It’s the July 4th weekend and that means parades, picnics – and fireworks. Here’s a roundup of events in and around the Issaquah/Sammamish communities worth noting, compliments of RubySlipperGuide.com.

Issaquah’s Down Home 4th of July Celebration

When: July 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Veterans’ Memorial Field in downtown Issaquah

Cost: Free

What to expect: Kids and pet parade, local talent, races (one-legged and sack), Pie eating contests

Sammamish Fourth on the Plateau

When: July 4 from 6:15-10:30 p.m.

Where: Upper and Lower Commons

Cost: Admission is free

What to expect: Kids zone, musical entertainment, fireworks

Newcastle’s Fourth at the Lake

When: July 4 from 6-10:30 p.m.

Where: Lake Boren Park

Cost: Free

What to expect: Picnic (bring your own food and supplies), concert, fireworks

Symetra Bellevue Family 4th of July

When: July 4 from 2-10:30 p.m.(fireworks start at 10 p.m.)

Where: Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 N.E. Fourth St.

Cost: Admission and entertainment is free, food and some activities will have minimal costs; no ATM on site

What to expect: Kids’ area includes bounces, climbing wall, face painting, stilt walkers, jugglers; main stage live entertainment; sponsors’ booths to visit; the evening will end with the Eastside’s biggest fireworks show.

Renton 4th of July

When: July 4 from noon to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N.

Cost: Admission is free, bring money for food

What to expect: Inflatables, activities, games for kids; face painting; musical entertainment; fireworks

Fourth of July at Lake Union

When: July 4 from noon to11 p.m.

Where: Gas Works Park, 2101 N. Northlake Way, Seattle

Cost: Free

What to expect: Lake Union arguably has the best display, and Gas Works Park will be packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people. Activities for the kids plus a live band.