Happy 236th birthday, USA!
Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

And as we’re a country that loves to celebrate, what better way to do it than with multiple parties.

A day of picnics and patriotic parades, concerts and fireworks, Fourth of July is all about having a good time (safely, of course). We’ve done the legwork for you in rounding up a comprehensive list of what’s going on in the area.

Now you just have to make the hard decision of which event you’ll attend.

Charleston RiverDogs game

What: As the RiverDogs will be away on the Fourth, they’re celebrating early with a special fireworks show in addition to their Two-for-Tuesday (two-for-one ticket discounts at the box office) and Craft Beer Tap Tuesday (sample the featured craft beer at a special tasting booth) offerings. The RiverDogs will be playing the Greenville Drive.

When: 6:35 p.m. Tuesday
Where: The Joe, 360 Fishburne St.

Price: $7-$16
More info: 723-7241 or www.milb.com

Fishy Fourth

What: Celebrate in one of the prime spots overlooking the Cooper River, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Patriots Point. Enjoy the aquarium, including the new Madagascar Journey exhibit, a 4-D movie, face painting, music and crafts. Barbecue will be provided by Smoky Oak Taproom and Holy City Brewing will be serving up suds. Tickets include beer, refreshments and food. Guests who want to view the fireworks show over Charleston Harbor from the Riverside Terrace can bring chairs and/or blankets. No personal coolers are allowed.

When: 7-10:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf

Price: $55 for adults, $30 for children, kids 3 and under get in free; aquarium members get a $5 discount ($50 for adults, $25 for children)

More info: 577-FISH (3474) or www.scaquarium.org

Sizzling Southern Celebration

What: Wentworth Mansion and Circa 1886 are celebrating in true Southern fashion. Chef Marc Collins will be serving a picnic-themed menu that includes antelope burger sliders, Carolina peel ’n’ eat shrimp, summer truffle and fingerling potato salad, whiskey baked beans, watermelon floats and banana pudding ice cream sandwiches. Live music will be provided. After dinner, guests are invited to the mansion’s lawn to watch the fireworks display. Wentworth Mansion also is offering a package for those who want to stay overnight; $499 per couple includes the above dinner and a one-night stay.

When: 7:30-10 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Circa 1886 and the lawn of the Wentworth Mansion, 149 Wentworth St.

Price: $70, which includes a glass of champagne and all food but excludes tax, gratuity and additional beverages.

More info: 853-7828 or www.circa1886.com

Firefly Fireworks Harbor Cruise

What: Head out for an evening on the water and watch the fireworks show from there. Enjoy a harbor cruise on the Carolina Queen and enjoy live music provided by The Louie D. Project, featuring Louie D. on sax and lead vocals with four-part harmonies and a dynamic rhythm section. Partake in a picnic-style buffet offering Lowcountry boil, fried chicken and more, and sip on Firefly drink specials.

When: 8-10 p.m. Wednesday; boarding begins at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Boat leaves from the Charleston City Marina, 17 Lockwood Drive

Price: $57.50 for adults, $35 for children under 12

More info: 810-0055

Blues and BBQ Harbor Cruise

What: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Belle while enjoying a catered buffet by Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ, live music provided by Shrimp City Slim, followed by the fireworks show over Charleston Harbor.

When: 8-10 p.m. Wednesday; boarding begins at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Boat leaves from the Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St.

Price: $50 for adults, $30 for children under 12

More info: 722-1112 or www.charlestonharbor tours.com

Sunset Sail and Fireworks

What: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Schooner Pride. Bring a picnic supper to enjoy; beverages will be available on board. After your ride, stay on board for a dockside view of the fireworks over Charleston Harbor.

When: 8-10 p.m. Wednesday; boat boards at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Boat leaves from the Charleston Maritime Center, 10 Wharfside St.

Price: $50 for adults, $40 for children under 12

More info: 722-1112 or www.charlestonharbor tours.com

Full Moon Fireworks Tours

What: See the fireworks from a different vantage point. Charleston Outdoor Adventures is offering paddle board and kayak (tandem and single) tours through the saltwater estuaries as the moon rises and the fireworks flash.

When: 8-10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday

Where: Charleston Outdoor Adventures, 1871 Bowens Island Road

Price: $45
More info: 795-0330 or www.charleston outdooradventures.com

Revolution

What: New South, Ace of Spades Entertainment and Pretty Fly Society present Revolution: The Official Independence Day Party, a musical celebration. Hosted by JB of Highstar Entertainment, music will be provided by DJ Boss Hogg, DJ Root and DJ Tantrum.

When: 10 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Music Farm, 32 Ann St.

Price: $10
More info: www.musicfarm.com

Folly Beach Fireworks

What: A fireworks display will be shot off from the ocean just off the beach at dark.

When: Dusk Wednesday
Where: Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier, 1 Center St.

Price: Free
More info: www.follybeach.com or www.folly fishingpier.com

Goose Creek Fabulous Fourth in the Creek

What: Take part in kid’s activities, including a jump castle, listen to the Party On party band and nosh on goodies from food vendors. The fireworks display begins at 9:30 p.m. Alcohol, pets or outside fireworks (including sparklers) are not permitted. Tailgating is not allowed in the parking areas.

When: 6-9:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Marguerite H. Brown Municipal Center, 519 North Goose Creek Blvd.

Price: Free
More info: www.goosecreekrecreation.com

Isle of Palms Fireworks

What: Isle of Palms’ Fourth of July fireworks show begins after dark. Individual fireworks are prohibited and alcohol is not allowed on the beach.

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Front Beach, off Ocean Boulevard

Price: Free
More info: 886-8294

Kiawah Island Celebrate the Red, White & Blue

What: Enjoy the scenic oceanfront view from the terrace lawn while enjoying festive food and classic drinks. Music will be provided by the All American Band. Activities will be provided for children. The fireworks show begins at 9:40 p.m. Reservations are required.

