Plan Your 4th of July Weekend: July 4 to 8, 2018

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Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park | Photo courtesy of the Mayor's Office of Special Events

Find the perfect things to do in Houston this Fourth of July weekend with our Houston Weekend Guide for Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4 to Sunday, July 8, 2018. 

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Get crafty in a BYOB watercolor painting class; run a family-friendly 5K at Karbach Brewery, join a sand volleyball tournament and raise funds for charity; sip champs and practice yoga with your pup; celebrate America’s independence with fireworks, parades, parties and more.  

Check below to find great things happening around Houston this 4th of July Weekend, from Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4 to Sunday, July 8, 2018.

Things to Do All Fourth of July Weekend

  • No DWI – Free Sober Rides on Fourth of July Weekend | FREE – The program is simple. Make the right choice to take a taxi or use a ride-sharing service to get home if you’ve been drinking, pay for it up front, and the law firm Sutliff & Stout will reimburse you for it via PayPal. The offer is valid from 5pm on Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4, 2018, through 10am on Thursday, July 5, 2018.
  • The Curt Miller Magic & Comedy Show 2018 at Moody Gardens | Daily – Delight in an evening of magic, music, dance, and clean comedy at a live performance from renowned magician and illusionist Curt Miller. $23. 1pm.
  • The Catastrophic Theatre presents The Tamarie Cooper Show: Field Trip! at MATCH | Thursday to Sunday – Hop on board a metaphysical field trip with Tamarie Cooper, a local actress and playwright known for her hilarious musical theatre. In Field Trip, Cooper questions the meaning of life and unpacks personal baggage by way of song, gags, and hi-jinx. Tickets start at $10. Showtimes vary.
  • Houston Astros vs. Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park | Thursday to Sunday – Get loud for the Astros when they take the field to play the White Sox in a home game at Minute Maid Park. Tickets start at $14, but you may find cheaper or better seats on TicketNetwork’s resale site. Thursday and Friday 7:10pm; Saturday 3:10pm; Sunday 1:10pm.
  • Holmes and Watson at the Alley Theatre | Friday and Saturday – Crack codes and solve mysteries during this Sherlock Holmes adventure presented by the Alley Theatre. The performance follows Holmes’ trusty sidekick, Watson, as he seeks the true story of Holmes’ death three years prior. Tickets start at $26. 8pm.
  • Evening Chill at Houston Zoo | Friday and Saturday – Scope out your favorite animals without melting from the summer heat when the Houston Zoo extends its hours for the Evening Chill. Zoo goers can also enjoy live music and family-friendly activities after sundown. Tickets start at $11. 5pm to 8pm.
  • An Evening with Bill Engvall at The Grand 1894 Opera House | Saturday and Sunday – Crack up when comedian Bill Engvall takes the mic for a stand-up show at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. Tickets start at $25.20. Saturday 3pm; Sunday 8pm.

Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4, 2018

  • TXU Energy Wings of Freedom 5K and Family Run at Karbach Brewery – Before indulging in beer and hot dogs, start your Independence Day off with a healthy dose of running in the TXU Energy Wings of Freedom 5K and Family Run at Karbach Brewery. Arrive early to receive an event shirt, medal, and a free beer with a special pint glass. Tickets start at $15. 7:30am.
  • 4th of July Parade at Market Street in The Woodlands | FREE – Watch more than 150 floats parade down Market Street at this annual Fourth of July celebration in The Woodlands. Floats will feature everything from color guard and marching bands to street performers and federal, state, and local officials. 9am to 11am.
  • July 4th Block Party at Platypus Brewing | No Cover – Celebrate the land of the free with live music, craft beer, wine, BBQ, and tacos when Platypus Brewing hosts a family- and dog-friendly 4th of July party. Noon to 11pm.
  • Fourth of July Snow & Ice Celebration at Memorial City | No Cover – Escape the summer heat this Fourth of July at Memorial City, where 30,000 pounds of snow will be available for visitors to make snowmen, have snowball fights, and enjoy cooler temps. 1pm to 4pm.
  • Independence Day at Eight Row Flint | No Cover – Cool off with free watermelon and an all-day happy hour, featuring $4 Eureka Heights beers, and $2 jello shots, in celebration of Independence Day at Eight Row Flint. 2pm to midnight.
  • July 4th Festival and Fireworks at Town Center Park | FREE – Make your way to Kingwood’s Town Center Park for a July 4th festival featuring live music, DJs, vendors, food trucks, and fireworks. 3pm to 9pm.
  • Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park – Go big for the Fourth when Houston’s official Independence Day celebration returns to Eleanor Tinsley Park. Along with a spectacular fireworks display, this year’s event will feature headlining musician Chris Young, preceded by Cupid and The Mavericks. $8. 4pm to 10pm.
  • Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular at CityCentre | FREE – Marvel at a 15-minute firework display with live music from the Texas Unlimited Band at CityCentre. 7pm to 11pm.
  • 179th City of Galveston Celebration Independence Day Parade and Fireworks | FREE – Let freedom ring at Galveston’s annual Independence Day Celebration, which features a parade of floats, decorated military vehicles, and performers, followed by a 20-minute firework show over the Gulf. 7:30pm.
  • Fourth of July Celebration at Kemah Boardwalk | FREE – Celebrate America’s Independence at Kemah Boardwalk with live music and a Patriotic firework show over the Galveston Bay. 9:30pm.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

