Best of 4th of July Events and Fireworks in Houston, Texas 2011

Bright lights and big city just seem to go together especially when you are talking about 4^th of July events in Houston, Texas. With much of the area in danger of wildfires, the burn ban seems to be staying in effect for consumers, but the city will still be celebrating with one of the biggest celebrations in the nation, Freedom Over Texas.

Freedom Over Texas isn't just about the 4^th of July, because in 2011 Texas will also be celebrating its 175^th Anniversary. Attend the celebration on July 4, 2011 from 4PM- 10PM at Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou along Allen Parkway. This event includes a showcase of historic artifacts, a fitness challenge, Reliant Energy's Green Scene, children's activities and country music artist Jack Ingram, Chris Young and Rodney Atkins. The night ends with an explosion of a spectacular fireworks display set to patriotic music. Admission is free with the donation of one canned food item or $8.00 per person, with children under 2 free. Visit Freedom Over Texas for a full schedule of events and to find out when your favorite artist will be on stage.

Can't attend? Freedom Over Texas will be televised across the area on ABC-13/KTRK-TV from 7-10 p.m. on Monday, July 4^th.

Miller Outdoor Theatre will be celebrating the 4^th of July with a Star Spangled Salute to freedom with the Houston Symphony Orchestra providing the backdrop for a spectacular fireworks display. Attendees will be over the moon with the performance by Astronaut and vocalist Chris Hadfield as he sings Big Smoke, a song inspired by his first shuttle mission. The Star Spangled Salute fireworks will be held on Jul 4, 2011 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030. This is a free, but ticketed event for seating in the covered area (4 per person over age 16 while they last) at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office the day of the performance between the hours of 10:30am-1pm. After 1pm if tickets remain, the box office will re-open one hour before show time to distribute the remaining tickets. Seating is also available on the theater lawn.

Kemah loves a good parade whether it's on their streets on the water. Kemah's Independence Day festivities begin on July 3 with an Independence Day parade. The Parade begins on 9:30AM on July 3, with the children's parade and 10AM with the extended version. The parade route begins at the Kemah Visitor Center and travels along the Kemah Lighthouse District. Parade awards as well as other family friendly fun, activities and live entertainment will be at T-Bone Toms at 707 Hwy. 146 immediately following the parade.

At noon on July 3, 2011 hit the water and the boardwalk for the American Spirit Boat Parade. Look for commercial, Coast Guard and pleasure boats to be sporting their red, white and blue.

On July 4, 2011 is Kemah's fabulous Fireworks Display that will light up the night sky over Galveston Bay. The 4^th of July fireworks in Kemah begin at 9:30pm.

The Woodlands are so excited about 4^th of July festivities that they need more than just one day to celebrate. This 4^th of July events begin on July 2^nd with live entertainment on the Waterway Square, The Houston Symphony, and The Eagles will be performing at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. On July 4^th look for the Parade at Market Street beginning at 9AM. If you plan on attending, be sure to consult the parade route to find the best seat "in the house." The celebration concludes with one Red Hot and Blue Festival. One of the biggest celebrations in the Houston area, the Red Hot and Blue Festival begins at 6:00 PM, at Town Green Park with Hot Dog and Watermelon Eating Contests. Look for live music, performers, face painting, vendor booths, concessions and family friendly activities. These Fireworks will be on display at dusk. This year marks the 14th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in designated areas.

UPDATED REPORT AS OF June 27th at NOON

The annual Fireworks Show in The Woodlands has been cancelled due to historic drought conditions. All other activities of The Red, Hot & Blue Festival will continue as promoted with live entertainment in Town Green Park and Waterway Square.

Are you worried about fireworks and the drought? How about attending an Astros game over the holiday weekend? On Friday, July 1 and Saturday July 2, the Astros are against the Red Sox at home and the special events include a patriotic fireworks display, Rally towels, and Coca Cola Zone. Ticket prices vary, see theAstros page for ticket prices and purchase.

Find out what other fireworks, parades and 4^th of July celebrations will be held across the Houston area from Conroe to Sugarland with this helpful list.

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