Freedom Over Texas firework show will happen but festival will not

HOUSTON – Freedom Over Texas, Houston’s annual July 4th celebration, will be very different this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, but people can still enjoy the traditional firework show.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the usual festival along Buffalo Bayou will not happen this year, but a concert by the Houston Symphony Orchestra and other artists will be streamed live and aired on television. There will be no live audience at the concert, Turner said.

“I can promise you that it will be a quality, entertaining production,” Turner said. “We are committed to providing a program that is reflective of the diversity and strength of our own city and celebrates the ideas of our founding fathers.”

The performances will be followed by a 15-minute firework finale, which will happen along Buffalo Bayou.

“Watch it on television, in your backyard, on a balcony,” Turner said.

Turner encouraged anyone who is around others while watching the fireworks to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

For more information about the celebration, go to houstontx.gov/july4.

You can watch a replay of Turner’s news conference below.

Freedom Over Texas announcement

Details about this year's Freedom Over Texas are being announced.

Posted by KPRC2 / Click2Houston on Monday, June 15, 2020