Before thousands of Houstonians gather along Buffalo Bayou to celebrate Independence Day, crews from Pyrotecnico spend hours carefully installing the fireworks that will light up the city’s skyline.|
The pyrotechnics are being staged in Buffalo Bayou Park for the City of Houston’s annual Freedom Over Texas celebration, now in its 39th year. This year’s festival also marks a milestone by celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Johnathan Smith, left, and Kadeem Anderson, both with Pyrotecnico, install wiring during fireworks prep at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park for the Freedom Over Texas in Houston Friday, July 3, 2026. (Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle)
Freedom Over Texas takes place Friday, July 4, from 3 to 10 p.m. at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston parks along Allen Parkway. The festival features live music, family activities, food vendors and entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening.
Country superstar Keith Urban headlines the concert lineup, joined by rock band Collective Soul and Texas favorites Los Lonely Boys. Festival attractions include a Futbol Park and viewing party, an All-American Kids Zone and a variety of food offerings.
The celebration culminates with a musically choreographed fireworks spectacular beginning at 9:30 p.m., illuminating the sky above Buffalo Bayou, Allen Parkway and the downtown Houston skyline.
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This article originally published at Behind the scenes: Installing the fireworks for Houston’s Freedom Over Texas Celebration.