In an All-American city like Fayetteville, there is no shortage of events to celebrate America’s birthday. Fayetteville and the surrounding communities have several family-friendly options for a fun-filled weekend. It’s time for music, fireworks, food and fun. Here are some of the ways you can join in the celebration of America’s 240th birthday:

Fort Bragg- US Army MWR

Every year, Fort Bragg opens its gates to the community for a 4th of July celebration like none other in the area. The afternoon kicks off with music followed by a free-fall parachute demonstration. Next up, the flag ceremony honors each state in the nation. During the flag ceremony, the crowd cheers for the colors for each state as the flags pass by. 

Throughout the day and evening, vendors offer food and beverages for purchase. 

The 4th of July Celebration is presented by AAFMAA and runs from 3 – 10 p.m. at the Main Post Parade Field. Come early and bring a tent or other covering to enjoy the day. All tents belong in the designated tent area. Call 396-9126 to make reservations. Space is limited. 

Bring the kids because there is an entire section of the parade field dedicated to them. Kiddieland includes bounce houses, slides and rock climbing walls. Admission for Kiddieland is $10 per child with unlimited use. Kiddieland is open from 3 - 8 p.m.. 

Pets, glass bottles and BBQ grills are not allowed. The event is free and open to the public. Arrive early. There will be a lot of traffic. The parade field opens at 1 p.m..  

For more information call 396-9126. 

N.C. Symphony Independence Day Concert

Get a jump on the 4th of July celebrations at the N.C. Symphony Independence Day concert in Festival Park. This concert salutes all things American with well-loved favorites and classics that will have the audience singing along. It takes place on Friday, July 1 at 8 p.m. in Festival Park. Don’t miss the fireworks right after the show.

The program begins with “The Star Spangled Banner” and features a salute to all branches of the military featuring various selections.  It is conducted by N.C. Symphony Associate Conductor David Glover. Scott MacLeod will join the orchestra to sing selections.   

Lawn chairs are welcome.  Concert goers may bring food and beverages. Vendors will be on site as well.

Pets are not permitted. Gates  open at 5 p.m. 

This performance is part of the Symphony’s summer “Concerts in Your Community” free concerts presented throughout the state. 

For more information visit www.ncsymphony.org. 

Fayetteville Swamp Dogs

Ahh, the Swamp. There is no place like it when it comes time to have fun. All season long, the SwampDogs entertain and amuse with great baseball as well as events the entire family can enjoy. But for America’s birthday, the team pulls out all the stops with a big game followed by an even bigger fireworks display. Come out on Sunday, July 3, and catch the game against the Wilson Tobs at 7:05 p.m. at   J. P. Riddle Stadium. Make a night of it, enjoy the fireworks and celebrate America’s 240th birthday at the swamp.

Box seats are $9, general admission cost is $7 and military and kids for $6.  Food and beverages can be purchased at the stadium. 

Gates open at 5 p.m. Purchase tickets ahead of time and arrive early for the game. 

For more information call 426-5900.  

Hope Mills

For all the fun that comes with the 4th of July without the big-city hassle, come to Hope Mills. The Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Department hosts its annual 4th of July Parade at 10 a.m. The starting lineup is at Hope Mills Middle School. 

Later, at the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation department, the party kicks off at Municipal Park. Children’s games begin at 4 p.m. Come ready to eat. Vendors will be on site with food and drinks available for purchase. 

Come to watch, or better yet, compete in one of the many tournaments. Choose from the frozen T-shirt contest, corn hole, horseshoes and washers. 

The opening ceremonies and welcome take place at 6 p.m. followed by “The National Anthem” sung by Madison Bryant, who is Miss Fayetteville Dogwood Festival.  

David Arthur and the Southern Tradition Band provide the evening’s entertainment followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m.  

Admission is free. For more information call 424-4555. 

Spring Lake

Spring Lake’ s Main Street party runs from noon to 9 p.m. This may be a small town festival but there is plenty to do — including a car, truck and bike show, a dunking booth and Kidz Zone. Come hungry. There will be food vendors. The program also includes live musical entertainment on stage. Call 497-8821 for more information.

Firecracker 4-Miler

Before heading to the barbeques, concerts and parties, start July 4th off with a four-mile road race. The Fayetteville Running Club’s Firecracker 4 Miler is designed to promote running as a part of a healthy lifestyle in the community. Enjoy the winding trail’s historic parks and beautiful downtown scenery. It starts at 7 a.m. Find out more or register at https://its-go-time.com/firecracker-4-miler-2016