Attendees braving the heat – and potential rain showers – will enjoy good food, live music and a massive 18-minute fireworks display at the Fourth of July event.
HOUSTON — The countdown is on to the City of Houston’s Fourth of July celebration, Freedom Over Texas, and crews are working hard to get Eleanor Tinsley Park ready for the annual event.
With tens of thousands expected to attend the six-hour celebration, the question on many minds is whether the weather will cooperate. There are rain chances in the forecast for Friday afternoon, but the precipitation should clear out before the nighttime fireworks show – a hopeful sign for organizers and attendees alike.
The gates open at 4 p.m. In addition to food vendors and plenty of activities, the celebration features a star-studded concert lineup, headlined by multi-platinum country singer Lee Brice and Grammy-winning artist Ashley McBryde. The live music is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
Then, for the main event, fireworks will once again light up the sky over Buffalo Bayou, just outside downtown Houston. The fireworks display will begin at 9:35 p.m. Huge crowds are expected to pack the park for the festivities.
“We’re expecting about 50,000 people down in the park, which is going to be incredible,” Miranda Ithaca, Freedom Over Texas Fireworks Crew Chief, said.
Behind the scenes, fireworks crews have been working around the clock to prepare for the 18-minute pyrotechnic show.
“We’ve got thousands of fireworks out here, as we do every year,” Ithaca said. “But what is most important is that we work to make sure that this show is different than you’ve ever seen before.”
Crews were seen carefully placing each firework and connecting hundreds of wires and devices in a highly coordinated setup on Thursday. Their goal? To dazzle the crowd.
“The best part is watching everyone’s expressions as they go off and watching how we see what we created,” pyrotechnician Terrence Wilson said.
Pyrotechnician Mark Hamilton added, “The applause at the end, when you hear the hooting and hollering, that’s what we do it for.”
City officials are reminding the public about important event logistics. Road closures will be in place along Allen Parkway, and most entrance gates will not accept cash. Guests should plan to use the QR code on their ticket for entry. And when it comes to parking, attendees should prepare before they come to the event.
“Plan ahead,” Ricardo Magdaleno, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events, said. “Don’t leave the house wondering where you’re going to park. Theatre District downtown is fantastic.”
Though the forecast includes possible rain, organizers remain optimistic.
“Knock on wood. The weather right now, it’s holding up,” Magdaleno said. “I don’t mind it being a little cloudy. It’s Houston. It’s always humid, but just come prepared for the elements.”
With high temperatures also expected, guests are encouraged to stay hydrated. While outside beverages are not permitted, attendees can bring empty bottles and refill them at hydration stations inside the park.
Tickets are still on sale. They are $10 per person, and kids age 5 and under get free admission.