HOUSTON — It's no surprise that Fourth of July celebrations are going to look a lot different this year in the Houston area.
With Harris County having one of the highest amounts of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and now at the "highest possible threat level" for the virus, local leaders are stressing that residents stay home and only leave their houses for grocery store runs or medical needs.
So what does this mean for all city and county-wide events happening for the Fourth?
Well, many are still a go but with a virtual or social distance twist. And if you are attending any outdoor fireworks celebrations, it is highly urged you and your family stay inside your vehicle.
Below is a list of Fourth of July events happening in the Houston area and how to participate safely:
SHELL FREEDOM OVER TEXAS
Time: Saturday, July 4 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m
- The concert portion will be broadcast on TV and online. The grand fireworks show is still happening in downtown Houston, but event-goers are urged to stay in their vehicles. More details here.
Road Closures for Freedom Over Texas:
Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway will be closed as follows:
-- Friday, July 3 at 4 p.m. to Sunday, July 5 at 11:59 p.m.
Metered Parking along Buffalo Bayou Park between Sabine Street and Taft Street Block 600-1900
-- Saturday, July 4, 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
- Allen Parkway north and southbound exit ramps from I-45 (South and North Freeways)
- Allen Parkway inbound and outbound between Taft and Bagby St.
- Walker Street split at Allen Parkway outbound
- Heiner Street at West Dallas St
- Crosby Street at Allen Parkway inbound
- Park Vista Dr. at Allen Parkway inbound
- Gillette Street at Allen Parkway inbound
- Taft Street at Allen Parkway inbound
- Memorial Dr. inbound and outbound between Shepherd Dr. and Bagby St.
- Sabine at the Sabine bridge at Allen Parkway outbound
- Westbound N Memorial Way entrance ramp between Trinity and Sabine
CITY OF ROSENBERG FIREWORKS
Time: Saturday, July 4 at dusk
The city will still host its spectacular fireworks show; however, Seabourne Creek Nature Park will be closed to the public. There will be no food vendors or live music as originally planned. Spectators are invited to enjoy the patriotic 25-minute show from various vantage points across the City while maintaining safe social distancing.
TOMBALL FIREWORKS CELEBRATION
Time: Saturday, July 4 around 9:30 p.m.
You will be able to view the fireworks around FM 2920 at Highway 249 and there will be music played during the celebration on Tomball's radio station 95.3 FM.
CITY OF KATY FREEDOM CELEBRATION
Time: Saturday, July 4 around 9 p.m.
The city of Katy will have a fireworks celebration and music at 9 p.m. near Typhoon Texas and Katy Mills Mall. For the health and safety of you and others, the City of Katy requests that you maintain 6 feet of social distance and wear a face mask during the event. More details here.
SUGAR LAND RED, WHITE AND BOOM CELEBRATION
Time: Saturday, July 4 at 8 p.m.
This event will be happening virtually. The pre-recorded celebration video will feature local residents, businesses and city staff all showcasing community pride before reflecting on footage from past years’ event programming and fireworks finale.
You can watch here: http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/VirtualJuly4
CITY OF ALVIN INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS SHOW
Time: 9 p.m.
The City of Alvin's fireworks show will be launched from Briscoe Park. However, to expand the show’s viewing area, Briscoe Park will be closed to the public. The community can expect a very powerful and “sky-high” show compared to previous years, with visibility up to ¾ of a mile, or more, away from the park. You can tune to KACC 89.7 FM for patriotic music during the show. More details here.
*If you know of any Fourth of July celebrations happening in your area, email information to web@khou.com so we can add to this list*