RED, WHITE AND BLUE: WHAT ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO?

Variety of Activities Planned for July 4th

From magnificent firework displays and patriotic tunes performed by the Houston Symphony to Amazon Parrots and hands-on forensic crime solving, Houston offers something for everyone on July 4th.

So, make plans now with friends and family to celebrate the holiday and experience the exciting attractions and events in your own backyard in SpaceCity USA.

• BP Power of Freedom provides an evening of live musical entertainment ranging from blues, pop and Latino to the tunes of two-time Grammy winner Kenny Loggins. Sky Freedom Houston’s largest July 4th fireworks spectacular, highlights the evening with specially choreographed music paired with pyrotechnic artistry. And kids will have fun in the All-American Kids Zone, complete with rides and games. BP Power of Freedom takes place at Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou (along Allen Parkway) Gates open at 4 p.m. Admission is $6 per person. Children under ten years are free.

• The Houston Symphony performs a patriotic musical extravaganza at Miller Outdoor Theatre on July 4th. Under the Direction of Principal Pops Conductor Michael Krajewski, the Symphony will entertain Houstonians with such All-American favorites as the Star-Spangled Banner, Texas Sing-Along Medley, God Bless America and the 1812 Overture. The evening will culminate with a fireworks display. The Star-Spangled Salute begins at 8:30 p.m. Admission to Miller Outdoor Theatre is free. Tickets for seats in the covered area are available at the Miller Outdoor Theatre box office between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the day of the performance

• The entire family will enjoy a day at the Houston Zoo. Don’t miss the zoo’s recently renovated spectacled bear exhibit as well as the H-E-B World of Birds’ show which features macaws, a Bateleur eagle and Amazon Parrots. Admission is free on July 4th. The Zoo is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Regular admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, $2 for children ages 3-12 and free for children 2 and under. The Houston Zoo is located at 1513 North MacGregor

• Six Flags AstroWorld Fourth Fest salutes Independence Day with one of the largest displays of pyrotechnic power in Houston starting at approximately 9:30 p.m.

• Catch dinner and a great fireworks display on the water at the Kemah Boardwalk. While in Kemah, enjoy the rhythm and blues/rock n’ roll band Collaboration from 9-11 p.m. on the Plaza located in front of Boardwalk Inn. In addition to a variety of wonderful restaurants, there are midway games, a ferris wheel and amusement rides

• At Sam Houston Race Park: Foley’s & the Fourth of July sends up a late-night light show accompanied by music after the last race of the evening on July 4th.

• The Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular over Clear Lake delivers dazzling views to those on shore, on the water or at lakeside restaurants.

• At the Children’s Museum of Houston kids can celebrate the 4th by creating fireworks using colorful red, white and blue ribbon, designing an eagle decoration using paper and crayons and creating a patriotic windsock using colorful paper streamers. Museum hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. with Independence Day activities taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 per person and $4 for seniors 65 years and older. Children under 2 and Museum Members are admitted free of charge.

• The Menil Collection presents JAMES ROSENQUIST, eye-popping Pop Art retrospective by an American master (major exhibition, NYC-bound, In conjunction with the MFAH), and highlights of SURREALISM, featuring world-renowned works by such artists as Max Ernst, Rene Magritte. Salvador Dali, Roberto Matta: dreamscapes, humorous juxtapositions, day-for-night surrealistic visions of the world. Plus fluorescent light installation by DAN FLAVIN, a carnivalesque environment of multi-colored light and it’s all FREE!

• Saint Peter and the Vatican The Legacy of the Popes is on display at the Houston Museum of Natural Science through July 27. This exclusive exhibition showcases the history and beauty of the Vatican through a once-in-a-lifetime collection of historical artifacts

• Are you a sleuth at heart? If so, the McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science has just the exhibit for you! Whodunit? The Science of Solving Crime, is an exciting hands-on forensic mystery exhibit on display through September 6 Museum-goers can explore the scientific methods and technologies used to solve crimes, including DNA evidence, fingerprints, ballistics, pathology and odontology. Museum hours are 9 a.m until 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 4-12 and $2 for seniors 65 years and older. Children under 4 years are free. The McGovern Museum of Health & Science is located at 1515 Hermann Drive

• Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is highlighting Perspectives 138 Russell Crotty. The exhibit, on display through October 5, displays a selection of works by Crotty including the fascinating cosmic drawings for which the artist/astronomer is known. Museum hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is free.

• Enjoy an old-fashioned July 4th celebration at George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond as memories of the 19th century are revisited. Children’s games include 3-legged races and spoon races as well as a Victorian-style baseball game.

And, since the 1890s were characterized by political debates on progressive issues, costumed re-enactors will recreate the era by debating such topics as women’s rights and political races including Charles Culberson’s re-election as Texas governor. Park hours are 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 62 years and older, $5 for children 5-15 and children under four are free.

• Cool off on this sizzling summer day at Splashtown Waterpark. In celebration of Independence Day, the water park will showcase fireworks at dusk

• Fun for the entire family, The Woodlands Town Center, hosts the “Red, Hot and Blue Festival”. Activities begin at 5 p.m. with fireworks at 9:20 p.m.