The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and as one who can say without blinking that July Fourth is my favorite holiday, I am honored to present to you the best ways to celebrate our nation’s independence here in Portland!

Lake Oswego Millennium Concert Band, Jul 3

Spend an evening paying homage to those who have served to protect the very independence we’re celebrating this weekend. The Millennium Concert Band will perform military and marching compositions at Millennium Plaza Park, featuring the Presentation of Colors by the Lake Oswego Honor Guard. There will also be a big tribute to veterans. The performance is scheduled for July 3rd, so you can still catch those beloved fireworks the next night! Free, oswego.or.us

Fireworks at Oregon Garden – Jul 3

If you’re looking for a smaller, more intimate fireworks show, check out Oregon Garden’s event this weekend. In addition to the Fourth of July, they will also be celebrating their 15th Anniversary with live music, delicious food and drink and an awesome fireworks display. Live music will continue until 11:30pm. $8-14, children 4 and under free, admission free after 6 pm (donation suggested to help cover cost of fireworks), oregongarden.org

Fireworks at the Waterfront Blues Festival – Jul 4

This is the biggest fireworks display you’re going to find in Portland, and it’s right downtown. The show starts at 10pm, after the final performance and the National Anthem sung by Linda Hornbuckle. You and the fam are sure to be dazzled by the 11,800 shots set to music provided by KINK.fm 101.9. All proceeds benefit Oregon Food Bank. $10 and 2 cans of non-perishable food or festival pass, waterfrontbluesfest.com

Independence Day at Fort Vancouver – Jul 4

Head up to the Fort Vancouver National Site for a truly all-American celebration. Bring a picnic to eat on the lush lawns (or get lunch from one of the many vendors), enjoy classic games with the kids starting at noon, grab a drink in the Adult Beverage Pavilion, and get a taste of history with black powder canon salutes and a look at life in 1860’s Vancouver. You can even get an airplane ride over Pearson Field! The fireworks display will be their best yet, too. $5-7, kids under 12 free, 4th.fortvan.org

Fireworks at Oaks Park – Jul 4

Oaks Park is open all day with rides starting at noon, and has a special day of BBQ and live entertainment set up for July 4th. BBQ will be served in the picnic areas, which will be first come first serve – so get there nice and early! Fireworks start at dusk. $2-5, oakspark.com

Corbett Fun Fest – Jul 4

One of the city’s most coveted Independence Day displays, the Fun Fest offers a full line up of music, attractions, a water slide, paddle boats and just about everything else you can think of! $10 per person (kids 3 under free), facebook.com/events/243679302665610

Star Spangled Parade and Celebration – Jul 4

Sport your patriotic colors and join the fun down A Avenue in Lake Oswego’s Star Spangled Parade. The Parade features an authentic Fife & Drum Band, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, a pie eating contest and a beautiful display of fireworks. Free, ci.oswego.or.us

The Rockaway Beach Celebration – Jul 4

If you’re planning on celebrating the holiday on the coast, Rockaway Beach is the place to be on July 4. The festivities start with a parade at 11am, followed by dachshund races and a flyover by the National Guard. When the sun goes down, head to the Ocean’s Edge Wayside or Rockaway beaches for a spectacular show in the sky. Free, rockawaybeach.net

If you’re thinking you’d like a nice chill spot to just kick back and enjoy the show from a distance, you might want to consider one of these lookouts around town: Mt. Tabor or Rocky Butte on the east side, West Hills or Council Crest on the west side, a spot on one of the Willamette River Bridges, and Sellwood Park or Sellwood Boulevard to be near Oaks Park.

Also, don’t forget, there are a few rockin’ rodeos happening the weekend of July Fourth. Here’s a link to our Rodeo Roundup for information on the Molalla Buckeroo, St. Paul Rodeo, and Vancouver Rodeo.

Whatever you decide to do this July Fourth weekend, remember to surround yourself with people you love and have a fantastic time!