Did you know that Houston is home to two huge holidays this month? Of course, it’s Independence Day this weekend as we’re all gearing up to celebrate America’s 250th on Saturday. Following all the Fourth fests, next week is another celebration bash throughout the city for 713 Weekend!

In honor of 7/13, we’re pulling out all the stops! Head to our celebrations at Amy’s Ice Cream, Habibi Bazaar and Meow Wolf, plus enter for a chance to win some of our amazing sports giveaways we’ve put together for the bash. You could score Houston Dynamo tickets, a $75 Toros Gift Card, a trio of Revival Pilates classes and so much more! Find out more about all the celebrations and giveaways for 713 Weekend here!

PLAY BALL

• The Astros kick off Fourth of July weekend with a bang in a three-game series against the Rays. Score a Hunter Brown patriotic jersey, catch the Fourth of July Street Fest and more at the ballpark this weekend!

• It’s Wrestling’s Night Out tomorrow with an amazing ASEC show featuring live music, a fireworks show and some explosive wrestling action.

• Check out more than 1,000 legendary American-made cars on Independence Day Morning at POST Houston during Houston Coffee & Cars: American Icons.

• Saddle up for mechanical bull rides, country music and World Cup watch parties at Talyard Brewing Company’s Boots, Bulls & Brews this Saturday!

• The World Cup wraps up in Houston with a huge Round of 16 showdown on Monday! On the heels of a massive win over the Netherlands, Morocco faces off against a game Canada in our northern neighbor’s first Round of 16 appearance!

POOLS & SPLASH PADS IN HOUSTON

Cool off from this July heat at one of these pools or splash pads around the city! Our updated guide will help you find a public pool for the whole family near you. If you’re looking to take a more exclusive dip, we’ve spotlighted some of the best private pools in Houston, too. It’s your ultimate guide for making a splash right here in Houston!

THIS WEEK

LOCALS ONLY

• Houston Sports Highlight of the Week: In a massive week that’s reshaped the NBA, more on that below, the Rockets have been plenty busy in free agency. Houston bolstered its guard depth by signing Marcus Smart to a two-year deal and Bogdan Bogdanovic to a one-year contract. Smart led the Lakers in plus-minus last season, a testament to his impactful perimeter defense. Bogdanovic is a 38% three-point shooter over his career as a steady scoring option.

• College Sports Report: Rice Owls fans can rock a new look this year, courtesy of Nike. Yesterday, the Owls announced that Nike has become the athletic department’s official outfitter. Find out how you can grab some new Nike Owls gear here.

• The Sports Story You Need to See: It’s already been one of the most eventful NBA offseasons in recent memory, and free agency just kicked off on Tuesday! LeBron left the Lakers, Kawhi was traded back to the Raptors, Minnesota snagged LaMelo, Portland traded for Ja, the Celtics and Sixers swapped Jaylen Brown for Paul George and picks, plus several key players moved teams in the newly opened free agency. Keep an eye on ESPN’s trade tracker and buzz report for the latest on all of the big moves as they happen!

• What We’re Watching: The World Cup Round of 16 is set to deliver some spectacular matchups across Fourth of July weekend. Fresh off an incredible upset win over Germany, Paraguay will take on Kylian Mbappe and France on Saturday while Mexico and England collide on Sunday in what will undoubtedly be one of the most heavily anticipated showdowns of the entire tournament.

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