking on a grill outside, it’s an automatic party. Two cars stopped at a red light next to each other, listening to the same radio station? Roll the windows down, and you’ve definitely got a party. When you show up to a party and your friend is wearing an outfit that matches yours, it creates a rare vortex that some experts refer to as, “A Party Within A Party.” A stretch of cars pulled over to the shoulder of Interstate 45 at 10 p.m. on Independence Day to admire the fireworks over downtown? Now that’s a distinctly Houstonian party. With so many different ways to party on July 4th, Houston won’t let you down.

Fireworks

Considered to be Houston’s official July 4th celebration is the CITGO Freedom Over Texas event in Eleanor Tinsley Park, hosted by the mayor’s office. This annual outdoor festival is jam-packed with live music, drinks, food trucks and stands from amazing local restaurants, ending with the show-stopping fireworks display over the downtown skyline. Both kid-and-adult friendly, Freedom Over Texas has a dedicated Kid’s Zone and Stage along with a beer garden along the bayou. Another yearly favorite is Miller Outdoor Theatre’s ExxonMobil Summer Symphony Nights: Star Spangled Salute, featuring music by the Houston Symphony and a     fireworks display on the rolling hills of Hermann Park. Free tickets are available while they last, but must be acquired before the event starts at 8:30PM. 

CityCentre Houston holds a huge annual fireworks spectacular with live entertainment in the southwest side of Houston. With an abundance of dining establishments available at CityCentre, from  Bellagreen to Cyclone Anaya’s, Hopdoddy and RA Sushi, hungry revelers certainly won’t lack for options. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is holding a free family-friendly July 4th festival from noon to 5PM at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Situated on 14 acres in Houston’s historic River Oaks neighborhood, Bayou Bend is the MFAH museum dedicated to American art and paintings. The building itself is the former home of Houston civic leader and philanthropist, Ima Hogg.

Foodie-festivities

Platypus Brewing, a local Houstonian-and-Australian-owned craft brewery, is holding their second annual July 4th block party this year. Being next to Taco Deli has its perks - Platypus promises plenty of tacos, along with their awesome craft beer, barbecue, wine, live music, a kid-friendly-zone, and an excellent spot to catch the fireworks display from their downtown-adjacent location on Washington Ave. Midtown’s concept and patio bar, Belle Station, is hosting Light Up The Night, a 4th of July celebration. Known for their craft kitchen, cocktails, and outstanding brunch, Belle Station on Gray St. has a killer view of downtown. Rumor has it that the masterminds behind Belle Station’s popular steak night, Raising the Steaks, will be involved in Light Up The Night, so come with an appetite!