Best Places to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in the Houston Area

Have you already decided where you will watch the fireworks on July 4?

In true Texas fashion, the Lone Star State goes big for America’s birthday. Fun fact: According to The Travel Channel, Houston is home to the largest land-based Independence Day fireworks display in the country.

Whether you’re in Houston or its suburbs for the Fourth of July, there are several dazzling fireworks shows to choose from.

Here are some of the major fireworks displays happening in the Houston metro area on July 4:

When: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Or: Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks, Houston.

Head to Eleanor Tinsley Park and Sam Houston Park for Houston’s largest Fourth of July event. The annual celebration will feature six hours of festivities, live concerts featuring local and national entertainment, an array of food and beverages, and culminate in a “Texas-sized” fireworks display along Allen Parkway. A portion of food and beverage sales will benefit the Houston Food Bank. General admission tickets can be purchased for $10 online or in person at the event. Children ages 5 and under are free. Visit the Freedom Over Texas event page for more information.

If your idea of ​​a Fourth of July celebration puts the “go home” in “go big or go home,” don’t worry. The fireworks show will be broadcast live on television. You’ll be able to enjoy the epic view while having plenty of breathing room and without needing to plan your view hours in advance.

When: 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Or: 401 Franklin Street, Houston.

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day of festivities that lets you get a great view of the Freedom Over Texas fireworks from the comfort of an uncrowded rooftop, consider the POST celebration. The event flyer features complimentary circus performers, balloon artists and face painting, tasty food, and multiple rooftop bars. Attendees will enjoy it all while listening to live performances by the Houston Brass Band and Alias ​​Band, one of the best cover bands around. Tickets, available for purchase on Eventbrite , are $25 plus fees for adults and free for children ages 5 and under.

POST will be selling limited tickets to access the rooftop to avoid overcrowding during the fireworks. Purchase your tickets as soon as possible to secure your coveted spot for the rooftop view of the Freedom Over Texas finale.

When: 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Or: 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston

If you’re a fan of symphony orchestras, don’t miss the Houston Symphony Orchestra’s biggest performance of the year with an epic tribute to the United States at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. The symphony, conducted by Jason Seber, will perform patriotic favorites, followed by a grand finale of fireworks at 10 p.m. This is a must-see event that will not be livestreamed, according to the event page.

All performances at the Miller Outdoor Theater are free, but reservations are required for the best seats. Reserve up to four tickets online for indoor seating, starting the day before the event. You can also opt for hillside seating, meaning bring your own chair or blanket. Hillside seating does not require reservations; They are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Visit the Miller Outdoor Theater website for more information about the event and seating.

When: 11am-10pm

Or: 555 Katy Road Fort Bend, Katy.

Find a place to cool off while you celebrate the fourth anniversary of Texas Typhoon Houston. The water park is partnering with the city of Katy for an all-day family adventure. Event highlights include skydivers, mermaids, face painting, live music, access to the Typhoon Texas lineup of rides, and an epic fireworks display produced by the City of Katy. Season pass holders receive free access to all park events. General admission tickets for non-season pass holders are available online for $44.99 per person, before taxes and fees. Visit the Typhoon Texas website for more information.

When: 9:15 p.m.-9:45 p.m.

Or: 37th Street and Seawall Pier, Galveston.

Some of the best fireworks displays take place near bodies of water, with the colored lights reflecting just like that. If you’re a patriotic beachgoer, Galveston is the perfect place to enjoy a day of beachside fun in the sun, then indulge in a fireworks show with the Gulf of Mexico as a backdrop.

Galveston Island will host several festivities throughout Independence Day, including a parade along Seawall Boulevard from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and a performance by the Galveston Beach Band from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Here’s the best part: the events are all free. We love 4th of July celebrations on a budget.

Visit the Independence Day celebration page on the Visit Galveston website for more information on the various events honoring the nation’s birthday.