HOUSTON – This year Houstonians will celebrate more than three decades of July 4th music and fireworks on Buffalo Bayou. The city’s signature Independence Day tribute – CITGO Freedom Over Texas – returns with NEW live music acts and spectacular fireworks, Wednesday, July 4th from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. Cupid, known for popular song “Cupid Shuffle” will open the CITGO Main Stage starting at 4:30 p.m., followed by special guest, the Mavericks, before chart-topping country music star Chris Young headlines at 8:00 p.m.

The grand finale of the evening will be the Texas-sized stunning fireworks show once again provided by CITGO – the title sponsor of the event.

“Freedom Over Texas is Houston’s hallmark civic event and it is a true pleasure to welcome our sponsors and community back to Buffalo Bayou to celebrate the birth of our nation and pay tribute to the men and women who have made great sacrifices to ensure our freedoms,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “I invite Texans to join us for this annual celebration so we may demonstrate the importance of honoring our country, respecting the values of our founding fathers, and instilling pride in our community.”

Named “one of his era’s finest traditionalists” by the Associated Press, Chris Young will break from his sold-out “Losing Sleep 2018 World Tour” to treat Houston to a hit-packed set that highlights his 10 chart-toppers — including back-to-back No. 1s – “Losing Sleep,” “Sober Saturday Night,” “Think of You,” and “I’m Comin’ Over.” The Grand Ole Opry member and multi-platinum recording artist has earned multiple ACM, BBMA, CMA, CMT, Grammy and RDMA nominations and recently released his seventh studio album, Losing Sleep, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart last November.

The Mavericks were founded more than 25 years ago as a standout alternative band in the Miami rock scene dominated by hair metal and punk. Their blend of Cuban grooves and Bakersfield-inspired twang netted them several CMA and ACM Awards plus a Grammy in 1995. They charted numerous singles and albums while earning accolades as one of the finest live bands in the business. The band’s 2013 album, In Time, and 2015’s Mono, have brought them back to the forefront after a break and reworking of the band’s talent roster. Expect a genre-defying eclectic mix of Tex-Mex, neotraditional country music, and Latin rockabilly.

Local and regional favorites will be featured on stages throughout the site including Austin-based musician, Jackie Venson, Texan Latin fusion group – Bamuaya Band and local country singer-songwriter, Will Carter. The Ernest Walker Band will also be performing with The Houston Allstars including BB King’s Former Music Director James “Boogaloo” Bolden, Mary Griffin, Vincent Powell (America Idol), Chris Walker, Kyle Turner, Werner Richmond, J. Xavier and friends.

The Walmart All-American Kids Zone will feature local performances by Carver High School, Truly Enchanted and Let Them Drum. There will also be Superhero performances, Storybook performances and an Aerialist show – something for every age.

“There is no place like Houston, and Freedom Over Texas is just one of the ways that we all come together to celebrate our city that has been through so much this past year,” said Larry Elizondo, General Manager of Community Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility and Legislative Affairs. “Whether supporting the fireworks or providing much needed hurricane relief, we believe in putting people first. On behalf of all CITGO employees in the Houston area, we are honored to be a part of Freedom Over Texas, one of the many programs that continue to make Houston a great place to live and work.”

This year’s festivities at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks on Buffalo Bayou (along Allen Parkway) include the Walmart All-American Kids Zone, a children’s entertainment area with a stage featuring entertainment for young and old, alike; the Bud Light Bayou Beer Garden featuring a fun in the sun good time; the Dr Pepper Zone, featuring Houston professional sport team set-ups, live music and food; Liberty Park featuring US Family Health Plan’s Symbols of Freedom, the Wells Fargo Stage, and a salute to all 5 branches of the military; and; ending the evening with an exciting fireworks finale sponsored by CITGO. Watch all the action via live streaming with Backstage Pass, on ABC13.com.

$5 per person through May 31 available online $8 per person June 1 – July 3 available online   $10 per person day of show, online and at event FREE children 5 and under