Summer is just around the corner, bringing clear skies and hot weather to the Greater Houston area. Locals are taking advantage of the sunny season by putting on an assortment of fantastic and unique events for people of all ages to enjoy. While some events have entrance fees, most of the ones listed below are completely free and open to the public! Get involved in your community this summer at one (or more) of these family-friendly Greater Houston events.
We hope to see you there!
Lagoonfest Texas
- Date: Select dates between May – October, 2024
- Location: 12600 Crystal View Blvd, Texas City, TX 77568
- Price: Starts at $25
Escape the bustling city of Houston to an enchanting 12-acre crystal clear lagoon in Texas City, the biggest one of its kind in the entire state! Lagoonfest will offer visitors a selection of tasty food, beverages, loungers, and access to the white sand beaches and bright blue water of Lago Mar. This one-day getaway includes swimming, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding, cabanas, a floating obstacle course, and more!
Loving the lagoon lifestyle? Get unlimited access to Lago Mar by being a resident of the community. Let us help you find your ideal home in the area, or create your dream new construction home with our referred home builder!
Summer Symphony Nights
- Date: July 12, 13, and 19, 2024
- Location: Miller Outdoor Theater at 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- Price: Free!
Be a part of this iconic Houston summer tradition! This July, witness the excitement of fun-filled, family-friendly performances at the expansive outdoor theater in Hermann Park, showcasing outstanding soloists, conductors, and all of the fantastic musicians in the local orchestra. All performances at the Miller Outdoor Theater are free to attend, making it of the best Greater Houston events for a relaxing, magical night! Reserve your tickets ahead of the event or opt for ticket-free lawn seating.
Freedom Over Texas Festival
- Date: July 4, 2024
- Location: Along Allen Parkway
- Price: Free
Celebrate this year’s Fourth of July with all of Houston at the Freedom Over Texas Festival! Indulge in six hours of festivities, tradition, live music, and local to national entertainment. The end of the night features the iconic “Texas-sized” fireworks finale show that everyone knows and loves. As Houston’s signature July 4th event, with an average of 50,000 people attending every year, this is not a party to miss if you’re a big fan of this holiday. Part of the proceeds from Freedom Over Texas’ food and beverage sales will go to the Houston Food Bank.
Houston Shakespeare Festival
- Date: Select dates between August 1-10, 2024
- Location: Miller Outdoor Theater at 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- Price: Free!
The Houston Shakespeare Festival first debuted way back in 1975 and continues to shine in the Houston community. The University of Houston theater icons Dr. Sidney Berger and Cecil Pickett started the tradition by directing a pair of plays each summer, hosting public performances completely for free at Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre. Enjoy a romantic date with your partner or an engaging evening with the family at this awesome annual festival!
AIA Sandcastle Competition
- Date: September 21, 2024
- Location: East Beach at 1923 Boddeker, Galveston, TX 77550
- Price: Free!
The American Institute of Architects Houston is once again hosting its annual Sandcastle Competition in Galveston for all to attend… for free! This highly anticipated and well-loved event will bring artists and beach enthusiasts across the state to witness five crazy hours of extreme sand sculpting on the golden shores of Greater Houston. Indulge on delicious beachy snacks and drinks while admiring the hard work being put into these massive creations. This event acts as a fundraiser for AIA Houston and ArCH Foundation. You don’t want to miss it!
Jurassic Quest
- Date: July 26-28, 2024
- Location: 1 NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054
- Price: Starts at $22
To top off a full summer of Greater Houston events, you’re about to be sent back in time to uncover a world of incredible life-size 3D dinosaurs! Spend a day discovering ancient beasts, completing quests with prizes, riding dinosaurs, digging for fossils, making crafts, bouncing on inflatables, and meeting dinosaurs of all kinds. Whether you’re 5 years old or 50, you’re sure to be entertained by the thrilling reptiles and fun interactive exhibits. Jurassic Quest will only be in town for 4 days this summer, so you won’t want to miss it.
Kingwood Summer Festival
Enjoy a fun-filled day of summer celebrations in the heart of Kingwood! Get ready for an incredible in-person event packed with live entertainment, delicious food stalls, thrilling rides, and engaging activities for all ages.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere as you stroll through our bustling market stalls, showcasing unique crafts, artwork, and local produce. Don’t miss the chance to meet talented artists and support small businesses.
- Date: June 06, 2024
- Location: Town Center Park, 8 North Main Street Houston, TX 77339
- Price: Free Entry