Fireworks with the fam, barbecues in the backyard, hot dogs by the pool. ☀

These are all the things we have been thinking about instead of work this week… and which of these events we’re going to hit up to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Our top 5 picks

MustDo: Ingles Independence Day Celebration | 2–10 p.m. | Pack Square Park | See The Ultimate Air Dogs (and register your dog at ultimateairdogs.com), enjoy bouncy houses + kids activities provided by the LEAF Easel Rider program. Beer, wine + food will be available for purchase. Only "air dogs" allowed at the event.

Outdoors: Independence Day Fireworks Hike | 6-11 p.m. | Meet at Black Mountain Savings Bank | 200 E. State St., Black Mountain | 3-mile moderate guided hike

🍻Tuesday | July 3

Outdoors: 50 High Points World Record Challenge | Time will vary, track here. | Mt. Mitchell | Free | Witness Colin Brady breaking a world record as he travels across all 50 american high points.

Watercooler: Asheville City vs. Discoveries SC | 7 p.m. | Asheville City Soccer Club | $5+ |

Trivia: Murica Trivia | 7–10 p.m. | Craft Centric Taproom & Bottle Shop | 100 Julian Shoals Dr. #40 | Dress in your most patriotic attire + test your knowledge on American pop culture, US History + more. Prizes for winners.

🇺🇸 Wednesday, July 4

MustDo: Ingles Independence Day Celebration | 2–10 p.m. | Pack Square Park | See The Ultimate Air Dogs (and register your dog at ultimateairdogs.com), enjoy bouncy houses + kids activities provided by the LEAF Easel Rider program. Beer, wine + food will be available for purchase. Only "air dogs" allowed at the event.

Fire On The Lake 2018 | 7 – 10:30 p.m. | Lake Louise | Downtown Weaverville| Free | Music by Devils in Dust
Music on Main St. | 7 - 10 p.m. | Downtown Hendersonville | Free | Military veterans + those serving in the armed forces will be celebrated. Music by Wishful Thinkin’.

Outdoors: Independence Day Fireworks Hike | 6-11 p.m. | Meet at Black Mountain Savings Bank | 200 E. State St., Black Mountain | 3-mile moderate guided hike

Dish: Free Hot Dogs on the 4th Of July | 1 p.m. | Mills River Brewery | 330 Rockwood Rd. | Mills River Brewery will be giving away free Hotdogs in celebration of the 4th of July + filling up growlers for $8.

July 4th Celebration Dinner |6 - 9 p.m. | Biltmore’s Antler Hill Barn | 209 Dairy Rd.| $125/adult $60/child | Live music, wine + a set menu. Bonus: Fireworks

3rd Annual Oskar Blues AmeriCANiversary | 6 - 10 p.m. | Oskar Blues Brewing | 342 Mountain Industrial Dr, Brevard | Live music, delicious food trucks, tasty Oskar Blues craft beer, fireworks + more.

Cause: Freedom Gala | 2:30 p.m. | Patton Parker House | 95 Charlotte St. | $25 | Kick off the day with a social bike ride through town, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch featuring local food and live music + a view of all the downtown fireworks. Kids 12 and under free. Proceeds benefit Haiti.

ForKids: “Spink, Skabootch, and Swipes” Theatre Performance | 10:15–10:45 am | The Carl Sandburg Home | 1800 Little River Rd. | Free | Meet new characters and journey farther into Sandburg's imagination than ever before.These 30-minute shows are appropriate for all ages and held rain or shine, and repeat weekly.

Music: Bluegrass Jam | 6 - 9 p.m. | Ben’s Tune Up | 195 Hilliard Ave. | Free