Despite the sweltering summer heat, Houston is alive with fun events, festivals, and fairs in June, July, and August. No matter what your likes or interests, you are sure to find several events to entertain and educate this summer in Houston. Here’s a list of some of the top summer festivals, fairs, and events in Houston:
Gulf Coast Juneteenth: This annual celebration at Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park commemorates the day that Texas learned of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War. The festival takes place on June 19th at 7:30 pm. The event will include a great lineup of traditional African-American music, including the New Orleans ReBirth Brass Band and blues guitarist Sherman Robertson, among others. The Gulf Coast Juneteenth festival is a free event and is produced by the Houston Institute for Culture and Surviving Katrina & Rita in Houston.
Fourth of July Celebrations: There are three great events scheduled in Houston for the 4th. Chevy’s Freedom Over Texas at Eleanor Tinsley Park downtown is set to have the largest land-based fireworks show in the U.S. this July 4th! Gates open on Friday the 4th at 4pm, and tickets will be sold at the gates (children under 10 are free). Activities include four stages of music, a mini auto show, a statewide volleyball tournament, a kids area with rides and games, military exhibits, and tons of great food and drinks. The festival is wrapped up with the fireworks display and the gates close at 10pm. Sam Houston Race Park will put on its July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza, with gates opening on the 4th at 10:30 am and the fireworks display beginning at 9:30pm. The day will be filled with horse racing, family entertainment, and great food and fun. The Star Spangled Salute at Miller Outdoor Theater will include a performance by the Houston Symphony and fireworks, all beginning at 7:30pm…and all free!
Houston Shakespeare Festival: This annual series of free performances takes place at Miller Outdoor Theater throughout the beginning of August. The plays featured this year are Julius Caesar and Cymbeline. All performances are set for 8:30pm with Julius Caesar set for August 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 and Cymbeline on August 2, 6, 8, and 10.
Houston International Jazz Festival: This annual event takes place during the first weekend in August at Jones Plaza in downtown Houston. A variety of local and international jazz musicians are set to perform during this year’s festival, but all the details for this year’s event have not yet been released. You can contact the Jazz education group that puts the festival on at [email protected] for more information about 2008’s festival.
These are just a few of the many festivals, fairs, and events taking place in Houston during the summer. So defy the heat and humidity and get out to enjoy some of the great events that Houston has to offer!
