Where to celebrate? Woodlands Online has the scoop on local Independence Day Weekend activities

THE WOODLANDS, TX – 2022 is already shaping up to be a banner year on multiple levels, whether they be patriotic, pandemic-y, or perturbing. But birthdays are always a great uniter, and the anniversary of the birth of our nation is right up there in the top three of such events. Here in The Woodlands area, we tend to celebrate hard and loud, and believe us when we tell you that Woodlands Online has the goods on events and activities this weekend. Here’s but a sampling:

ALL HOLIDAY WEEKEND LONG

Red, White & You at The Woodlands Resort – Get summer started with a bang at The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton all weekend long. Celebrate the season with access to multiple pools, a double helix waterslide, a 1,000-plus--foot lazy river, and poolside games, karaoke, turtle feeding, arts & crafts and more. Choose from unique experiences like the Kid’s Glamping Package with in-room tent and sleeping bag setup, plus camping-themed gifts and games, as well as Independence Day S’mores kit for the outdoor fire pit – or more adult-oriented offerings such as the Tame Your Game Package, which incorporates deluxe accommodations, breakfast for two daily in The Woodlands Dining Room and 18 holes of play with a cart and unlimited access to practice facilities and range balls. And don’t forget to reserve your table at Back Table Kitchen & Bar, located on the waterfront, where a special BBQ menu and special Star Spangled Banner cocktails and mocktails will be spotlighted.

Federal American Grill is offering a special Camp Hope Menu. All July long, the restaurant is teaming up with Camp Hope to support their mission by raising money through the special Camp Hope menu. For every meal ordered off this menu, they will donate $5 directly to the nonprofit organization. Camp Hope's mission is to bring hope and healing to combat Veterans and their families suffering from the effects of combat- related PTSD. $25 Lunch Menu, $45 Dinner Menu.

SATURDAY

The Learning Zoo is providing a special Independence Day Weekend-themed guided tour. Join Zookeeper Drew for a 90-minute tour and meet some animal ambassadors. All participants must wear close-toed shoes to enter our Petting Zoo. $15 per person (age 2 and under-free).

They know how to bring the fun at the Shadowbend YMCA, and the Red, White, & Blue Party for Kids is no exception. Wear your Red, White and Blue! For ages 3-12. Four hours of fun for kids and an afternoon off for parents. Games, movie, crafts, snacks await!

The Glade Arts Foundation is offering a slightly more adult event with its Red, White, & Blue Happy Hour. Come by Mercury Lounge at Glade Arts Foundation on Saturday for live music, great cocktails, and enjoy the cool and artsy atmosphere! $5 well cocktails all night, with wine and appetizer specials.

SUNDAY

Ignite your patriotic spirit at the annual Star-Spangled Salute free concert at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion featuring the Houston Symphony performing a selection of patriotic favorites. The goal of Star-Spangled Salute is to give you a chance for time together – time to remember, time to rejoice, and time to stand in awe of a few brilliantly patriotic moments. Pre-concert activities begin at 6:30 p.m. with free patriotic souvenirs, photo opportunities with characters, a special art project, The Pavilion Partner Instrument Petting Zoo, and sponsor activations. Pre-show entertainment in front of the Main Stage will be provided by The Woodlands Show Chorus and will begin at 7 p.m. The group is an award-winning, women's auditioned a cappella chorus, comprised of nearly 80 singers, and a chapter of nonprofit Sweet Adelines International. This is a free show - no ticket needed!

MONDAY

Fielding's Local Kitchen & Bar is featuring a special Independence Day Patio Party. Join them for their annual 4th of July celebration where they will have tasty features and a red white and blue cocktail menu. Anthony Pitt and Justin Peña will be performing from 3 - 7 p.m. You don’t want to miss these fun and delicious times so reserve a table today!

Or you can get double your Fielding’s fun at the Fielding’s Wood Grill Independence Day Lunch. Join them for another bonus brunch and enjoy all of your favorites, from eggs benedict to their delicious Texas blues burger. Chef Edel is preparing some tasty features as well and their bar team is going to have several patriotic cocktails. Save your spot now!

