FREEDOM OVER TEXAS ANNOUNCES SKY HIGH FIREWORKS, STREET AND PARK CLOSURES

HOUSTON, TX – The 2020 Shell Freedom Over Texas fireworks show will get an elevation boost this year, with fireworks reaching 800 feet, almost doubling the height of the traditional show, for more to enjoy from further away. Eleanor Tinsley at Buffalo Bayou Park and Sam Houston Parks, the customary day-long festival location, will be closed to the public this year along with nearby roadways and trailheads to ensure the utmost safety. There will be no public activities and no public access.

“The city of Houston will celebrate freedom this year, but out of an abundance of caution during the COVID-19 pandemic, we want people to stay home and watch the fireworks. The virtual celebration will include a dazzling display of red, white, and blue as we reflect on the history of our country and the challenging events of 2020. Let us never forget what it means to be in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We are #HoustonStrong,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. 

“Sadly, for the first time in the history of the event, the public is not invited to the park for our annual Fourth of July celebration. Out of concern for public safety we are not producing our traditional grand festival,” said Susan Christian, Director, Mayor’s Office of Special Events and event producer. “However, we have repositioned and elevated our fireworks launch so that more Houstonians can celebrate America’s birthday from afar. If you can see the skyline from the west, you’ll be able to view the spectacular show planned for this year – join us from your backyard, balcony, parking lots, car or from the comfort of home with our televised spectacular on ABC13.”

Private fireworks and backyard displays are illegal within the Houston city limits. “The city’s professional pyrotechnical display will outshine any homebased effort, so stay safe, stay home and let us do the work,” added Christian.

Shell Freedom Over Texas will feature a line-up of live and virtual entertainers via broadcast and live streaming on Saturday, July 4th from 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Mayor Sylvester Turner’s mission is to uphold the health and safety of all Houstonians. This year, guests will not gather for the annual festival on Buffalo Bayou in Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks, but will honor the City’s cherished tradition under a new format, a blend of live, virtual and pre-recorded performances reflective of the diversity of Houston including Country, Pop, Latin, Hip-Hop and Rap, broadcast LIVE on ABC13. Cox Media Group radio stations will also simulcast the fireworks music soundtrack.

Road Closures:

To accommodate a larger fallout zone for a larger fireworks show, Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway will be closed as follows:

Friday, July 3, 4:00 p.m. to Sunday, July 5, 2020 11:59 p.m.

· Metered Parking along Buffalo Bayou Park between Sabine Street and Taft Street Block 600-1900

Saturday, July 4, 7:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

· Allen Parkway north and southbound exit ramps from I-45 (South and North Freeways)

· Allen Parkway inbound and outbound between Taft and Bagby St.

· Walker Street split at Allen Parkway outbound

· Heiner Street at West Dallas St

· Crosby Street at Allen Parkway inbound

· Park Vista Dr. at Allen Parkway inbound

· Gillette Street at Allen Parkway inbound

· Taft Street at Allen Parkway inbound

· Memorial Dr. inbound and outbound between Shepherd Dr. and Bagby St.

· Sabine at the Sabine bridge at Allen Parkway outbound

· Westbound N Memorial Way entrance ramp between Trinity and Sabine