Where will you be when the fireworks go off?
The elaborate annual fireworks display over the city of Houston known as Freedom Over Texas can be seen by those gathered for the city's festivities in Eleanor Tinsley Park as well as by revelers throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. It's important to get your seat--be that on the banks of Buffalo Bayou or at your favorite bar--early so you don't miss the show.
If you're not a big fireworks fan, there are events around town for you, too. Sit back and relax with some food (and maybe some bubbly) and celebrate the country's independence in style at a swanky local restaurant.
Or, if you prefer crawfish and beer with your patriotism, there's an event for that, too. Just saying.
4th of July Crawfish Party Beaucoup Bar & Grill Told ya there was still crawfish. Catch the tail end of the season (get it...tail end?) at Beacoup Ber & Grill, where you can party with beer pong, flip cup and mudbugs. For $25, get a crawfish platter with spicy sausage, potatoes and corn. Doesn't feel enough like college for you yet? There will be Jell-O shots as well for $1 each. Draft beer and frozen drinks are $3. Tickets are $25 (includes cost of crawfish platter), and must be purchased online.
BBQ a la Français Bistro Provence It may seem counterintuitive to celebrate America's independence at a French restaurant, but hear me out. The quaint bistro is serving American-style barbecue and grill fare with a French twist, like a burger topped with foie gras and sundried tomatoes or a barbecued Merguez sausage served on a baguette with Harissa sauce. For a low-key way to celebrate America's continental roots (avec du vin), make a reservation at Bistro Provence.
Burgers & Brew Bus Houston Wave Let someone else do the driving for you while you bar hop from BRC Gastropub to Buffalo Bayou Brewery before returning to Silver Street Studios for the fireworks show. Guests are asked to meet at Silver Street promptly at 5 p.m. From there, they'll hop the Wave around town, first for burgers and beer at BRC then for a brewery tour and tasting at Buffalo Bayou. Ticketholders can bring chairs and coolers with beverages for the fireworks show back at Silver Street. Tickets are $60 for the bus tour (including food and drink) and $10 for entry to the fireworks viewing area at Silver Street without the bus tour. Get tickets online today, as this event will likely sell out.
July 4th Bubbles and Fireworks Buffalo Bayou Partnership Pontoon Boat What better way to see the fireworks than from a boat in the middle of Buffalo Bayou while you sip champagne? For the first time ever, Buffalo Bayou Partnership is inviting 21 people to gather on a pontoon boat and set out down the scenic bayou. Well, at least it'll be a good spot for watching the 'works, and with only 21 people on board, it shouldn't be too crowded. A $100 ticket gets you the boat ride as well as champagne and light snacks. Because seating is so limited, you're encouraged to get your tickets online as soon as possible.
Patio Party 60 Degrees Mastercrafted If you haven't yet experienced the great patio at 60 Degrees Mastercrafted, now's your chance. Beginning at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 4, 60 Degrees will host a party featuring barbecue, beer and frozen drink specials. There will also be a live band (no word on whether it's the same charming duo that plays brunch). Because patio space is limited, reservations are required. Call the restaurant to make sure you get a spot for some of Certified Master Chef Fritz Gitschner's brand of barbecue.
