Ready to celebrate our Independence Day? Here are some ideas to help you get started on your weekend plans early. There are plenty of opportunities for families to be amazed by local fireworks, along with attend parades and more. Also, see what’s brewing around town as there are many festivals that are providing games, foods, rides, live music and kid-friendly activities.
6/30-7/4
Fairport Mardi Gras. Rides, games, food and fireworks at the beach on the fourth of July weekend. Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, 220 Third St., Fairport Harbor, 440-352-3620, fairportmardigras.vpweb.com
7/1-4
Red, White & Blue – Akron’s National Rib Festival. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron, lock3live.com
7/1-7/4
Great Lakes Science Center Rock ‘n’ Boom Celebrate the holiday weekend with the Science Center from Friday, July 1 through Monday, July 4 with Star Spangled Science, a brand new event full of hands-on activities, holiday themed demonstrations and the chance to add to the Science Center’s community build project for the Republican National Convention. Come back on the fourth for Rock ‘n’ Boom — a unique look at the Independence Day fireworks over downtown Cleveland from the deck of the Steamship William G. Mather! (Separate special event ticket required for Mather event. Tickets are $16 or $13 for Science Center members.) Food and drinks will be available for purchase in the adjacent family-friendly beer garden, including hot dogs, hamburgers, beer and wine. Call 216-621-2400 to reserve a ticket. Visit GreatScience.com for more information.
7/2
Hudson Fireworks Celebration. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. Beginning at 5 p.m., family-friendly activities will include food trucks/vendors, beverages, children’s activities, a chalk walk art display, and performances by the Western Reserve Community Band and Funkology, a 10 piece band playing hits from the 1960s through today. Barlow Farm Park, 2100 Barlow Road, Hudson, 330-256-8704, myhcf.org
7/3
Warrensville Heights Fireworks. The fireworks show will begin at dusk, with limited seating in the football field bleachers behind Warrensville Heights High School. 4270 Northfield Road, Warrensville Hts., cityofwarrensville.com
2016 Boom. An even bigger & brighter celebration this year, featuring food trucks, live music, street performers, face-painters, balloon artists & much more. 7-11 p.m. Great Northern Mall, 4954 Great Northern Blvd., North Olmsted, 440-716-4142, celebratenortholmsted.com
7/4
Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s Red, White & Brew Music Festival. Enjoy live music on the waterfront, a selection of beer and food trucks, a perfect view of the City of Cleveland’s fireworks and extended hours at the Aquarium. 3 p.m.-midnight. Nautica Entertainment Center, 1231 Main Ave., greaterclevelandaquarium.com
Independence Day Parade. Begins at the Fairlawn Town Center and proceeds to Summit Mall. 4:30 p.m. 3320 West Market St., cityoffairlawn.com
Old Glory Days. Children’s parade, games, music, face painting, balloon animals and pie eating contest. Chardon Square/Gazebo, Short Court Street, chardonchamber.com
Mentor Fireworks. Spectacular fireworks display can be viewed from Civic Center Park and Mentor High School. 9:50 p.m. Civic Center Park, 8600 Munson Road, Mentor, cityofmentor.com
Westlake 4th of July Parade and Fireworks. Parade begins at Westlake High School and proceeds east on Hilliard Blvd. 10 a.m. Evening activities take place at Clague Park. cityofwestlake.org
A Salute to America. Great music, fireworks, and fun for the whole family. 8 p.m. Blossom Music Center, 1145 West Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, clevelandorchestra.com
Lakewood 4th of July Celebration. Parade at 10 a.m. followed by festivities in Lakewood Park, concert from 7-9:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. onelakewood.com
7/1-3
16th Annual Italian American Summer Festival. Celebrating Italian culture and tradition with bocce tournament, dancing, pasta eating contest and much more. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 164 Eastland Road, Berea, italianamericansummerfestival.com
7/1-4
Brunswick Summer Celebration Festival. Enjoy bands, carnival rides, contests and a parade. Brunswick High School Campus, 3553 Center Road, summer-celebration.com
