Celebration of Independence Parade and Festival on July 3
The city of Bellaire kicks off its celebration with a parade beginning at the intersection of South Rice Avenue and Valerie Street. The parade is led by the Children’s Bike Parade, which begins at the intersection of South Rice Avenue and Evergreen Street, and no preregistration is required to participate in the bike parade. Afterwards, at around 10 a.m., the city will have a live band, food and other activities at Loftin Park. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. 7008 S. Rice Ave., Bellaire (festival). 713-662-8280. www.bellairetx.gov
Fun in the Sun, Water Day on July 4
The Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center offers sprinklers, water balloons and other water games for children ages 12 and under to enjoy this Independence Day. 10 a.m.-noon. $15 (per family). Merfish Teen Center, 9000 South Rice Ave., Houston. 713-729-3200. www.erjcchouston.org
Taste of Texas Food Festival on July 4
The Taste of Texas Food Festival comes to Houston this Fourth of July, featuring 50 different food trucks and vendors from around the city covering a variety of food types. Other activities include face painting, bounce houses, a live DJ and arts and crafts vendors. 1-6 p.m. Free (ages under 12); $5 (advanced presale tickets); $25 (general admission at entrance). The Zone, 10371 Stella Link Road, Houston. 832-461-6729. www.tasteoftexasfoodfestival.com
Women in Translation panel July 8
Eight women from the field of book translating discuss their work during a webinar panel moderated by the writer Veronica Esposito. Online registration required. 7 p.m. Free. 713-523-0701. www.brazosbookstore.com
Public Poetry on July 10
In a virtual event hosted once a month by Houston Public Library, various poets and storytellers present their work. Between featured sessions, there is an open mic for any participants to read a piece aloud. Registration is required and spots are limited. 2-4 p.m. Free. 832-393-1313. www.houstonlibrary.org
We Already Have What We Need' on July 15
Through Oct. 3, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston hosts an exhibition titled “We Already Have What We Need,” by Los Angeles-based artist Cauleen Smith that emphasizes acts of caring as solutions to injustices shaping past and present in a multimedia format. Free. 5216 Montrose Boulevard, Houston. 713-284-8250. www.camh.org
Lemonade Day Houston on July 17
A national program to teach children about entrepreneurship culminates in this citywide day to celebrate young participants and their lemonade stand businesses. Children should register online ahead of the event to first complete the learning program at their own pace, and they will then be provided with all the necessary materials for their stand. Participants can keep all profits, and stands can be branded to be put on an online map for visitors to find and support. All day. Free. 713-893-0990. www.lemonadeday.org/houston
Willow Waterhole Audubon Society Bird Survey on July 17
Joy Hester from the Audubon Society leads a group in observing and counting birds at the Gathering Place. The event is hosted by the Westbury Civic Club every third Saturday of the month. 8-9 a.m. Free. The Gathering Place, 5310 South Willow Drive, Houston. 713-723-5437. www.westburycrier.com
Summer Mess Makers, Outside the (Sand) Box on July 25
For children ages 3-7, the Nature Discovery Center hosts a chance to be creative and have messy fun. To ensure social distancing, the outdoor class is capped at the first 10 to register. 10-11:15 a.m. $20 (members), $25 (nonmembers). Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle St., Bellaire. 713-667-6550. www.naturediscoverycenter.org
Miller Outdoor Theatre Summer Mixtape Series July 29-31
This three-day music showcase features local performers from a variety of genres, including Raycheal Winters, El Lago and Swimwear Department, plus projection artist Input Output. Seats can be claimed starting July 22, at no more than four per person. 8:30-10:30 p.m. (each day). Free (admission). Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston. 832-487-7102. www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/performances
Worth the trip:
The Hella Mega Tour on July 29
Green Day, Fall Out Boy and Weezer perform at Minute Maid Park on their Hella Mega Tour, along with special guest The Interrupters. The tour, originally set for summer 2020, was rescheduled this year due to COVID-19. 5:30 p.m. $29.50 and up. Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford St., Houston. http://mlb.com/astros/tickets/concerts/hella-mega-tour
