Houston’s July Events and Celebrations

Name: Lodgeur
Price range: $$$

Fourth of July at Miller Outdoor Theatre: Music, fireworks, and the Houston skyline come together for a memorable celebration.

July brings patriotic celebrations, cultural festivals, and exciting sports action to Houston as summer hits its stride. The city lights up with fireworks, live music, and outdoor events perfect for the long summer days. Here’s your guide to July’s standout events:

Independence Day Celebrations

Freedom Over Texas Festival (July 4)

Where: Eleanor Tinsley Park
Duration: Six hours of festivities
Highlights: Live performances from local and national artists, food vendors, and choreographed fireworks
Crowd Size: Typically draws around 50,000 attendees
Details: Freedom Over Texas

Star Spangled Salute (July 4)

Where: Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park
What It Is: Houston Symphony’s annual patriotic performance
Signature Moment: Dramatic fireworks display accompanied by a 16-cannon salute
Cost: Free admission
Seating Tip: Free tickets for covered seating available at 10am on July 3 (get them fast, they go quickly!)
Get Tickets: Miller Outdoor Theatre ticket information
Program Info: Star Spangled Salute

Houston Fourth Fest (July 4)

What It Is: Patriotism meets fitness with themed races and food competitions to celebrate Independence Day
Race Options: Choose from 5K, 9K, or the cleverly patriotic 17.76K distance that commemorates the year of American independence
Food Challenge: Watch competitors battle in the Hot Dog Eating Championship or test your appetite in the Beer Mile where running and drinking combine
Family Activities: Beyond the races, the event includes family-friendly games, patriotic decorations, and a festive atmosphere
Register: Houston Fourth Fest

Family Entertainment

Movies At Miller: Wicked (July 5)

Where: Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park
Perfect For: Family movie night with zero dollars spent in the pleasant evening air
The Experience: Watch the hit musical film adaptation on the theatre’s large screen with state-of-the-art sound
Comfort Tip: Bring lawn chairs or blankets for hillside seating, or try for covered seats (free tickets available day before)
Dining Options: Pack a picnic dinner or snacks to enjoy during the movie – outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted
Movie Info: Movies At Miller

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire (July 19-20)

Where: Toyota Center, Houston
Perfect For: Families seeking engine-revving excitement and spectacular vehicle destruction
The Experience: Fan-favorites Mega Wrex and Tiger Shark perform alongside the debut of fossil-themed newcomer Skelesaurus in a neon-illuminated arena
Comfort Tip: Earplugs recommended, especially for younger attendees sensitive to the thunderous engine noise
Dining Options: Standard arena concessions available, with themed merchandise stands throughout the concourse
Event Info:Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live

Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” (Through July 26)

Where: Main Street Theater at MATCH
For the Kids: Mo Willems’ beloved book characters jump from page to stage in this musical adaptation
Story: Best friends Elephant Gerald and Piggie experience the ups and downs of friendship through song, dance, and plenty of silly moments
Runtime: A kid-friendly 60 minutes with no intermission, perfect for young attention spans
Age Recommendation: Most enjoyable for children ages 3-8, but entertaining for the whole family
Planning Tip: Check out Lodgeur’s complete guide to MATCH Theater for parking, dining, and family outing advice
Tickets: Main Street Theater

Sports Action

Houston Astros (Multiple Home Games)

Where: Daikin Park
July Matchups: Games against Miami Marlins, Texas Rangers, and more
Perfect For: Family outings or evenings with friends
Tickets: Houston Astros official site

Houston Dynamo (Home Games)

Where: Shell Energy Stadium
The Experience: High-energy Major League Soccer action
Get Tickets: Houston Dynamo FC

Sports Fan? Explore all of Houston’s teams in Lodgeur’s guide to Houston’s professional sports teams

Culture & Festivals

Anime Matsuri (July 10-13)

Where: George R. Brown Convention Center
What It Is: One of the largest anime conventions in North America with four days of Japanese pop culture celebration
Highlights: Celebrity guests, cosplay competitions, artist alley, vendor hall, and themed panels
Activities: Maid café, gaming area, fashion shows featuring Japanese designers, and exclusive film screenings
Audience: Appeals to anime fans, cosplayers, gamers, and anyone interested in Japanese culture
Convention Details: Anime Matsuri official website

Houston Caribbean Festival (July 27-28)

What It Is: Colorful celebration of Caribbean carnival traditions now in its third decade
Experience: Dance to the rhythms of soca, reggae, and calypso while sampling authentic cuisine from across the islands
Atmosphere: The festival transforms Houston with elaborate costumes, energetic performances, and cultural exhibitions
Flavors: Try dishes ranging from jerk chicken and curry goat to roti and plantains from various Caribbean nations
Festival Info: Houston Caribbean Festival

Houston Shakespeare Festival (July 31 – August 2)

Where: Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park
On Stage: Free performances of the historical drama “Henry V” and the romantic comedy “As You Like It” under the stars
Experience: Professional-quality productions presented by the University of Houston’s School of Theatre & Dance
What to Bring: Many attendees arrive early with picnic blankets and snacks to secure spots on the hill for these popular performances
Tradition: This beloved Houston cultural tradition has been bringing free Shakespeare to the community since 1975
Details: Houston Shakespeare Festival