  • Happy Hour Thursday at MFAH | No Cover – Browse the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and enjoy a cash bar, local DJ, and grub from a local food truck. 5pm to 8pm.
  • Summer Tango at Discovery Green | FREE – Grab a partner because it takes two to learn Argentine Tango at Discovery Green. Designed for beginners, the free class will cover the fundamental steps, emphasizing connection, musicality and line of dance. 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
  • Yoga Thursdays at A 2nd Cup – Grab your yoga mat and strike a pose for a good cause with The Good Yoga Project and local non-profit A 2nd Cup, which donates all proceeds to fight human trafficking in Houston. There is a suggested donation of $5 to $15. 6pm to 7pm.
  • Cocktails and Candle Making at Presidio – Make your own candle and join Love & Make at Presidio Restaurant & Bar for a night of cocktails, wine, and DIY. Tickets are $25. 7pm to 10pm.
  • Rock the Dock: Summer Concert Series at Kemah Boardwalk | FREE – Soak up the sun and listen to live music when Kemah Boardwalk hosts their Summer Concert Series every Thursday. Performing this week is a local dance rock group, The Slags. 7:30pm to 10pm.
  • Throwback Hip Hop Thursdays: Don’t Sweat the Technics at Lincoln Bar Houston – Head to Washington Ave.’s Lincoln Bar Houston as they pay homage to old school hip-hop, old school house, freestyle, and ’80s retro. 9pm.
  • Popular Slut Club: Indie Dance Night at Guava Lamp | No Cover – Move your body to the beat at this indie and underground LGBTQ dance party at the Guava Lamp. 9pm.

Friday, July 6, 2018

  • FriYAY Rose Wine Tasting at Brennan’s of Houston – Sip a refreshing glass (or several) of rosé in the swanky dining room at Brennan’s of Houston during the annual FriYAY tasting, which features a wide selection of rosé accompanied by light bites. $25. 4pm to 7pm.
  • Stars & Stripes on the Lawn at Memorial City | FREE – Show your American pride at this special event to honor our country, the military, and their families. JROTC color guard and military programs will perform patriotic tributes as a solo trumpeter plays a rotating roster of American classics. 5pm to 5:30pm.
  • Thirty Seconds to Mars in Concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – Rock out to a roster of songs by Thirty Seconds to Mars, fronted by Jared Leto, when they stop in Houston on the Monolith Tour. Openers include Walk the Moon, K. Flay, and Welshly Arms. Tickets start at $29.50. 6pm.
  • LGBT Veterans Arm Wrestling Competition at Guava Lamp | FREE – Flex your muscles in an arm wrestling competition to raise funds for the Lone Star Veterans Association at Guava Lamp. 6pm.
  • Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles at Jones Hall – Hear a classical take on your favorite hits from the Fab Five when the Houston Symphony plays a tribute concert to The Beatles at Jones Hall. Tickets start at $39. 7:30pm.
  • Sharknado Movie Screening at Hotel Derek – Watch the wildly outlandish TV movie that took America by storm in 2013 while cooling off in the outdoor pool at Hotel Derek. Tickets include gourmet popcorn, one drink ticket, parking, and access to the pool. $20. 7:30pm.
  • Camp Nowhere at Revention Music Center – Bust out your summer camp gear and head to Revention Music Center for Camp Nowhere, a camp-themed festival featuring live music from Louis the Child, TroyBoi, Big Wild, and R.LUM.R. Camp cosplay is encouraged. Tickets start at $33. 9pm.
  • Classic Numbers: Every Friday at Numbers Nightclub – Travel back to the ’80s with hits from The Smiths, The Cure, Blondie and more every Friday night at the always-eclectic Numbers Nightclub in Montrose. 9pm.
  • Fireworks Fridays at Kemah Boardwalk | FREE – Sit back and enjoy a spectacular fireworks show synchronized to Top 40s Hits on Kemah Boardwalk every Friday this summer. Following the show, visitors can enjoy extended hours for carnival rides, free souvenir cup refills after 9:30pm, and additional discounts on retail. 9:30pm.

Things to Do on Saturday, July 7 and Sunday, July 8, 2018.

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