Mayor John Whitmire announced May 29 details of this years signature Fourth of July celebration known as Freedom Over Texas, including the highly-anticipated music lineup. In 2025, the event will include performances by Ashley McBryde and Lee Brice, two top country singers.
The celebration
According to the May news release, this year the site will also be cashless and will feature festivities such as the Bud Light Bayou Bash, a tropical beer garden; the Dr. Pepper Flavor Zone, a family-friendly spot serving floats with members of Houston's sports teams; and the Red, White & Play Kids Zone, which features free games and activities such as face painting, as well as a performance by the Carver High School Dance Team.
Liberty Park will also serve as a reminder for the historic roots of July 4th with representatives from the five military branches—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy. Guests can take photos with military equipment and participate in booth activities
- July 4, 4-8 p.m.
- $10 (admission)
- Eleanor Tinsley Park, 3600 Allen Parkway, Houston
- www.houstontx.gov/july4/
M-K-T Sunset Market
The M-K-T’s spin on a typical farmers market occurs on a weeknight and is a family-friendly event where visitors can enjoy charcuterie on the wave deck, enjoy live music, or participate in face painting on the lawn.
- June 19, 6-9 p.m.
- Free (admission)
- 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston
- www.themkt.com/events
Guests can travel through Polynesia at the Crowne Plaza and watch hula dancers tell the story of the islands with their hands and hips as they dance along to the Drums of the Pacific, USA. Dinner will also be served during the show.
- June 20, 27 and 28, 5-8 p.m.
- $85-$150
- 2712 Southwest Freeway, Houston
- www.houstondinnershow.com
Juneteenth 2025 marks 160 years since Freedmen’s Town was established in Houston. The conservancy will celebrate the honor with a month-long series of events and a festival that will include a day-long celebration of art, music and history with a fireside chat with Marc Lamont Hill.
- June 19, all-day event
- Free
- 1300 Victor St., Houston
- www.houstonfreedmenstown.org/juneteenth-2025
The pop-culture festival includes entertainment, special attractions, programming and celebrity meet-and-greets representing a myriad of fandoms. The event will include several vendors and an exhibition floor at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
- June 20-22, times vary
- $55-$220 admission
- 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston
- www.comicpalooza.com
The 47th official Houston LGBT+ pride celebration will include a festival and parade in Downtown Houston. The event includes outdoor music, dozens of vendors, food trucks, family fun zone and various entertainment. This year’s theme is “Celebration is Our Legacy.”
- June 28, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- $5-$300 (admission), parade is free
- 901 Bagby St., Houston
- www.pridehouston365.org
