Houston’s signature Fourth of July celebration, Freedom Over Texas, is set to return Thursday with six hours of live entertainment, family-friendly festivities, and a fireworks finale expected to draw tens of thousands to the city’s downtown.

HOUSTON — Fireworks, festivals and parades return in full force this July 4 with events planned across the Greater Houston area. The celebrations of America's independence will include everything from traditional parades to festivals -- large and small -- concerts and, of course, the star of the show: fabulous fireworks.

The slate of local events features live music, food and drinks, family-friendly activities and, of course, fireworks displays.