It’s the US’s 245th birthday — and the Triangle has a weekend full of events to help you celebrate.

'Cause baby, you're a firework

Firework show | Sun., July 4 | 6 p.m. lots open | Carter-Finley + PNC Arena lots | Free | The City of Raleigh’s firework show over Carter-Finley Stadium is back this year — with a $24,000 budget. Restrooms will be available, but bring your own snacks.
Independence Day Celebration | Sun., July 4 | 3:30 p.m. gates open | Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary | Free+ | Watch the Cary Town Band + the NC Symphony play before a fireworks show.
Fireworks Spectacular | Sat., July 3 | 7:30 p.m. gates open | Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Rd., Wake Forest | Free | While spectators are welcome to attend in person, the show will also be live-streamed on the Town of Wake Forest Facebook page at 9 p.m.

More ways to stay entertained

Air Force One | Sun., July 4 | 2 p.m. | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 2116-D New Bern Ave. | $9 | Beat the heat by catching this showing of political action thriller Air Force One, starring Harrison Ford.
Durham Bulls game | Sun., July 4 | 6:05 p.m. | Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St, Durham | $17+ | Watch America’s favorite pastime, followed by the City of Durham’s fireworks show.
Laser Light Show | Sat., July 3 + Sun., July 4 | 9-9:30 p.m. | Durham County Memorial Stadium Parking Lot, 750 Stadium Drive | Free | This patriotic light show is free, but requires registration ahead of time.

Star Spangled Block Party | Sun., July 4 | 8 p.m. | Brier Creek Commons, 8181 Brier Creek Pkwy | Free | Head over to the shopping center for festivities, giveaways, and to listen to DJ Mark McNally play before a nighttime fireworks show.
July 5th Celebration | Mon., July 5 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Jefferson L. Sugg Farm, 2401 Grigsby Ave., Holly Springs | Free | Enjoy ~20 food trucks, dance to live music + watch live fireworks (which will also be live-streamed).