Note: All events are Sunday and are free (unless otherwise noted).

MARYLAND

Bowie: Entertainment, food and fireworks will highlight the day at Allen Pond Park, starting at 3 p.m. and ending at 10:30.

College Park: Starting at 7 p.m., enjoy live music and food at the University of Maryland. Fireworks start at about 9 p.m.

Gaithersburg: The gates of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds open at 5 p.m., with entertainment starting at 7, featuring Baltimore-based band Appaloosa. A fireworks show at 9:30 rounds out the evening.

Germantown: A patriotic concert begins at 7 p.m. and fireworks start at 9:30 at the Germantown Soccerplex.

Laurel: On Saturday, the celebration kicks off at 11 a.m. with a parade down Fourth Street, followed by a day of kids' field events, live music, a car show and appearances by the mayor and City Council members. Fireworks start at 9:15 p.m.

Rockville: Montgomery College will host an evening of music, featuring Fugitive Brass Quintet, the Rockville Concert Band and Wes Tucker and the Skillets. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30.

Takoma Park: The annual Fourth of July Parade starts at 10 a.m. near Carroll and Ethan Allen avenues, with evening festivities featuring music at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30.

VIRGINIA

Alexandria: If you miss the actual holiday, try celebrating in Alexandria on July 10. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will perform at Oronoco Bay Park at 8:30 p.m., ending the concert with fireworks and the "1812 Overture," complete with U.S. Marine Corps cannon fire. Or if you prefer to celebrate on July 4, head to St. Paul's Episcopal Church for an organ concert and sing-alongs at 11:30 a.m.

Fairfax: Watch the Independence Day Parade through downtown beginning at 10 a.m. on July 3. Then bring your lawn chair for musical entertainment later that evening. The City of Fairfax Band and other groups will perform starting at 7 p.m. at Fairfax High School, with fireworks at dark, following the "1812 Overture."

Falls Church: Listen to live music by the Ken Smith Band at 7 p.m. at George Mason High School, followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Food, drinks and ice cream will be for sale.

Leesburg: Watch the Independence Day parade wind through downtown starting at 2 p.m. Ida Lee Park will host the evening celebration, with gates opening at 6 p.m. Food vendors will be on hand, and fireworks will go off around 9:30 p.m.

McLean: The Carolina beach music band Chairmen of the Board will play at Langley High School. Arrive at 6 p.m. to enjoy the music, as well as field games with the staff of Camp McClean, and funnel cakes, pizza and cotton candy available. Fireworks will start sparkling at dusk.

Mount Vernon: Enjoy activities all day, from "General Washington" inspecting his troops at 9:30 a.m., to daytime fireworks at 12:45 p.m., to birthday cake for America at 1 p.m., to a Revolutionary War military drill by the First Virginia Regiment at 2:30 p.m. Regular admission prices apply: $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 6-11.

Reston: Head to Lake Fairfax Park for fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

Vienna: Take in arts and crafts, food, live music, vendors and games at the Vienna Community Center starting at 11 a.m. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. at Southside Park on Ross Drive.