JULY 3

6 PM If you're ready to rock your red, white and blue, make plans to head downtown on Tuesday, July 3 for the City's "Light Up Arlington" event, which kicks off at 6 p.m.

It's the sixth year for the City to host the community celebration, which draws about 30,000 guests each year and is staged in and around the Levitt Pavilion. Activities and events include fireworks, live music, a petting zoo, carnival-styled foods, a beer garden and a vendor booth area. View an event map.

"It's a family atmosphere, it's free, there are two stages with live music, and there are kid activities. There's a little something for everyone," said Michael Debrecht, the event coordinator.

Featured music acts include performances by the Arlington Community Band, a symphony performance group that has long been a staple of Arlington's Independence Day celebrations; Pure Prairie League, an Opry-quality country music group based in Tennessee; and The Spazmatics, an 80s cover band that encourages fans to celebrate their "retro geekiness".

Also on the lineup is a performance by the Heather Roberts Band, a country music act headlined by the wife of a disabled Iraq war veteran. Many of her songs, at least one of which was co-penned with her husband, were inspired by her family's experiences.

Event-goers with kids in tow should be sure to visit The Boomtown Children's Area, which offers firecrackers, pony and train rides, face painting and a bounce house. Boomtown is also home to a Radio Disney-sponsored interactive game area, Jake & the Neverland Pirates. (A small admission fee is required for some of the children's area activities.) View a full schedule of events.

Festival Tips:

• Coolers are welcome, but glass items aren't.
• Please leave your pooch at home.
• Strollers are permitted on site.
• The event kicks off long before the sun goes down, so don't forget to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
• Food vendors only accept cash.
• Lawn chairs are encouraged.

JULY 4

9 AMOn Wednesday, July 4th, join us at 9 a.m. for the 47th Annual Independence Day Parade in downtown Arlington. The theme of this year's parade is "The Many Faces of America's Freedom" and it is dedicated to Arlington citizens who have given their lives in the cause of freedom.

If you can't make it to the parade, watch it live on Arlington's Government Channel 16 on Time Warner Cable and on AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 or AISD-TV.

7 PMAlso on Wednesday, July 4th is the Arlington Highlands Fireworks Extravaganza! Enjoy live music starting at 7 p.m. followed by a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. The first 3,000 snow cones from 7-9 p.m. are free!

Fire Safety Reminder
By city ordinance, fireworks can only be used by licensed professionals. It is illegal to possess, sale or use fireworks within city limits. Violators could face fines up to $2,000.

Photos courtesy of John Moore