Houston is gearing up for one of its busiest Fourth of July weekends in recent memory as the nation marks 250 years since the start of our union.
The city will be buzzing from morning to night with concerts, sporting events, patriotic ceremonies and massive fireworks displays—bringing heavy traffic, rowdy crowds and plenty of noise along the way.
In other words, it is safe to say Houston is going to be insane this weekend on all fronts.
And before you file a 311 complaint about your neighbor’s fireworks, it’s worth knowing that those loud booms may not actually be illegal, depending on where you live.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest Fourth of July events happening around Houston this weekend, followed by what to know about where fireworks are and aren’t allowed.
1. Freedom over Texas
Houston’s Freedom over Texas is expected to draw a crowd of 35,000 attendees into the heart of downtown for the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration. This year’s musical lineup will feature New Zealand country artist Keith Urban, joined by opening acts Collective Soul and Los Lonely Boys. The event will also feature an area for World Cup festivities, a kid zone with games and face paintings, a Budweiser beer garden and a Dr. Pepper Parlor tent with a variety of flavor tastings. The event will round out with a firework show scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
2. Canada vs. Morocco World Cup Match
The Canadian and Moroccan teams will compete against one another in the last World Cup to be hosted at Houston Stadium. The game will kick off at noon on Saturday in the round of 16, drawing large crowds into NRG park as well as Eado as fans gather at the FIFA Fan Festival to watch.
3. Star-Spangled Salute
If you are looking for something beyond a backyard cookout and sparklers, head to the Miller Outdoor Theatre for a free performance from the Houston Symphony as they put on their annual Star-Spangled Salute. The free event will feature a lineup of patriotic performances ending with a grand finale firework display.
Tickets will become available at 10 a.m. July 3 on the Miller Outdoor Theatre website.
For more events happening in the greater Houston area, head to VisitHouston.com for a comprehensive guide.
Inside Houston city limits, discharging fireworks is illegal and can result in a fine from $200 to $2,000 for each individual firework if you are caught.
However the rules change once you leave the city. In unincorporated communities in Montgomery, Harris and Fort Bend counties, fireworks are permitted as long as they are not discharged near churches, hospitals, child care centers or schools. Homeowner Owner Associations may also have specific regulations in place per neighborhood.
If the shower of booms and pops keeps you awake at night, or sends your dog into hiding, there is a chance your neighbors may not actually be breaking the law if you live in one of these communities. A pillow and a pair of earplugs may be your best bet for the night.
And no, even though The Woodlands is a township, that doesn’t mean fireworks are legal there, too.