Market Street once again hosts the annual South Montgomery County 4th of July Parade at 9:00 a.m. in The Woodlands Town Center. Join spectators along the 1.3-mile parade route through Market Street and celebrate with floats including Entertainers, Marching Bands, Elected Officials & Dignitaries, Fire Engines, and Military Members. Special seating for seniors & handicapped. Special thanks to Community Partner The Woodlands Township.

The Woodlands Township is also presenting Red, Hot & Pool. Each pool in The Woodlands will have patriotic decorations, activities and refreshments (while supplies last). The Woodlands Red, Hot & Pool will take place from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. with the 4th of July activities happening between noon and 4 p.m. Grab your swimsuit and we'll see you there! Please note daily fees will apply for residents and non-residents. Entry is free for season pool pass holders.


It’s Stars, Stripes, & Firework Night at Painting With a Twist. Create memories while unleashing your creativity and learning a new skill as a family. Kids and adults are welcome to paint at Family Day/All Ages Classes. If you have a child painting and you are not, you may sit with your child if seating permits, and applaud their effort and encourage their journey! Arrive 15-20 minutes early to get smocked and in your seat – if you desire more time to unwind, visit with friends & breathe before we get twisted, we invite you to arrive up to 30 min prior to start time- it's your Happy Half Hour! Bring your favorite snacks and drinks of choice to enjoy!

Of course, the big event this holiday weekend is the 25th Annual Red Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza. Celebrate freedom in The Woodlands with great food, live entertainment, children's activities and family fun at multiple locations around The Woodlands! The event culminates with one of the largest fireworks displays in the Greater Houston area.

Enjoy a variety of activities throughout The Woodlands at the below locations! All sites will feature live music beginning at 6 p.m. with bands playing until the Fireworks Extravaganza at approximately 9:30 p.m. For the comfort and safety of all attendees, oversized beach umbrellas and pop-up tents are not permitted at the Festival.

The 18-minute Fireworks Extravaganza will take place at approximately 9:30 p.m. The primary fireworks display will be located in Lake Woodlands adjacent to Northshore Park, with a secondary close-proximity (special effects) display at Town Green Park. The 2022 Fireworks Extravaganza will also feature a fireworks display in the Waterway Square District near Timberloch Place and Waterway Avenue and Rob Fleming Park in the Village of Creekside Park. Fireworks soundtrack broadcast on KSTAR Country 99.7 FM.

Town Green Park
Bands include Redd Sky Band and Rock Hound. Festival activities include fireworks, strolling entertainment, face painting, balloon art, children's arts and crafts, concessions and live music on two stages.

Northshore Park (2505 Lake Woodlands Drive)
Live music by Johnny and the Spinsations. Festival activities include fireworks, face painting, concessions and live music. Residents should be advised Northshore Park access will be affected on the following dates for the event: Limited to minimal vehicular traffic July 2 through 3 to begin event preparations and set up. The park will be closed to the public from 6 to 9 a.m. on July 2 to accommodate further set up. No vehicular access on July 4 for safety and security, reopening on July 5 with limited vehicular access. Majority of the docks at Northshore Park will be unavailable June 23 through July 8.

Waterway Square (31 Waterway Square Place)
Live music by Time Warp. Festival activities include fireworks, face painting, balloon art, concessions and live music. Fourth of July Parade Awards at 7 p.m.

Rob Fleming Park (6055 Creekside Forest Drive)
The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra Presents: Patriotic Pops Experience. Festival activities include fireworks, face painting, concessions and live music.

Hughes Landing (1900 Hughes Landing Boulevard)
Live music by John Barraza Project. Festival activities include fireworks and live music. Please note there may be limited visibility of the primary displays at Hughes Landing due to trees and buildings.

However you celebrate, Woodlands Online encourages you to be aware of the heat by staying hydrated and wearing proper clothing and sunblock. Also, party responsibly as law enforcement will be out in force for a No-Refusal Weekend.