Houston’s 10 Best Fourth of July Fireworks Shows: Your Ultimate Cheat Sheet to the Patriotic Holiday Fun

So, there’s been a scheduling snafu. A calendar-based buzz kill. The Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday this year.

Of course, last year the Fourth hit on a Tuesday, leaving us all feeling more office-bound than fancy-free. But this year, something about the exact middle of the week feels even worse.

But Houston’s not going to take it lying down. Definitely not. Houstonians know Independence Day is a time to celebrate, a time to declare and, most of all, a time to give ’em the ol’ razzle dazzle.

Most people get cake on their birthday. America, well, she gets something a little bigger and flashier — fireworks shows unlike any other. You could say that other holidays don’t hold a candle to Fourth of July.

PaperCity has rounded up the 10 most epic Independence Day extravaganzas in the Houston area. Check them out on July Fourth itself. Is it still cool to say it’s time to get lit?

Houston Symphony: Star-Spangled Salute

Miller Outdoor Theater: July 4, 8:30 pm

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion: July 3, 8 pm

So, you’re pro-pyrotechnics? Perfect. We’ve got the party for you. The Houston Symphony’s free event is a patriotic free-for-all, a grab bag of your favorite ‘Murica musical pieces. Think the 1812 Overture, The Stars and Stripes Forever and more.

After you’ve gotten your fill of the finer things in life, it’s time for the fireworks. A spectacular show lights up the sky before all’s said — or played — and done. 

CITGO Freedom Over Texas

Eleanor Tinsley Park, 500 Allen

4 to 10 pm July 4

Don’t just sit there — go to Freedom Over Texas this Fourth of July. This buzz-worthy Buffalo Bayou celebration is more than 30 years old and better and bolder than ever. Get cozied up on a picnic blanket and ready your eyes — and your ears — for one heck of an all-American show.

Each year, Houston welcomes major musical acts to Eleanor Tinsley Park. Cupid kicks off this year’s lineup before The Mavericks, a Tex-Mex/Latin rockabilly mashup. But chart-topper, name-taker, heart-breaker and country music star Chris Young is slated to steal the show. 

179th Annual Independence Day Parade & Fireworks Celebration

37th and Seawall

7 pm to 10 pm

 You want to have fun on Independence Day? Well, that all depends on what you do. Try this one on for size: Galveston’s whopping 179th annual celebration. After almost two centuries, it’s safe to say they’ve gotten the party down pat.

First, a parade of festive floats, military vehicles and performers moseys their merry way on down the Seawall. Then, cue the light show. A solid 20 to 25 minutes of fireworks will flare over the Gulf of Mexico. See it all by the sea.

Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Wet’n’Wild SplashTown

21300 Interstate 45 N, Spring

10 am to 9 pm, 9:15 to 9:25 pm

Talk about making a splash. Spring’s mega park Wet’n’Wild SplashTown is keeping things cool with an epic pool party. The water wonderland opens at 10 am, giving you plenty of time for thrill rides and super-tall slides before the real festivities start.

Once the park closes, it’s time to fire up the sky with a stunning show. You’ll see the lights sizzle and fizzle above the blue pools.

Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular at CityCentre

800 Town & Country

7 pm to 11 pm

It’s all red, white and blue. And at the center of it all: America’s birthday, smack dab in CityCentre. This Fourth of July, the top shopping spot is taking things full throttle with a night of live music and fun. Take in some tunes before turning to the main event.

The 15-minute firework frenzy gets rolling at 9:30. Keep your eyes to the skies and your heart in the US of A.

Fourth of July at Kemah Boardwalk

215 Kipp

9:30 pm

This one’s not so much we’ll be having some fun under the boardwalk as it is we’ll be having fun on the boardwalk. Kemah’s go-to tourist spot promises an energetic extravaganza, full of live music and streams of color across the sky above Galveston Bay.

Not to mention all the boardwalk has to offer on an everyday basis: restaurants, rides and games.

4th of July Celebration in Missouri City

1122 Buffalo Run

6 pm to 9 pm

You’d better believe they’re feeling the USA love in Missouri City. This night promises fun for the whole family, with a jam-packed evening of moonwalks, mechanical bulls, pony rides and even a rock wall. The first 600 youngsters (12 and under) will even walk away with a totally free and fun give-away.

Fireworks split the sky into red, white and blue — just to name a few— starting at 9:15. There’s no bad seat in the house, but you can’t beat Thurgood Marshall High School’s stadium seating.

Freedom Celebration and City of Katy Firework Show

Katy Mills Mall, 5000 Katy Mills Circle

9 am to 1 pm; 9 pm

Get your USA on with an afternoon that’s festive fun for the whole family. We’re talking petting zoo, bounce houses, a dunking booth and even a trackless train. Then, go for a tour of the City of Katy Fire Station and Katy Heritage Park.

It’s all leading up to the night’s triumph, a frenetic fireworks show, lighting up Katy Mills Mall and Typhoon Texas.

4th Fest in Pasadena

Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway

4 pm to 9 pm

May the Fourth be with you in Pasadena this Independence Day. Each year, the city goes all out with live music, Kidzone, a USMC Toys for Tots BBQ Cook-off, prizes, games vendors, sports and more.

Don’t forget a full 20 minutes of fireworks flaring up, up and away.

Celebration of Freedom in Pearland

Pearland High School Football Stadium, 3775 South Main

6 pm to 10 pm

Pearland does the patriotic right, starting the evening off with a moving military salute. Next, The National Anthem will ring out clear and true from the H-E-B Entertainment Stage.

Once sundown falls, it’s time for the fireworks.