From Coronado to Carlsbad, there's no shortage of parades, dinners, festivals, concerts and cruises to celebrate the Fourth of July.

As the United States celebrates its 249th birthday, parades, fireworks shows and celebrations of all (stars and) stripes will take place throughout San Diego County.

It's almost time for fireworks to light up the sky around San Diego! Why it matters: Fourth of July weekend draws hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors to the beaches, bays and parks, and they're looking for a show.