T ens of thousands of Houstonians will head to Allen Parkway on Friday for the city's signature July Fourth event - Freedom Over Texas. The show, hosted by Mayor John Whitmire's Office of Special Events, has garnered quite the popularity over the years and is known as the largest fireworks show on land.

HOUSTON — Fireworks, festivals and parades return in full force this July 4 with events planned across the Greater Houston area. The celebrations of America's independence will include everything from traditional parades to festivals -- large and small -- concerts and, of course, the star of the show: fabulous fireworks.

Houston’s signature Fourth of July celebration, Freedom Over Texas, is set to return Thursday with six hours of live entertainment, family-friendly festivities, and a fireworks finale expected to draw tens of thousands to the city’s downtown.