Independence Day, otherwise known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday that celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Read below for ways to celebrate the holiday in your area.
July 1-4: Red, White & Boom
Typhoon Texas will again partner with the city of Katy to celebrate the Fourth of July as the West Houston waterpark presents Red, White & Boom, four days of patriotic family fun with extended hours starting July 1 capped off by the city’s Freedom Celebration July 4 fireworks show. 11 a.m. $34.99-$49.99. 555 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy. 832-426-7071. www.typhoontexas.com/houston
July 2: Stars and Stripes Celebration
The city of Conroe’s inaugural Stars and Stripes Celebration will feature kid-friendly events, food trucks, vendors, inflatables and live music to celebrate the Fourth of July. Attendees can also find a spot on Heritage Place’s amphitheater for fireworks beginning at 9:15 p.m. 4 p.m. (activities begin). Free (admission). Heritage Place, 500 Collins St., Conroe. 936-522-3500. www.visitconroe.com
July 2: Freedom Fest
Celebrate the Fourth of July in historic downtown Montgomery with a parade, a kids zone and vendors. The parade is free to enter, and there will also be a junior creative arts show featuring baked goods, crafts, art and horticulture. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free (admission). 14420 Liberty St., Montgomery. 936-597-5004. www.facebook.com/freedomfestmontgomery
July 3: Brews and BBQ
Paradigm Brewing will host a Brews and BBQ event for Independence Day with live music, ax throwing, snow cones, a photo booth and barbecue. Noon. Free. Paradigm Brewing, 2130 S. Persimmon Lane, Tomball. 346-336-6585. www.paradigmbrewingcompany.com
July 3: Star-Spangled Salute
The Woodlands is kicking off a two-day celebration with its Star-Spangled Salute at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The event will feature the Houston Symphony performing a selection of patriotic favorites. 8 p.m. Free. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands. 281-364-3010. www.woodlandscenter.org
July 4: Fourth of July celebration
The city of Magnolia will host its annual Fourth of July celebration with a bike parade, fireworks, food vendors and more. 5:30-10 p.m. Unity Park, 19450 Unity Park Drive, Magnolia. 281-356-2266. www.cityofmagnolia.com
July 4: Celebration of Freedom
The city of Pearland will celebrate the country's birthday at Independence Park this Fourth of July. The event will feature live music from the variety band, Adrian Michael and the Greenway Band, on the H-E-B Entertainment Stage and a spectacular fireworks display. 6-10 p.m. Free. Independence Park, 3449 Pearland Pkwy., Pearland. 281-412-8900. www.parks.pearlandtx.gov/home-parksrec
July 4: July 4 parade
Oak Ridge North is hosting its annual July 4 parade, car show and party for residents. The parade will begin at the intersection of Susan Lane and North Harlan Lane, and festivities will be held at Marilyn Edgar Park. 9:30 a.m. Free. Various locations. 281-292-4648. www.oakridgenorth.com
July 4: Red Hot and Pool event
The Red Hot and Pool event allows pool pass holders to enjoy refreshments and activities relating to the Fourth of July. Noon-4 p.m. Free (for pool pass holders). The Woodlands pools. 281-210-3800. www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/pools
July 4: Street Fest
The city of Tomball will host its annual July 4 celebration and Street Fest with live music, food, games, activities and fireworks at dusk. 6-10 p.m. Free (admission). Downtown Tomball. 281-290-1003. www.tomballtx.gov
July 4: Boat parade
The Boardwalk at Towne Lake is celebrating with a boat parade on the lake for bystanders to watch while enjoying the live band, roaming patriotic characters, balloon artists, face paintings, giveaways and other family-friendly activities. There will be no fireworks show at this event. 2-5 p.m. Free (admission). Boardwalk at Towne Lake, 9945 Barker Cypress Road, Cypress. www.boardwalktl.com
July 4: July 4th Fest
The city of Jersey Village is holding July 4th Fest in celebration of Independence Day. A parade will start at the Jersey Village Civic Center and travel down Jersey Drive to wrap up at Clark Henry Park. After the parade, there will be live music, food vendors, games and the Jersey Village Farmer’s Market. A fireworks show will conclude the festivities at 9:30 p.m. 5:30-9:45 p.m. Free (admission). Clark Henry Park, 7804 Equador St., Jersey Village. 713-466-2100. www.jerseyvillagetx.com
July 4: Epiphany Lutheran Church event
Epiphany Lutheran Church will also host live music, corn hole tournaments, children’s carnival games, food and more. Rounding out the evening will be a fireworks show at dusk. 5-9 p.m. Free (admission). Epiphany Lutheran Church and School, 14423 West Road, Houston. 281-796-0141. www.elcsh.org
July 4: City of Bellaire's Celebration of Independence Parade & Festival
The city of Bellaire hosts a parade down South Rice Avenue followed by a festival at Bellaire Town Square. The festival will include live music, food, pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatables and face painting. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free (admission). Bellaire Town Square, 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire. 713-662-8280. www.bellairetx.gov
July 4: Shell Feedom Over Texas
The city of Houston's annual event returns after a two-year hiatus. The event features live entertainment, festivities and a fireworks show. Performers across two stages include Sawyer Brown, Clay Walker and Blanco Brown, among others. 4-10 p.m. $10 (free for children ages 5 and younger). Elenor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks. www.freedomovertexas.org