i was supposed to still be on my bike ride this 4th of july but as fate would have it i’m actually going to be home sweet home in houston. i’m going to a lunchtime pool party and then my annual neighborhood block party, YAY mom for organzie the whole dang thing. then will probably bike over to Rice or allen parkway to watch fireworks. fun fact: last year i was so close to down town i started getting pelted with firecracker ash and debris. it was kind of scary so i left. hope this pretty complete list of houston parties (excluding private ones) will help you make plans.

• city of bellaire: july fourth parade + festival . bellaire triangle . 9:30am-1pm . FREE
• 17th annual nigerian arts, cultural, and music festival . cullen park phase IV . 10am . FREE
• restore the fourth: houston . discovery green . 12pm . FREE
• fourth of july at bayou bend . bayou bend collection and gardens . 1-5pm . FREE
• freedom over texas . eleanor tinsley park . 4pm . $8
• another run // the trimms boat party 3 . 5pm . $40 gets you: music, free booze, and a ticket to the boat party
• 3rd annual fourth of july party . steamboat ampworks . 5pm . FREE
• independence day parade + fireworks show . galveston . 7:30 parade // 20 minute fireworks show at 9:15pm . FREE
• geto boys w/ grandfather child, the beans, and disco daddies . uhhh, ask makenzie where it is . 8pm . Free – $5
• houston symphony exxon mobil summer nights: a star spangled salute . miller outdoor theatre . 8:30-10:30 pm . FREE

and for july 5th

• red, white, black, & blue first friday FREE potluck BBQ . 1012 Tabor St Dre Forgotten’s home . 7pm – 2am . FREE (bring something to sahare)