Houston’s annual 4th of July celebration, Freedom Over Texas, is an event many residents look forward to every summer. It’s an outdoor festival that typically attracts thousands of individuals and has live music, food and drink vendors, and, of course, a breathtaking fireworks show. But this year’s Freedom Over Texas event is going to be quite a bit different than years past.
Mayor Sylvester Turner announced today that the popular annual event will take place this year without a live audience. The “re-imagined” 4th of July celebration will instead be broadcast to local television and streamed online with no public outdoor festival taking place. Mayor Turner encouraged people to stay safe at home and “watch it on your television, in your backyard, on a balcony.”
“Due to the pandemic, Shell Freedom Over Texas will be modified in order to continue to keep Houstonians safe. This year we will celebrate July 4 with the Houston Symphony, including live and virtual guests,” a statement on the City of Houston’s website reads.
ABC13 will broadcast the entire celebration on July 4 from 7-10 pm.
The show will feature the Houston Symphony starting the show with a patriotic tribute, followed by performances from Pat Green, Bun B, Trae Tha Truth, Mariachi Imperial De America, Los Luzeros De Rioverde, and other artists. Additionally, other regional acts will perform remotely from their own homes or stages, including Lyle Lovett, Josh Turner, Hunter Hayes, and La Mafia.
The evening will end with the typical amazing fireworks show that you’ll be able to see on TV or in the skyline over downtown depending on where you live.
Throughout the broadcast, a “Text to Give” campaign will take place to benefit the Houston Food Bank. Additionally, Walmart and Dr Pepper will partner with the Military Warriors Support Foundation to award one combat-wounded veteran a new home during the broadcast.
For more info on this year’s event, you can watch the full press conference below:
