HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The City of Houston has officially announced its plans for this year’s Freedom Over Texas event, set to take place at Eleanor Tinsley Park this summer as part of the nation’s celebration of its 250th anniversary in 2026.
As the Fourth of July approaches, the city is gearing up for a birthday bash that promises a thrilling lineup of performances and activities for all ages.
Headlining this year’s main stage will be multi-platinum artist and songwriter Lee Brice, known for his chart-topping singles such as “One of Them Girls,” “I Don’t Dance,” and “Hard to Love.”
Joining him as the opening act is Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde, who has received accolades for her compelling albums like “Girl Going Nowhere” and “The Devil I Know.”
Mayor John Whitmire expressed excitement over the upcoming celebration, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome some of the biggest country music entertainers to Houston. Lee Brice and Ashley McBryde will headline this year’s Freedom Over Texas as we celebrate our nation’s birthday and host a communitywide celebration.”
Whitmer further added that the event is a cherished tradition for many Houston families, promising new features aimed at making this year’s event more exciting and accessible.
Set against the backdrop of Buffalo Bayou along Allen Parkway, Freedom Over Texas is an event that combines live music, fireworks, and a variety of engaging activities.
ABC13 is notably involved as the official TV sponsor of this year’s festivities, ensuring that no one will miss the action.
This year, special emphasis will be placed on making the event more accessible to all attendees, with most of the site transitioning to a cashless system to streamline purchases.
As always, the celebration will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display, illuminating the skies after the live performances conclude.
Attendees can anticipate a robust lineup of activities at Eleanor Tinsley Park, including:
– **Bud Light Bayou Bash:** A vibrant beer garden featuring a cozy beach area, ideal for enjoying the performances and the fireworks show.
– **Dr Pepper Flavor Zone:** A family-friendly area where attendees can savor floats and engage with representatives from Houston’s professional sports teams while enjoying live music and dance performances on the Dr Pepper Stage.
– **Red, White & Play Kids Zone:** A dedicated space with free games, face painting, and educational activities designed for children of all ages. DJ London will keep the energy high while local performers, including Houston’s G.W. Carver High School’s Dance Team, will showcase their talents throughout the day.
– **Liberty Park:** An area honoring all five branches of the military and first responders, featuring displays of military vehicles and plenty of opportunities for memorable photo ops.
For those considering attending the event, admission is priced at $10 per person, while children aged five and under can enjoy free entry. Tickets can be acquired online through the Freedom Over Texas website or purchased at the gates on the day of the event.
Parking is offered for a fee at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts parking garage, located at 800 Bagby Street in downtown Houston, with additional options available in the nearby Theater District Parking Garages.
To ensure a smooth arrival, attendees should be aware of several road closures in the vicinity of the event, which will be implemented not only on the day of the celebration but also on the days leading up to it.
**Event Street Closures:**
– From **Wednesday, July 2, at 7:00 A.M.** to **Saturday, July 5, at 5:00 A.M.**, various sections of Allen Parkway will have restricted access, including ramps from I-45 and intersections along Allen Parkway.
– On **Friday, July 4, from 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M.**, several streets will be closed, including Bagby and Lamar.
– Additional closures will happen during key traffic periods, particularly around firework display times and throughout the day of the event.
As many as 50,000 people are expected to attend Freedom Over Texas, making it Houston’s premier July 4th celebration.
This event not only serves as a joyous occasion filled with music and fireworks, but it also contributes to the community, as a percentage of food and beverage sales will be donated to the Houston Food Bank.
The annual celebration at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks provides a festive atmosphere where families can come together and enjoy all that Houston has to offer on Independence Day.
So mark your calendars and join in the celebration as Houston prepares to honor its traditions and welcome a day of patriotism, community, and entertainment.
image source from：https://abc13.com/post/freedom-texas-lee-brice-headline-houstons-4th-july-celebration-eleanor-tinsley-park-ashley-mcbryde-open/16578788/
