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.

T ens of thousands of Houstonians will head to Allen Parkway on Friday for the city's signature July Fourth event - Freedom Over Texas. The show, hosted by Mayor John Whitmire's Office of Special Events, has garnered quite the popularity over the years and is known as the largest fireworks show on land.

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