Houston's guide to America's 250th anniversary weekend
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Houston is gearing up for a lively July Fourth as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.
The big picture: From a World Cup knockout match to Freedom Over Texas, with its spectacular fireworks display, here are our favorite shows, celebrations and giveaways.
🌳 Snag a free tree for Independence Day at the Stella Roberts Recycling Center, courtesy of Keep Pearland Beautiful.
- 9am-1pm Friday.
🦅 Celebrate with the Houston Zoo's Red, White and Zoo weekend of programming with animal feeding sessions, exclusive perks and more.
- Ticket packages start at $99 for two and $199 for four. Friday through Sunday.
⚾️ See the Astros take on the Tampa Bay Rays during the July Fourth weekend, with giveaways, fireworks and $2.50 hot dogs.
- Tickets start at $17.76 while supplies last. Friday through Sunday.
🐤 Head to the Baytown Sonic Drive-In to buy a red, white and blue slush and receive a free patriotic rubber duck while supplies last.
- Starting at 8am Saturday.
🏎️ Check out classic American cars at Houston Coffee and Cars' July Fourth showcase at Post Houston.
- Free. 8-11am Saturday.
⚽️ Watch Houston's July Fourth World Cup knockout round match at FIFA's Fan Festival.
- Free. Match is noon Saturday; Fan Fest is open 10:30am-6pm.
🌭 Enjoy Independence Day festivities in Kingwood, including a hot dog-eating contest, drone show, family games and more.
- Free. 3-9pm Saturday.
🤘 Listen to Keith Urban, Collective Soul and Los Lonely Boys at Freedom Over Texas, the city of Houston's official July 4 celebration in Eleanor Tinsley Park.
- Tickets are $15, kids 12 and under are free. 3-10pm Saturday.
🤠 Hang out at the Sugar Land Space Cowboys' Constellation Field for the Red, White and Boom festival, with music, inflatables, a fireworks show and more.
- Tickets start at $14. 6-10pm Saturday.
🎻 Hear the Houston Symphony play a selection of patriotic themes — including Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture — with a fireworks show at the Miller Outdoor Theatre's Star Spangled Salute.
- Free. 8:30pm Saturday.
The bottom line: There's plenty to do in Houston to celebrate America's 250th.