The heat won’t let up—but neither will Houstonians, when it comes to celebrating a proper Fourth of July. Whether you have the day off on Tuesday or you're taking a long weekend to celebrate our nation’s freedom from tyranny (because you’re that patriotic), fun awaits you, Houston style. Here are just four of the many options for showing the heat who’s boss in our fair city.

1. Celebrate with live music.

The Houston Symphony will celebrate the nation’s 247th birthday with a “Star Spangled Salute” of patriotic favorites on July 4. Rain or shine, music starts at 8:30 p.m. at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park, and a fireworks “grand finale” will follow at 10 p.m. Free tickets are available online June 30 . (No tickets necessary to sit on the Hill.) Visit Hermann Park’s website for details. 

2. Head for the water.

Lagoonfest Texas, a self-described beach club and aqua adventure park in Texas City, is open July 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission prices vary but all include parking, lounge chairs and umbrellas (first-come, first-served), bumper boats, a 42-foot Titan Slide, food, and 6,000-feet of “shoreline” (a pool with three-foot-deep swimming areas and 10-foot-deep lagoon). Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available for rent, and food is available for purchase. Ready to re-enact Washington crossing the Delaware? For $375, you can rent a floating cabana that holds up to eight soldiers. Details on the Lagoonfest website.

3. Give your time, get free food and swag.

Shell Freedom Over Texas is looking for volunteers for the six-hour festival sponsored by the Mayor’s Office July 4. Held along Allen Parkway, the event features entertainment from across the U.S. and “Texas-sized” fireworks. Houston’s official Fourth of July celebration, Shell Freedom Over Texas supports the community by donating a percentage of food and beverage sales to the Houston Food Bank. Televised live, the event will be simulcast across the state. Music performances include headliner Chris Young, among other acts. Admission is $10 for adults; children five and under are free. Volunteers will receive the official event T-shirt, free parking, and complimentary food and drink. Register online. You can also follow the event on Instagram @coh_mayors_events or www.facebook.com/HoustonSpecialEvents. 
 

4. Feed your inner patriot and shop Fourth of July bargains.

From red, white, and blue margaritas at URBE to a $6 hotdog topped with queso at Heights & Co., there’s a Fourth of July food or drink special to satisfy your most independent food craving. Houston Press offers a list of options fit for a (dethroned) king. After lunch, cool yourself off with a little Christmas in July shopping. USA Today has compiled an exhaustive list of holiday savings across brands and outlets, from Best Buy to DreamCloud to Kate Spade. Eat, drink, and spend merrily.

These are just a few of the Houston events available to you. Enjoy having the freedom to choose how you spend your holiday! 

Photo credit: Miller Outdoor Theatre, Lagoonfest Texas, City of Houston website, iStock/filo.