Upcoming Events
The congregation of about 85 hot-air balloons in Longview means it’s time for the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship and Great Texas Balloon Race. Held July 21–23, the championship features the nation’s 50 top pilots competing in flying accuracy contests over Longview and Kilgore. On the weekend of July 24–26, the championship pilots join competitors in the Great Texas Balloon Race for more contests, which spectators can view at the East Texas Regional Airport. Also at the airport, a festival boasts balloon glows, shaped balloons demos, bounce houses, and concerts by the Oak Ridge Boys and Cooder Graw.
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Fun on the Fourth
It’s hard to beat the Dallas-Fort Worth area when it comes to July Fourth fireworks: The cities and surrounding towns stage about 20 glorious pyrotechnic shows. But there’s also plenty to do before the sun goes down, including the Texas Pool Independence Day Party in Plano ($5 entry). The 168,000-gallon, Texas-shaped saltwater pool hosts the annual event from noon to 6 p.m. with music, games, water volleyball, a cannonball contest, and snack bar. Nearby, Plano will host its All-American Fourth fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve.
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Empower your children to fight the dreaded “Dr. Boredom” of summer with the Children’s Museum of Houston, which is hosting its season-long Summer of Epic Adventure: Forces Unite. Daily activities include making superhero capes and masks; experiments like making slime or catapults; and the live musical production of Forces Unite. Check the museum’s schedule for other events, including a showcase of dogs dancing and Frisbee-catching on July 9 and 11, and a Silly String Showdown and an appearance by Spiderman on August 1.
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In Uvalde, the Briscoe-Garner Museum will hold an open house on July Fourth featuring its new permanent exhibit, Dolph Briscoe: Texan. Set in the former home of John Nance “Cactus Jack” Garner, the museum chronicles the lives and careers of two of Texas’ most influential politicians, both from Uvalde. Briscoe was governor from 1973 to 1979; Garner was speaker of the U.S. House from 1931–1933 and vice president in the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration. The museum reopened in late 2013 after a renovation, and in April opened the second floor, which houses the Briscoe exhibit and artifacts such as campaign memorabilia and his U.S. Army uniform.
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July 4, 11, 18, and 25
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July 18
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July 4
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Photos: (from top) Kevin Stillman; courtesy City of Plano; courtesy Children’s Museum of Houston; courtesy Briscoe-Garner Museum
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Don’t forget...
All of these events and more can be found at the Texas Highways Events page 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Find Texas Highways at your local newsstand.
This 2016 Texas Highways wall calendar showcases the beauty of the Lone Star State, as seen through the lenses of gifted photographers. From Big Bend to the Gulf Coast and the Hill Country to the Piney Woods, you will enjoy exploring Texas scenery every month. 13.5” × 21.5” when open.
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