When: 5:30-9 p.m. Wednesday
Where: The Sanctuary terrace lawn, 1 Sanctuary Beach Drive

Price: $48 for adults, $24 for children

More info: 768-6253 or www.kiawahresort.com/accommodations/the-sanctuary

Moncks Corner Street Dance

What: The town of Moncks Corner will hold its annual Street Dance, with music performed by Custom 4 + 2. Food vendors will be set up. Bring your chairs; no pets or coolers.

When: 8-11 p.m. Friday
Where: Moncks Corner Depot, 100 Behrman St.

Price: Free
More info: 899-4708

Parade

What: The town of Moncks Corner holds its annual parade. The parade will begin at Berkeley High School and ends just before the railroad tracks at East Railroad Avenue.

When: 10 a.m. Saturday
Where: Moncks Corner Depot, 100 Behrman St.

Price: Free
More info: 899-4708

Festival in the Park

What: The town of Moncks Corner and the Berkeley County Family YMCA are celebrating a little early with a day of food vendors, artists and crafters from around the state. There will be live music and entertainment for the kids that includes jump castles and water slides. Fireworks will go off at dusk.

When: Gates open at 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Old Santee Canal Park, 900 Stony Landing Road

Price: Free, with donations for the fireworks show taken at the gate.

More info: 761-9622 or berkeleycounty familyymca.org

Mount Pleasant Fourth of July Blast

What: Patriots Point opened up the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Yorktown for the first time to party patrons. And while the 1,000 tickets sold out in record time, there’s still plenty of space landside. The East Coast Party Band and The Explorers Club, fresh off opening for Earth, Wind & Fire, will provide the musical entertainment starting at 6 p.m. on the flight deck; a radio station will be piping music on the ground. Games will be on-site to keep the kids busy. Food and beverages from local vendors will be available for purchase. Patriots Point offers another prime spot to catch the fireworks show over the Cooper River.

When: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Road

Price: Free; $10 per vehicle parking fee for all who wish to park at Patriots Point

More info: www.patriotspoint.org

Uncle Sam Jam

What: Enjoy the view from the pier at Memorial Waterfront Park at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge that stretches 1,250 feet into Charleston Harbor. Permanent Vacation will perform classic oldies and beach music for folks to dance to; the music begins at 8 p.m. The Riverwatch Cafe will be open for attendees to purchase treats and snacks; beverages will be available for purchase on-site. Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited. There will be no refunds issued or rain dates scheduled for this event.

When: 7-11 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry Hallman Blvd.

Price: $10, $8 for Charleston County residents, children 3 and under get in free

More info: 795-4386 or www.ccprc.com

North Charleston 4th of July Festival

What: The city of North Charleston hosts this annual festival, which offers a kids’ play area that will include jump castles and games, vendors and more. Entertainment will be provided by Common Ground, Coastrunners, Atlanta Pleasure Band and Ruben Studdard (if the name sounds familiar, it’s because he was the Season 2 winner of “American Idol”). A fireworks display will begin at dark, coordinated with live music from Equinox Jazz Band. Attendees can bring chairs and/or blankets. Food vendors will be on hand. No alcohol is permissible within the park.

When: 3-9 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Drive

Price: Free
More info: www.northcharleston.org

Sullivan’s Island Special menu

What: Atlanticville is tossing out the regular menu and offering up a special all-you-can-eat menu of pulled pork BBQ, burgers, hot dogs and all the fixin’s. They’ll also have drink specials. In between rounds at the dinner table, enjoy live music, dancing, sparklers and more. Reservations are required. Bring a chair and set it up in the parking lot to watch the fireworks.

When: Wednesday
Where: Atlanticville Restaurant, 2063 Middle St.

Price: $20 adults, $15 children

More info: 883-9452 or atlanticville@comcast.net

Summerville Red, White and Blue on the Green

What: Promising to be bigger and better than ever this year, Summerville DREAM, along with Palmetto Primary Care and The Post and Courier, will host this annual old-fashioned family fun event that will include games, face-painting and jump castles along with a watermelon-eating contest. New activities will be a Revolutionary War-era camp set up by the Fort Dorchester Garrison re-enactors; on display will be World War II jeeps, a NASCAR car driven by Carl Edwards and the Carolina Stingrays FanZam; and a train will be set up and offering rides. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Starlings. Food vendors will be on hand to offer summer favorites for purchase. A costume contest for the best patriotic garb will be held; the winner will help lead the 7 p.m. parade, where decorated bicycles and wagons, families and pets march around the park and the most original and best decorated entrants are awarded prizes.

When: 5-8 p.m. Sunday
Where: Hutchinson Square, off Main Street

Price: Wristbands cost $3, $2 for military families

More info: 821-7260 or www.summervilledream.org

Fireworks

What: A fireworks display is slated to begin shortly after dusk. Grills are not allowed in the park, but concessions including hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, drinks and candy bars will be available for purchase.

When: Dusk Wednesday
Where: Gahagan Sports Complex, 515 W. Boundary Ave.

Price: Free
More info: 821-7260 or www.summervilledream.org

Wadmalaw Island Tasting

What: Raise a glass and celebrate the nation’s birthday. For those not interested in being on the water, head to Irvin-House Vineyards and Firefly Distillery and take part in wine tastings or liquor offerings from Firefly Vodka, Sweet Tea Bourbon, Sea Island Rums and Southern Accents Liqueurs.

When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Irvin-House Vineyards, 6775 Bears Bluff Road

Price: $6 to taste six of 15 liquors, $4 to taste five wines

More info: www.CharlestonWine.com