The biggest act at the Freedom Over Texas Festival this year is Clay Walker. The rest of the bands are unknown to me and they could be good, but I don’t even feel like paying nothing to go to that mess.

What I do recommend is a smaller, classier and equally FREE celebration at Miller Outdoor Theatre. On July 4 at 8:30 p.m. the Houston Symphony will play a few patriotic tunes, including the exciting 1812 Overture. This will be followed by a fireworks show.

Come early, bring some water, a blanket or lawn chairs.

The Freedom over Texas festival does however, provide the largest fireworks show on land in the U.S., so if you do want to fight the crowds and Clay Walker music, check it out on July 4th.

What better way to commemorate Michael Jackson’s death and celebrate his life than with a massive Thriller dance session at Discovery Green. Some local choreographers and dancers will be teaching the general public the dance from the video this Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m.

View Larger Map

The event is free and is open to everyone, so bring the kids, grandma and your moonwalking shoes.

Houston’s already experiencing record temperatures this week, and if you live in the city, it may be difficult to find a pool to cool off in. Luckily the city has a plethora of public pools open throughout the summer. Visit the Houston Parks web site for locations and hours.

Usually public pools mean tons of kids and therefore annoyances, but those close to downtown are surprisingly serene. The only bad thing is that they aren’t natural, so the water can get warm late in the day. So go early or go home and sit in the air conditioning.

The Houston IKEA is offering a 15% discount to couples who got it on in the candlelight during Hurricane Ike and made a baby.

This is not a joke, I just got a press release that said the discount will be redeemed for babies born June 1- July 4 during the same time at the store. You have to show a birth certificate or hospital bracelet, so if you’re thinking about scamming the Swedes with a fake baby, it won’t work.

“In the face of adversity, it’s important that we celebrate the good,” said IKEA Houston Store Manager Johnny Andersen, “And what could be better than the blossoming of the seeds of life.”