Nothing says freedom like fireworks and festivals! Greater Houston and the surrounding areas has tons of July 4th events to choose from, but as you probably already know, these events will be different this year as we celebrate in the midst of the pandemic. Some events will be going virtual/televised, while others may allow limited crowds.

We’ve looked for the most up to date information so that you can have a blast on Independence Day but always check the details before you head out today to celebrate.

Read on for our guide to the top 2020 4th of July Events in Houston and the surrounding area.

Shell Freedom Over Texas in Downtown Houston

Freedom Over Texas is the city’s signature show with live music and stunning fireworks over Buffalo Bayou. The event typically draws thousands of visitors, but that won’t be the case this year.

Mayor Turner recently announced that the popular 4th of July event will take place this year without a live audience. The celebration will be broadcast to local television (ABC13 from 7-10 pm) and streaming online.

Depending on where you live, you may still be able to see the fireworks from your backyard or balcony.

The Freedom Over Texas show will feature the Houston Symphony starting the show with a patriotic tribute, followed by performances from Pat Green, Bun B, Trae Tha Truth, Mariachi Imperial De America, Los Luzeros De Rioverde, and other artists. Additionally, other regional acts will perform remotely from their own homes or stages, including Lyle Lovett, Josh Turner, Hunter Hayes, and La Mafia.

And of course, it all ends with a spectacular fireworks show.

Independence Day Concert Series at City Centre

The Independence Day Concert Series at City Centre will feature a full day of live music and outdoor fun. Leave the coolers at home. Instead, get some takeaway from a local restaurant. Due to COVID-19, the fireworks show won’t take place this year.

Bellaire 4th of July Parade

The City of Bellaire’s Annual 4th of July Parade will begin at 9:30 am. This year, they say they “are bringing the parade to you.” You can see the parade route here.

Tomball July 4th Celebration

The Tomball 4th of July Celebration will feature an evening of great fireworks and a special tribute to our country’s veterans. You can tune into Tomball’s 95.3 KTTF FM prior to the fireworks for great music all day long. Those who want to see the fireworks are encouraged to do so from any open site around Tomball’s “Four Corners” area — FM 2920 West and State Highway 249/Tomball Tollway. The show starts at 9:30 p.m.

Red, Hot, & Blue Drive-In Fireworks Extravaganza in The Woodlands

The Woodlands is hosting its popular Red Hot & Blue Fireworks Extravaganza as a drive-in show this year. It’s free to attend. The show will last 18 minutes and starts at 9:30 pm at Lone Star College – Montgomery.

City of Katy Fireworks Show

The City of Katy and Typhoon Texas will be putting on a fireworks show that’s going to be a spectacular display. In a Facebook post, the city said, “This 4th of July join us for the annual Freedom Celebration and enjoy our evening program of fireworks and music at 9 PM near Typhoon Texas and Katy Mills Mall. For the health and safety of you and others, the City of Katy requests that you maintain 6ft of social distance and wear a face mask during the event. Let’s continue to care for one another as we celebrate our independence.”

125th Annual 4th of July Parade in Friendswood

Starting at 10 am on July 4th, the 125th annual 4th of July Celebration will kick off, but this year, it will be different than before. According to the website, “instead of a single parade down Friendswood Drive on the Fourth, there will be seven parades happening simultaneously throughout the city at 10 a.m.” Click here to see parade routes.

Sugar Land Virtual Fireworks Show

The City of Sugar Land has canceled in-person activities and instead taken their annual Fireworks Show online starting at 8 pm. According to a Facebook post from the Sugar Land Parks & Recreation Department, “The pre-recorded celebration video will feature local residents, businesses and city staff all showcasing community pride before reflecting on video from past years’ event programming and fireworks finale. The city is inviting the public to send in short videos capturing individuals and groups reciting the Pledge of Allegiance (United States and Texas pledges). Videos will be used to create a video collage that will be played on July 4. The goal is to capture and feature as many people as possible to create a community-wide virtual viewing party!”

Galveston Island 4th of July Parade

Head to Galveston for a glittering parade and dazzling fireworks display. The City of Galveston Independence Day Celebration begins with a parade at 10 am. The parade will begin at 25th Street and Santa Fe Place, continue south on 25th Street, then east on Postoffice Street, then north on 21st, and continue west on The Strand back to 25th Street.

League City July 3 Drive-In Fireworks Spectacular

League City will be hosting its annual July 3 Fireworks Extravaganza, but this year, it will be a drive-in event held at Clear Creek ISD’s Challenger Columbia Stadium. Gates open at 7 pm and fireworks start at 9 pm on Friday, July 3. The website states that “vehicles will be spaced apart from each other to allow for social distancing and attendees will be encouraged to wear masks and to socialize only with those inside their vehicle. Attendees can bring lawn chairs as well as their own food and drinks.” No alcohol or grilling allowed.

Pasadena Strawberry Festival and Fireworks Show

This year’s edition of the popular Pasadena Strawberry Festival was postponed until July 3-5, but the cool part is it will now feature a fireworks show on July 4th. Admission is $5.

How will you be celebrating the birth of our nation? With so many 4th of July Houston fireworks shows and parades, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Houston today! Let us know where you’re headed in the comments below: