Area Fourth of July events offer fun for the whole family

Fourth of July at Towne Lake

Open to the public, the annual celebration in the master-planned community of Towne Lake returns this year with a fireworks show and other forms of entertainment. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m., but visitors can enjoy live music, a magic show and balloon artists beginning at 7:30 p.m. Several food vendors will also set up shop at the event. Parking is available at Lone Star College–CyFair. Towne Lake is located off Barker Cypress Road between West and Tuckerton roads. www.townelaketexas.com

Tomball's July 4th Celebration and Street Party

Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and coolers to Business 249 as the city shuts down the portion of the street north of FM 2920 from 2–10 p.m. for its free Fourth of July celebration. Food and drinks will be provided by local restaurants, The Original Rib Tickler and Pecos Grill. Various water activities and a bounce house will be available for children starting at 2:30 p.m.. At 5:30 p.m., the classic rock cover band, The Bottle Rockers will take the stage. The Posse, a southern rock and country band that can dish out an exceptional Lynard Skynard cover comes on at 7:30 p.m.. All of this leads up the the firework show, which is set to begin at 9:15. www.tomballtx.com

15th Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival in The Woodlands

The annual event returns to The Woodlands this year with festivities at Town Green Park, Waterway Square and along Woodlands Waterway. The event features live music on two stages, vendors, hot dog and watermelon eating contests and fireworks beginning at approximately 9:25 p.m. The festival runs from 6–10 p.m. In addition to the festival, the South County 4th of July Parade, featuring County Sheriff Tommy Gage as Grand Marshal, will wind along 1.3 through The Woodlands Town Center, beginning and ending at The Woodlands United Methodist Church.

City of Houston's Freedom Over Texas

If you’re willing to make the trek, the City of Houston’s annual festivities include a fireworks show over the downtown skyline. Several musical acts—including country artists Billy Currington and Sara Evans—will perform at the event at Eleanor Tinsley Park. There are several areas at the event, ranging from a beer garden to a children’s zone. The event, which costs $8, runs from 4–10 p.m. Eleanor Tinsley Park is located at Buffalo Bayou along Allen Parkway, just outside of downtown Houston. www.freedomovertexas.org