People dance while Ashley McBryde performs at the Fourth of July Freedom Over Texas celebration in Houston, Friday, July 4, 2025.
Ashleigh Lucas/Houston Chronicle
This year’s Freedom Over Texas comes at a unique time for Houston.
The city’s annual Fourth of July celebration returns to Eleanor Tinsley Park on July 4, as Houston hosts its final FIFA World Cup matches and the United States marks its 250th anniversary. Here’s everything you need to know before heading downtown.
What is Freedom Over Texas?
Michael Swearingen, left, and his daughter Violet listen to music during the annual Freedom Over Texas festival on the Fourth of July, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Houston.
Ishika Samant/Staff photographer
Now in its 39th year, Freedom Over Texas is Houston’s official Fourth of July celebration, produced by the City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Special Events. The annual festival features live entertainment, family activities, food vendors and a fireworks finale over Buffalo Bayou.
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When is Freedom Over Texas?
Houstonians celebrate at the Freedom Over Texas celebration along Buffalo Bayou.
Mark Mulligan, Staff Photographer / Mark Mulligan / Houston Chronicle
Freedom Over Texas runs from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4.
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Where is Freedom Over Texas?
A crowd forms to enjoy the performance of the Houstonian band called The Suffers during the Freedom Over Texas festival, Monday, July 4, 2016, in Houston. ( Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle )
Marie D. De Jesús/Houston Chronicle
The festival takes place at Eleanor Tinsley Park along Allen Parkway in downtown Houston.
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How much are Freedom Over Texas tickets?
People gather at the Fourth of July Freedom Over Texas celebration in Houston, Friday, July 4, 2025.
Ashleigh Lucas/Houston Chronicle
General admission is $15, and tickets can be purchased online through ETix or at the gate. Children ages 12 and younger are admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Who is performing at Freedom Over Texas this year?
Keith Urban, Collective Soul and Los Lonely Boys will play Houston’s 2026 Freedom Over Texas on July 4 at Eleanor Tinsley Park.
Jamaal Ellis/Contributor
Country music star Keith Urban headlines this year’s celebration. The four-time Grammy Award winner is known for hits including “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” “Somebody Like You” and “Wasted Time.”
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Joining him are rock band Collective Soul, known for songs including “Shine,” “December” and “The World I Know,” and Grammy-winning Texas trio Los Lonely Boys.
What is new at Freedom Over Texas?
Families play on sand beaches during the annual Freedom Over Texas festival on the Fourth of July, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Houston.
Ishika Samant/Staff photographer
New this year is Futbol Park, a soccer-themed area in Sam Houston Park tied to Houston’s role as a host city for the FIFA World Cup. The space will include soccer games and activities, food vendors, large outdoor screens, photo spots and seating.
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Returning attractions include the Bud Zone, Dr Pepper Flavor Zone, All American Kid Zone and Liberty Park, offering drinks, live entertainment, family activities and tributes to the military and first responders.
HOUSTON EXPLAINED: Houston has always been a soccer city. The 2026 World Cup is finally proving it.
What time do Freedom Over Texas fireworks start?
Fireworks during the annual Freedom Over Texas festival on the Fourth of July, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Houston.
Ishika Samant/Staff photographer
The fireworks begin at 9 p.m. and are expected to conclude around 10 p.m.
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Where to park for Freedom Over Texas
Festival goers make their way down Allen Parkway during the annual Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park on the Fourth of July, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Houston.
Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer
The City of Houston encourages attendees to use METRO’s expanded weekend Park & Ride service to help reduce traffic around downtown.
Paid parking is available at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts garage at 800 Bagby St., with entrances on Rusk Street between Houston Avenue and Bagby Street. Additional paid parking is available in the Theater District parking garages, accessible from Rusk Street between Bagby and Smith streets.
What streets will be closed for Freedom Over Texas?
People gather at the Fourth of July Freedom Over Texas celebration in Houston, Friday, July 4, 2025.
Ashleigh Lucas/Houston Chronicle
Several streets around Eleanor Tinsley Park will close before, during and after the festival. Here’s a breakdown of the closures:
Street closures from July 2 at 7 a.m. to July 5 at 9 a.m.
Allen Parkway north and southbound exit ramps from I-45 (South and North Freeways)
Allen Parkway outbound at Bagby
Allen Parkway inbound at Taft (No access to I-45 S/Heiner/Crosby until 5 p.m. on July 5)
Sabine Street at Memorial Drive & at the Bridge
Sabine Street at Bridge, blocking southbound traffic to Allen Parkway
Gillette Street (mid-block) by the federal building (after apartment entrance)
Walker & Sabine access blocked to Allen Parkway and Sabine Street. (I-45 North on-ramp and the loop to McKinney will remain open)
Crosby Street at W. Dallas Street
Heiner Street at W. Dallas Street
Street closures on July 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Bagby northbound at Dallas
Lamar between Smith and Bagby
Brazos Street at Dallas
Street closures on July 4 from 3-11 p.m.
Street closures on July 4 from 5-10:30 p.m.
Sawyer Street at Washington Avenue
Allen Parkway inbound at Waugh
Allen Parkway Service Road at Montrose Boulevard (access to residents at all times)
Memorial Drive inbound at Waugh Drive
Memorial Drive outbound at Bagby
Street closures on July 4 from 9-10 p.m.
Sabine Street between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive
The Buffalo Bayou Waterway will be closed on July 4, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., between the Capitol Street Bridge and Montrose Boulevard/Studemont Street.