Break out the barbecue grill + American flags — it’s almost the Fourth of July. For many of us, the holiday’s highlights include patriotic displays of fireworks, parades + other festivities. Because San Jose has very clear firework restrictions, it doesn’t hurt to start planning your Independence Day celebration early. 🇺🇲

🌭 Kick back

Join in on some local fairs + festivals both in and around San Jose to celebrate the Fourth.

Rose, White & Blue Parade | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | The Alameda, San Jose | Free | Watch a lineup of classic cars, bands, local dance groups, and other community organizations wind its way from Dana Avenue to The Alameda.
Fourth of July Celebration | 5-9 p.m. | CA's Great America, 4701 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara | $49.95 | Enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue at the Pavilion where you'll have the best seats in the house for fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Fourth of July All City Picnic | 12-5 p.m. | Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara | Free | Have a family day with the city of Santa Clara filled with food, live music, and kid-friendly activities.
Fourth of July Concert | 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | Memorial Park Amphitheater, 21121 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino | Free | Jam out with Arena Band as they play rock classics, R&B dance songs, and hits from the 1970s to today.
Freedom Fest Fireworks | 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 16500 Condit Rd., Morgan Hill | Free | This all-day festival features a family street dance, Freedom Run, a parade, a car cruise and show, and of course, fireworks.

Happy Fourth of July, San Jose. | GIF via @steezc

🎆 Blast off

If your ideal Fourth is about the rocket’s red glare, don’t worry, there are plenty of local opportunities — provided by the Santa Clara County Fire Department — to safely see the sky lit up with red, white, and blue.