July 4 marks America’s 250th birthday, and there are several events scheduled in The Woodlands from July 2-5 to celebrate the holiday. All events are subject to change, and this list is not comprehensive.

Here’s a look at what’s happening for families, music lovers and more.

Red, Hot & Blue Festival
The Red, Hot & Blue Festival is centered around live music, food and family-friendly activities across multiple locations throughout the community. A firework display will close out the night for attendees.

• July 4, 6-10 p.m.

• Free

• Festival activities vary by location, The Woodlands

Outlaw Music Festival
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presents attendees with a day filled with music from Willie Nelson, Wilco, Sheryl Crow, Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, Lukas Nelson and Lily Meola. There is a strict bag requirement for the show, according to the venue website.

• July 5, 2 p.m. (show begins)

• Ticket prices vary

• 2005 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands

After its grand opening event on June 5, HobbyTown is now open off I-45 in Shenandoah, store representatives confirmed.

A closer look: The all-around games and entertainment shop offers a selection of collectible card games, trading card games, toys, remote-controlled vehicles and aircraft as well as Lego and other building kits for sale.

HobbyTown’s hours are currently 10 a.m.-7 p.m daily, but store representatives said these hours may be extended due to an increased volume of customers during the evening.

• Opened June 5
• 19075 I-45 S, Ste. 121E, Shenandoah

At its June 16 regular board meeting, the Conroe ISD board of trustees voted to table the approval of the CISD Board Operating Procedures Manual. The manual is an internal document detailing the board's operating procedures, while also granting new powers to the CISD board president. The board of trustees previously voted to approve the draft of the manual, but have now voted to table the final adoption due to what they described as the outside distraction it has caused.

The breakdown: Melissa Dungan, vice president of the CISD board of trustees, said the development of the Board Operating Procedures Manual was originally recommended by a third-party consultant. It was designed to be a guide to inform the Conroe ISD community on board operations and procedures, Dungan said. 

Next steps: After further discussion among board members, the board voted unanimously to table the approval of the manual. 

The board does not currently have a definitive date on when it may revisit the document for a revision.

Austin-based restaurant Hopdoddy Burger Bar has been acquired by by Founders Table Restaurant Group.

What's happening: Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler will transition to an advisory role. Hopdoddy Vice President of Operations Kenny Jett will assume the role of president.

"I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this brand so special—from our incredible team members to the loyal guests who support us every day," Jett said in a news release. "I'm honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation we've created as we continue growing the brand."

The background: Hopdoddy was founded in Austin in 2010 and has 47 locations today, including in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.

Founders Table was founded in 2020. The brand's portfolio includes Chopt Creative Salad Company, Dos Toros Taqueria and Protein Bar & Kitchen.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is planning an expansion along Hwy. 288, with a new agricultural and livestock complex expected to add more than 1 million square feet of event and programming space.

What we know: The organization announced June 24 that the project will be the largest single facilities investment in the rodeo’s more than 90-year history. Construction is expected to take several years, with the goal of opening the complex in time for the 2029 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The new facility is designed to support livestock shows, horse show competitions, junior and open breeding shows, archery competitions, agricultural mechanics, commercial auctions and educational contests, including 4-H and intercollegiate programming. Some livestock events will continue to be held at Reliant Center, according to the release.

Diving in deeper: Outside of the annual rodeo, the complex is expected to host year-round educational programming, committee meetings, fundraisers, auctions, galas and other agricultural, youth and Western heritage events.