Shell Freedom Over Texas
2023 FOT Press Release
COUNTRY STAR CHRIS YOUNG TO HEADLINE SHELL FREEDOM OVER TEXAS
Mayor Turner announces details of Houston’s official Fourth of July celebration
May 23, 2023 – Mayor Turner and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events is delighted to announce the continuation of its signature event, Shell Freedom Over Texas, Houston’s official Fourth of July celebration.
Mayor Sylvester Turner invites Houstonians to bring their family, friends and patriotic spirit to the Texas-sized event filled with tradition, family-friendly activities and lasting memories. Headlining the Shell Main Stage will be chart-topping country star Chris Young. Special guests on the stage include 6-time Grammy Nominee and American Music Award winner Yola, and Soul/R&B/Funk band TMF Formerly of Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, which recently announced their NEW lead singer, native Houstonian Chris Walker. Following the live performances, the celebration will conclude with a dazzling firework display.
“Shell Freedom Over Texas is Houston’s hallmark civic event. It is a true pleasure to welcome our sponsors and to celebrate the birth of our nation. We will be paying tribute to the men and women who have made great sacrifices to ensure our freedoms,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “I invite Houstonians and my fellow 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.”
Chris Young, who was scheduled to headline 2018’s Freedom Over Texas event that was canceled due to weather, will be treating Houston to a hit-packed set that highlights his 12 chart-toppers — including back-to-back No. 1s “Losing Sleep,” “Sober Saturday Night,” “Think of You,” and “I’m Comin’ Over”. The Grammy and ACM nominated vocalist’s most recent headlining tour played to over 400,000 fans in 3 countries. The Grand Ole Opry member and multi-platinum recording artist has earned multiple ACM, BBMA, CMA, CMT, Grammy and RDMA nominations. “Famous Friends,” Chris’ platinum-certified, multi-week chart-topping song with Kane Brown is the title track to his most recent 8th album. The track earned the top spot on Billboard’s year-end Country Airplay Songs chart.
“Shell USA is proud to return as title sponsor for Shell Freedom Over Texas. It’s an honor for us to celebrate July 4th with the City of Houston and this community where we live and work,” said Glenn Wright, Senior Vice President, Renewables and Energy Solutions Americas. “Coming together at this time of year is a time-honored tradition, and we are looking forward to enjoying the live music, food and fun with friends and family.”
This year’s festivities at Eleanor Tinsley and Sam Houston Parks on Buffalo Bayou (along Allen Parkway) include:
Bud Light Bayou Bash - a fun in the sun good time with lawn games for all to enjoy while getting a perfect view of the main stage and spectacular fireworks finale.
Dr Pepper Flavor Zone - features all of Houston’s professional sports teams, stage with live music, dancing and Dr Pepper floats
DICK’s Sporting Goods All-American Kids Zone - a NEW partnership this year, DICK’s Sporting Goods will sponsor the children’s entertainment area with activities and performances for families including games, rides and more.
Liberty Park - includes a salute to all five branches of the military including, “Symbols of Freedom” an abundance of military vehicles such as tanks and other assets from past military conflicts, first responders, and an exclusive Space City Experience provided by NASA.
Sponsors include: Title Sponsor: SHELL USA; Anchor Sponsors: Bud Light, DICK’s Sporting Goods, Dr Pepper; On-Site Sponsors: McDonald’s of Houston, Regal, Flight Club, ELI Marketing, Southwest Airlines, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, METRO, SETRAC; Official Radio Sponsor: COX Media Group: The Eagle 106.9/107.5, The New 93Q, Country Legends 97.1 FM; Media Partner: Houston Chronicle; Official Hotel Sponsor: The Whitehall; Community Partner: Houston Food Bank; Beneficiary: Houston Civic Events, Inc.; Producer: City of Houston Mayor's Office of Special Events; Television Partner: ABC 13.
Admission is $10 per person, children aged five and under are FREE. Tickets are available online and at 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 #FREEDOMOVERTX www.facebook.com/HoustonSpecialEvents.
