An increase in temperatures, snowball stands and a patriotic high all mean it’s almost Independence Day. Houston and surrounding suburbs have plenty of ways to celebrate America’s birthday. From fireworks shows to parades, there’s no shortage of family-friendly ways to enjoy the holiday.  Bellaire Celebration of Independence Parade & Festival The City of Bellaire will kick off the day with a parade (featuring the Children’s Bike Parade) followed by a festival on the Great Lawn and Loftin Park in Bellaire Town Square. The festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. and will conclude at 1 p.m. There will be live music, entertainment and a wide variety of food vendors to choose from.  Galveston  Fourth of July Drone Show  What says Fourth of July better than grilling out and watching fireworks? Drones on the beach! For the first time ever, Galveston will put on a drone show for the Fourth of July. Hundreds of drones will come together for a 12-minute show with 12 custom formations. Expect to see patriotic images, island favorites like birds, sea turtles and fish as well as plenty of fun surprises.  Houston Shell Freedom Over Texas  For the first time in three years, Houston’s signature Fourth of July event will return to an in-person format. Shell Freedom Over Texas will include six hours of dynamic festivities including live music from artists such as Sawyer Brown and Clay Walker, an all-American kid zone, an opportunity to meet an astronaut and, of course, fireworks! Independence Day Fireworks  CityCentre will host an evening of entertainment from 7 to 11 p.m., including a 10-minute firework spectacular at 9:30 p.m.  Kingwood  July 4th Family Games Festival This unique celebration of America’s birthday will include game challenges and a kid zone with a bounce house and slide! Games include giant Jenga, cornhole and giant Connect 4. Join in on the friendly competition starting Monday, July 4 at 3 p.m. in Town Center Park. The evening will conclude with a patriotic musical laser light show. Click to expand Celebration of Freedom in Pearland Pearland  Celebration of Freedom  All ages are welcome to participate in the Celebration of Freedom in Independence Park. This event, which will feature live music, food trucks, rides and attractions, begins at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m.  Sugar Land  Red, White and Boom Celebrate Independence Day at The Crown Festival Park with plenty of patriotic activities to partake in, including carnival games, rock walls, sports inflatables, trackless trains, a firework display and more. The Woodlands 2022 4th of July Parade: Stronger Together Before watching the sky light up at night in red, white and blue, catch the annual South Montgomery County 4th of July Parade: “Stronger Together” in The Woodlands. This 1.3-mile parade will take place in Market Street Monday morning at 9 a.m.  For more information on ways to have fun all summer long in Houston, visit our Living in Houston page or follow us on Facebook or Instagram using the handle @LiveWorkHou.

League City’s proximity to Houston and Galveston makes it a desired location for residents and businesses. The community’s prime location along with its access to recreational activities and growth in the medical and aerospace sectors is driving more companies and people to move to the area. We spoke with Scott Livingston, the Director of Economic Development for the City of League City, about the city’s recent successes and new developments in the pipeline.   How does League City contribute to the fabric of the Houston region? League City provides a strategic location for businesses to capitalize on some of the area’s most valuable assets – four ports, two petrochemical clusters, proximity to Houston, the Texas Medical Center, Galveston, etc. – all while enjoying an outstanding quality of life! What are some unique characteristics that really set this area apart? League City has a small-town charm and more rural feel even though we’re within a 30-mile radius from Houston and Galveston. We’re also surrounded by water on three sides – Clear Creek, Galveston Bay, and Dickinson Bayou – which helps to “separate” us from the hustle and bustle of Houston. Describe the business community in League City. What are some of the most active industry areas? League City has strong retail sector, but we’re also seeing strong growth in the medical sector. As a result of our proximity to the NASA Johnson Space Center and the Houston Spaceport, the Bay Area of Houston is also experiencing growth in the aerospace and space sectors. League City is also a strategic fit for Advanced Manufacturing, Research and Development, Maritime and Logistics, Professional Services, Aerospace, and Corporate and Regional Headquarters. Can you talk about League City’s latest exciting project, the Riverview at Clear Creek mix-used development, and what it means for the city? Any other commercial developments on the horizon? The Riverview at Clear Creek project is a 70-acre mixed use, destination, and entertainment entity that will include retail, restaurants, entertainment, office, public space, a marina, and public art. It’s location on Clear Creek, within view of I-45, makes it a great landmark for people entering League City while traveling south on I-45. What attracts most businesses to relocate or expand in League City? League City’s quality of life, location, and accessibility are the three biggest contributors to our success. Our residents enjoy top-notch schools and a multitude of community amenities. We’re strategically located within 50 miles of four major ports, two petrochemical sectors, Galveston Island, and downtown Houston. And, with I-45, SH 146, and the future Grand Parkway, people can travel from League City to anywhere else in the greater Houston area with ease. What are 4-5 signature spots to visit? Any hidden gems people need to know about? League City is nestled along the southern shore of Clear Lake, just 30 minutes away from the beaches of Galveston Island and the exciting attractions of downtown Houston. It’s an ideal location to enjoy all the Houston Metro and Texas Gulf Coast has to offer. Visitors are delighted by League City’s southern charm and coastal vibe. The most stylish of hotels in League City, TX, South Shore Harbour is the largest full-service waterside resort and conference center in Southeast Texas. South Shore Harbour sits on shimmering Clear Lake just 30 minutes south of Houston. Stylishly renovated from stem to stern, this 237-room resort hotel exudes the maritime style of Houston’s Bay Area in ways both large and small.  Clear Creek runs along the northern border of League City, and provides recreational opportunities including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and more. The Clear Creek Paddle Trail meanders 6.5 miles through Clear Creek, starting at Lynn Gripon Park at Countryside and ending at Heritage Park. Paddlers will enjoy scenic views along their journey and may spot some of the wildlife that live in and around the creek, including wading birds, alligators, and deer. Visitors to the League City Historic District can stroll beneath sprawling oaks and discover the beautiful Victorian homes and buildings belonging to League City’s founding families. The Historic District exudes charm, and its buildings tell the story of the hardworking and good-natured spirit of League City's early residents. Even the oak trees have a story all their own and are an integral part of League City history. Be sure not to miss the shoppes at Founder’s Square, League Park, and Helen’s Garden! Finally, League City’s Hidden Gems GeoTour is a GeoCache tour that brings treasure hunters to some of League City's most scenic spots – hidden gems within the Houston Metro region that’s you’ll have to visit League City to find! Explore our Gulf Coast waterfront community while you hunt for caches. If you're lucky, you may even collect some "southern charms." What’s missing from the conversation about League City? With a population of almost 117,000, League City has grown so quickly that it hardly resembles the town that it was 20+ years ago. Fortunately, we’ve continued to foster that small-town feel through community engagement, programming, and investments into revitalizing our downtown. Many doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, business professionals, and rocket scientists have chosen to live in League City because of our competitive advantages and numerous amenities. Our strategic location, STEM-educated, regional workforce of over 900,000 highly-skilled workers, and outstanding quality of life make us a prime destination for both corporate relocations and business expansions. Although League City is growing by 900 to 1,000 new homes each year, it annually ranks among the best communities to live in Texas and the nation. With a population greater than 100,000 and an average household income greater than $115,000, sales receipts and property values continue to rise, and disposable income is high.  Our goal is to build upon our robust, diverse economic base that includes quality, mixed-use development, entertainment, and the aerospace, energy, medical, professional services, and tourism industries. Learn more about League City and explore the greater Houston area.