The Fourth of July is one of the best American holidays. This celebration of freedom couldn’t come at a better time of the year. The beginning of July in the Pacific Northwest already feels like a frenzy of freedom, the days are long, the sun is out, and the temperatures rise to a scorching 80 degrees. Fire up the kayaks and paddle boards and hit the lakes, it’s time to celebrate!

Firework displays explode in the sky all over the Puget Sound on the Fourth, so if you don’t want to brave the crowds at Lake Union, you have loads of other options. A bonus is that almost all of them are free to enter and you can bring a picnic, don’t forget the sunscreen. Most cities in King County ban fireworks, but if you’re interested in setting them off yourself check here for individual city codes and restrictions, here for an all-encompassing list of laws and regulations.

Uncorked Canvas in West Seattle, on July 3, kick off Independence Day Eve by grabbing a few friends and heading West to Uncorked Canvas. You can create your own fireworks explosions above the Space Needle. These you’ll be able to keep forever on canvas while you feed your inner artist. Maybe you’ll decide that you love painting, and this is just the beginning. Sign up soon; spaces are limited.

Seafair Summer 4th at Gasworks Park 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. & South Lake Union Park, 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Join thousands of other firework revelers for a show that was voted one of the best in the country, starting at 10:00 p.m. It’s the largest festival in Seattle every year. Check the link for the complete schedule of events; both parks will have live music, food, and beer gardens all day. Come ready to hang out on the grass with incredible views on the lake.

Bellevue Family Fourth located at the Bellevue Connection, this event is kicking off bright and early at 9:00 a.m. with a fun, Four on the 4^th 4k dog and human walk or jog. After the event stick around for a doggie costume contest. Bouncy houses, children’s activities, food and live music and fireworks starting at 10:00 p.m. the Bellevue Youth Symphony orchestra will serenade crowds throughout the show and after for a post-show set.

4^th of July Seatac at Angle Lake Park, swimming is open for the fourth this year, a spray park, kids bounce houses and live music starts at 1:00 p.m. and runs all day long until the fireworks start at 10:00 p.m.

4^th of July Renton located at the Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, events begin at 8:00 a.m. for an all-day sand volleyball tournament. Kid’s activity zones, live music, and an onstage dance performance will entertain guests for over 12 hours of fun culminating in a 10:00 p.m. fireworks show for almost a full half hour.

An Edmonds kind of Fourth, kick off the day with a 5k or 1k family-friendly fun run/ walk and chase (a pretend) George Bracket, the founder of Edmonds through the streets. He’ll be the one with the big white beard. A competition scheduled after the run will have a winner for the best 4^th of July costume.

Stay for a children’s and family parade, a beard and mustache contest with natural and anything goes category for anyone to participate, even if you can’t naturally grow a beard or mustache. The fireworks show will begin at 10:00 p.m.

Fourth on the Lake in Newcastle at Lake Boren Park, a low key, Newcastle type party begins at 6:00 p.m. the park will fill up with food vendors and residents. Pyrotechnicians will be onstage to answer all of your burning questions, starting at 6:30 p.m. The question and answer session will be followed by live music at 8:00 and fireworks at 10:00 p.m.

*A caring reminder; firework explosions are scary for your sweet furry friends, and more dogs and cats go missing during the 4^th of July than any other day.

Keep pets closed up in an interior room or basement. A crate is a perfect space to put your dog or cat with lots of soft padding inside, drape blankets outside to absorb the noise with space for air. Set the crate in a cool back corner or basement, a fan, and radio in the background will help to drown out the booms and keep the air circulating and your pet cool.

Add your dog or cat’s favorite toy and treats, something to keep them occupied and distracted. Kongs stuffed with peanut butter, and dog treat puzzles are great to keep their minds off the noise. Lastly, thundershirts come recommended by vets, especially for dogs and cats with anxiety; it’s like a tight, secure hug that helps animals feel safe and calm.

Happy Fourth of July to you, your families and your furry friends!