PRESS RELEASE
LEE BRICE TO HEADLINE FREEDOM OVER TEXAS 2025 WITH OPENING ACT ASHLEY McBRYDE
Mayor Whitmire Invites Houstonians to Celebrate Independence Day at Freedom Over Texas
May 29, 2025 -- Mayor John Whitmire and Freedom Over Texas sponsors are proud to announce plans for the City of Houston’s official Fourth of July celebration. This year’s event brings a powerful country music lineup, and a refreshed site plan for maximum enjoyment.
“We are thrilled to welcome some of the biggest country music entertainers to Houston. Lee Brice and Ashley McBryde will headline this year’s Freedom Over Texas as we celebrate our nation’s birthday and host a communitywide celebration,” said Mayor Whitmire. “This event is a cherished tradition for many Houston families, and 2025 brings new features that will make it more exciting, accessible, and unforgettable. It will have something for everyone, and I encourage Houstonians to join us.”
Headlining the Main Stage is multi-platinum country superstar Lee Brice, known for hits like “One of Them Girls,” “I Don’t Dance,” and “Hard to Love.” Joining him as the opening act is Ashley McBryde, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter whose powerhouse vocals and fearless storytelling have made her one of country music’s brightest stars.
A GRAMMY nominee and CMA/ACM award winner, Brice is known for his hit songwriting, and sold-out shows nationwide. The Multi-Platinum country artist has amassed over 10 billion streams and earned nine No. 1 singles, including “Rumor” and the award-winning duet “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” When he’s not on stage, Brice builds lifestyle brands like Dulce Vida Tequila and Loud Lemon and spends time with his wife and three children.
McBryde is a Grand Ole Opry member and has earned six GRAMMY nominations, multiple chart-topping singles, including the GRAMMY-winning duet “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” with Carly Pearce and widespread critical acclaim for albums like “Girl Going Nowhere” and “The Devil I Know.” Her bold, poetic style has landed her praise from Rolling Stone, Billboard, and NPR.
This year Freedom Over Texas will focus on making the event more easily accessible to all, while also going cashless across the majority of the site. Following the live performances, the celebration will conclude with a dazzling fireworks display presented by Thomas J. Henry Law firm.
This year’s festivities at Eleanor Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou (along Allen Parkway) include:
- BUD LIGHT BAYOU BASH
Founding sponsor of 38 years, Bud Light will toast Texas and celebrate America’s birthday with fresh brew and beverages this July 4th in their tropical beer garden. Allow yourself to be swept away by the music and atmosphere in the relaxing Bud Light Bayou Bash beach area, while enjoying a perfect view of the main stage and spectacular fireworks finale. - DR PEPPER FLAVOR ZONE
Time to cool off in the shade with a refreshing Dr Pepper float from the Dr Pepper Parlor, and sample many of the tastings offered in this family friendly zone! Visit with our hometown sports teams, including the Roughnecks, Rockets, Dynamo, and Dash. Don’t miss the incredible live music and dancing offered throughout the event at the Dr Pepper Stage. - RED, WHITE & PLAY KIDS ZONE
This year brings lots of new free games, plus face painting and plenty of interactive educational activities in this zone. DJ London will be spinning to keep the energy going. Houston’s own G. W. Carver High School’s Dance Team will bring an array of exciting dance performances throughout the day along with strolling artists and your kids favorite costumed characters. This area has activities for all ages, for toddlers and beyond. It's going to be an incredible day of fun and excitement for the whole family! - LIBERTY PARK
Liberty Park will feature “Symbols of Freedom” as a reminder of the historic roots of July 4th. The five military branches will be represented by Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and first responders. They are available to take pictures with military assets and participate in booth activities.
Sponsors include - Anchor Sponsors: Bud Light, Dr Pepper, Thomas J. Henry Law; On-Site Sponsors: Southwest Airlines, McDonald’s Houston, Verizon, Airtech, Shake Shack, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, METRO, SETRAC; American Furniture Warehouse; Television Partner: ABC13; Official Radio Sponsor: Radio One Houston: KKBQ-FM 93Q Country 92.9 / 92.9HD2 (Country Legends), KGLK-FM Houston’s Eagle 106.9/107.5, KBXX-FM The Box 97.9, KMJQ-FM Majic 102.1 / 102.1HD2 (Praise Houston); Official Hotel Sponsor: Hyatt Regency Downtown; Community Partner: Houston Food Bank; Beneficiary: Houston Civic Events, Inc.; Producer: City of Houston Mayor's Office of Special Events
Admission is $10 per person, children aged five and under are FREE. Tickets are available online and at the gates. Applicable service charges apply for online purchases. Visit freedomovertexas.org for more details and to purchase tickets.
Volunteer and receive the official event t-shirt, free parking, complimentary food, and drink! Register at: www.houstonspecialevents.org. Follow us on Instagram @coh_mayors_events, X-Twitter - @MayorsEvents, Facebook @HoustonSpecialEvents.