Celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Celebrate our nation’s independence in The Woodlands with one of the area’s largest fireworks displays, live music, children’s activities, vendors and more at the 16th annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival, presented by Ellis & Ellis Private Wealth Management, on Thursday, July 4, 2013 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, the festival will be hosted in Town Green Park and Waterway Square, both located along The Woodlands Waterway®. Guests will enjoy hot dog and watermelon eating contests, face painting, strolling performers, games, inflatables, arts and crafts, concessions, a beer tent, plus much more.

One of the Largest Fireworks Displays in the Houston Area

At dusk, the Red, Hot & Blue Fireworks Extravaganza, presented by BBVA Compass, will light up the night sky, dazzling the thousands of spectators gathered to watch. The breathtaking, 20-minute fireworks display will be simulcast on Sunny 99.1.

The Woodlands Waterway offers the best spot for viewing the fireworks display, according to organizers. Coolers, outside food and drinks are prohibited in Town Green Park and Waterway Square.

“Red, Hot & Blue has become Texas’ premier July 4th celebration,” says Nick Wolda, president of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We welcome the growing number of visitors each year that travel to The Woodlands for this exciting, family-friendly event.”

A Fun-Filled Schedule of Activities

While the fireworks show is certainly front-and-center, there are plenty of other fun and patriotic events in The Woodlands throughout the week.

On Saturday, June 29, 2013 enjoy the acoustic sounds of Clayton DeGuerre and strolling entertainment at Waterway Nights, a kid-friendly and popular concert series from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Waterway Square.

On Wednesday, July 3, 2013 spend evening under the stars with the entire family at the Houston Symphony’s annual Star Spangled Salute, a free concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion starting at 8 p.m.

Before the Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza on July 4, catch the South County Fourth of July parade at Market Street – The Woodlands, starting at 9 a.m. After the parade, cool off at Splash Day from noon to 4 p.m. at one of the 13 pools in The Woodlands. Later that evening, bring the kids to Northshore Park, west of Lake Front Circle on Lake Woodlands Drive, for the “Things That Go” Bike Parade and Decorating Contest at 4:30 p.m. Children 14 years and younger are invited to parade their patriotically-decorated bike, scooter or wagon and parade around the park. Awards will be given throughout the afternoon.

Afterwards, enjoy free, live music at Town Green Park and Waterway Square at the Red, Hot & Blue Festival. Acts include the Country and Americana sounds of Grady Skelton, Country and Folk singer Parker McCollum, Classic Rock favorite SERAPH and The Knowhow, an Alternative Rock and Blues band.

Waterway Cruisers will operate Monday, July 1, 2013 through Thursday, July 4, 2013; however, service will stop before the fireworks display. The Cruisers will resume regular schedule on Friday, July 5, 2013.

Those visiting The Woodlands for the week can choose accommodations to suit any taste and budget, including The Woodlands Resort with its Forest Oasis Waterscape, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel, a four-diamond property, or Hyatt Market Street. A number of limited-service and select-service properties also are available.

The Annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza is free and open to the public thanks to our generous sponsors: Ellis & Ellis Private Wealth Investors, BBVA Compass, H-E-B, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, Coca-Cola, Talisman Energy, City of Shenandoah, Waste Management, Wright’s Printing, Bud Light, The Woodlands Development Company, St. Luke’s – The Woodlands Hospital, Congressman Kevin Brady, Planet Ford, City of Oak Ridge North, SplashTown, The Woodlands Country Club & Canongate, Rico’s Mexican Grille, and Gigi’s Cupcakes.

For more information, a complete schedule of activities, maps and up-to-date parking information or a listing of hotels and pools in the area, visit www.redhotblue.org. For more information on The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, visit www.VisitTheWoodlands.com. Also, “like” The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau on Facebook, “follow” them on Twitter and “view” them on YouTube.