4th of July Houston Greater Area Events
Are you planning on turning July 4th into an entire day of fun culminating in evening fireworks? If so, there are plenty of fun activities and events going on in the Greater Houston area. Some of them, like a neighborhood parade, you may be able to enjoy without leaving your front yard!
If you want to beat the heat, a visit to an indoor water park like the Cinco Ranch Water Park is the way to go. You’ll even have time to catch Houston’s fireworks show. If you’re not up for the drive downtown, no worries! I’ve caught some spectacular fireworks displays a little closer to Cinco Ranch.
From scrumptious bites to water slides, parades, and more, I can’t wait to tell you about some of my favorite things to do on July 4th in Houston.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.
Quick Hit Summary
How To Enjoy the 4th of July in the Greater Houston Area | Image Credit: Natalie Dulaney
Start your fun-filled 4th of July with a neighborhood parade or head to West U. for the Independence Day Bike Parade and Pool Party. The parade starts at 8:45 am and you want to get there early if you want a spot in front. I try to get there about 30 minutes early.
Spend the afternoon at the George Ranch. Richmond isn’t too far from downtown so you can make it back in plenty of time for Freedom Over Texas. You can even enjoy some watermelon on the back porch.
Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or anything in between, my go-to spot is Mia’s Table. Serving classic American fare at affordable prices, the menu offers something for everyone. Best of all, it’s dog-friendly.
4th of July Houston Greater Area Morning Events
4th of July Houston Greater Area Events
There’s nothing quite like starting your Fourth of July off with a parade. You may not even need to leave your front porch to catch a parade in your neighborhood. Communities across the Greater Houston area get together to put on parades of all sizes. From horses to golf carts and kids on decorated bicycles, you can get a head start on the festivities.
While I love watching the neighborhood kids ride up and down my street on the bicycles, draped in 4th of July bunting, sometimes it’s nice to go a little farther from home. A favorite spot for me in the morning is the South Montgomery County Fourth of July Parade. I love being in the midst of the crowds and joining in the excitement as each float passes us by.
The theme for this year’s parade is Saluting the Past, Celebrating the Future. The parade route runs about 1.3 miles and stays close to the Town Center. Be prepared for crowds. Thousands of visitors flock to the parade route. I’ve learned that you want to get there early if you want a spot up front. Don’t worry about leaving home without breakfast. You’ll find plenty of quaint cafes and restaurants dishing up breakfast and hot coffee.
When: Thursday, July 4, 2024 | 9 am
Where: Market Street, 9595 Six Pines Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
How Much: Free
4th of July Houston Greater Area Afternoon Events
How to Enjoy 4th of July Houston Greater Area Events
After spending the morning in South Montgomery Country, I like to head over to Typhoon Texas in Katy. Since it’s in the West Houston area, I’ve found the Freedom Celebration at Typhoon Texas is a nice middle point for any evening activities I may plan on attending. Besides, the 4th of July is hot in Houston with temperatures in the 90s, so the afternoon is all about staying cool.
While it’s hard to beat the fun at the water park, that’s not all that Katy has going on. Kay Mills Mall is right down the street and has several activities for children and adults. You can even take advantage of some of the 4th of July sales going on at the mall. When it’s lunchtime, the mall has plenty of restaurants. If you don’t want to leave the water slides and lazy river, you can also grab a bite to eat at Typhoon Texas Waterpark.
Best of all, if you don’t feel like heading anywhere else to catch the fireworks, you’re not missing out. I’ve spent a few years watching the City of Katy’s Freedom Celebration and have never been disappointed. The show starts around 9 pm but I recommend getting there early to ensure you get a good seat.
When: Thursday, July 4, 2024 | 9 pm
Where: Typhoon Texas Waterpark, 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy, TX 77494
How Much: Starts at $22.99
Evening Events on the 4th of July Houston Greater
4th of July Houston Greater Area Events
While Shell’s Freedom Over Texas gets a lot of advertising, it’s not the only fireworks show in the Greater Houston area. If you don’t feel like driving downtown, finding a parking spot, and then remembering where you left your vehicle after the fireworks, think about heading to the City Center Houston for a Fourth of July concert. Off of the Sam Houston Pkwy, better known as the Beltway, you’ll find the City Center and a lot of 4th of July fun.
The action doesn’t get started until around 7 pm and ends at 10 pm. Before you’re wowed by an impressive fireworks display, you can rock out at the main stage. Whether you prefer rock, country, or pop, you’ll hear at all during the evening concert. You can probably find me dancing up front. After the music wraps up, it’s time to relax and watch the fireworks. Don’t worry if you get the munchies during the concert. Vendors are on hand selling snacks and drinks at surprisingly affordable prices.
When: Thursday, July 4, 2024 | 7 pm – 10 pm
Where: CITYCENTRE, 800 Town and Country Blvd, Houston, TX 77024
How Much: Free
Have a Happy 4th of July, Houston!
How To Enjoy the 4th of July in the Greater Houston Area | Image Credit: Natalie Dulaney
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