Thursday, July 4th 2013 – Eleanor Tinsley Park
4pm – 10pm
Mayor Annise D. Parker Invites Texans to Houston’s Official Fourth of July Celebration Featuring Live Music, Family Activities and a Stunning Fireworks Extravaganza
Houston will set the stage for an extraordinary patriotic celebration at Mayor Annise Parker’s official Fourth of July event, Southwest Airlines Freedom Over Texas with Entertainment Presented by NRG. 
The annual event is held on Thursday, July 4, 2013 culminating with a fireworks extravaganza set to a perfectly timed bed of patriot and current musical selections.
What is Freedom Over Texas (FOT)?
Freedom Over Texas is the Mayor’s Official Fourth of July Celebration that recognizes our nation’s birthday. The annual festival brings out more than 40,000 people into the heart of Houston for fun, food, entertainment, and a dazzling firework display!
What type of event is FOT?
It is a fun and interactive festival that accommodates people of all ages.
Who may attend?
Everyone. This event is open to the general public.
When is the festival?
Thursday, July 4, 2013
What time is the festival?
4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where is the festival located?
Eleanor Tinsley Park at Buffalo Bayou (along Allen Parkway just outside of Downtown)
What is the festival cost?
$8.00 tickets may be purchased at the gate or online by Clicking Here
Children 5 and under are FREE
Are canned goods accepted toward discounted or free admission into the festival?
Sorry, unfortunately we are not accepting canned goods toward discounted or free admission. You must purchase a ticket for entry into the festival.
Are there any military or senior citizen discounts?
Sorry, unfortunately we are not offering any other discounts.
Are there any additional costs other than the festival admissions tickets?
All stage performances and entertainment are included with admission. Food and beverage costs are not included in the admissions cost.
Where can I purchase tickets?
Tickets may be purchased online from the Purchase Tickets link, the day of festival with cash or credit at the admissions booths, or on your smart phone from our website.
What can I use my credit or debit card to purchase at the festival?
Credit or debit cards may be used to purchase festival admissions tickets only.
I ordered my ticket online, how will I RECEIVE my ticket?
All tickets are e-tickets. Check your email inbox for your Order Confirmation from ExtremeTix. Your e-tickets will be attached to your order confirmation email. Make sure to print them out and bring them to the event. Or go green and have your tickets delivered to your phone and scanned at any gate! Click here for tickets.
Do I need to PRINT out my tickets?
Not necessarily. Feel free to print out your tickets and bring them to any event entrance. Or go green and have your tickets delivered to your phone and scanned at any gate.
Can I leave the festival and re-enter without paying?
Sorry, there is no re-entry into the festival.
Where can I find more information about the festival activities and entertainment?
Please visit our Freedom Over Texas Entertainment menu for more information on entertainment and to learn about each area of the festival.
Who are the featured artists for this year’s festival?
Sheryl Crow and Martina McBride are the featured artists for the festival.
How do I get to the festival and where can I park?
Information on parking and directions can be found right here.
There is plenty of easy parking near the festival: street level, surface lots, or underground parking. Event parking available downtown at the Theater District Parking Garage and at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
What about public transportation to the festival?
METRO is available for your transportation needs. For information on routes and schedules, please contact METRO at 713-635-5000 or go to RideMetro.org.
Where can I find a festival site map, event guide, or schedule for the festival?
Festival site maps, event guides, and schedules will be available at the entrances of the festival. Check out the Houston Chronicle for the 29-95 insert on Thursday, June 27 for the featured FOT four page event schedule and guide. Click here for the festival pdf.
What is allowed on site?
You may bring lawn chairs, blankets, sun screen, mosquito spray, hats, sunglasses or shades and your patriotic spirits!
What should I wear to the festival?
Please wear weather appropriate clothing and shoes as the festival site has much to see and do!
Can I bring strollers, wagons, or wheelchairs?
Yes. All areas of the festival are accessible for strollers, wagons, or wheelchairs.
How can I volunteer?
To learn more about being a volunteer please visit our volunteer page here.
Where can I stay near the festival?
Our Official Hotel Sponsor – The DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Downtown is the best place to stay. Call 713-759-0202 to reserve a room.
How do I pay for food and beverages?
Prices will vary. Your admissions ticket does not cover food and beverages. All food and beverage purchases must be made with CASH ONLY. There are multiple ATMs located throughout the site.
What types of food will be sold at the festival?
A variety of family-friendly food and beverages will be available for your selection pleasure.
Are there ATMs on site?
Yes. ATMs are conveniently located around the festival.
What organizations sponsor the festival?
To learn more about our sponsors please visit our 2013 Sponsors Page.
What time does the firework display start?
Fireworks by Pyrotecnio will begin promptly at 9:35 p.m. to 9:52 p.m.
Is there a Lost Kids Area at the Festival?
Yes, Lost Kids is located in the Walmart All-American Kids Zone
Where is EMS located at the festival?
EMS is located in various areas around the site or you may ask a festival staff representative with a radio for assistance with an emergency
How may I contact the festival’s organizers?
Please contact the Mayor’s office of Special Events at 832-393-0861 with questions or inquiries.
How can I get the most updated information about the festival?
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updated information, cool prize opportunities, and much more!