No matter where you are in the country on Independence Day, you can expect some kinds of festivities to be happening near you. But for events that are a step above the rest, why not celebrate America’s birthday in the City of Lights? Whether you’re planning on having some family-friendly fun or you’re looking to get up to a little mischief, there’s something going on for everyone in Vegas over the holiday.

One quick and important note: In Las Vegas, Independence Day can actually be a multi-day affair, so make sure you check and re-check the dates and times of events before you make plans and head into the city.

Have Some Family Fun

Cookouts and fireworks shows reign supreme on the Fourth of July, but they’re not the only activities that people get up to on this holiday. Around Las Vegas, you can expect some old-fashioned Independence Day parades and festivals, which is perfect if you plan on having the family in tow.

In particular, Summerlin and Boulder City both host fine family events. Summerlin’s Patriotic Parade, which has been going strong for more than 20 years, features marching bands and floats of all sorts. Not be outdone, Boulder City’s Damboree Celebration, an annual tradition in the nearby neighborhood, also features a parade, but with a twist: there’s a water battle section where parade participants and attendees can duke it out with squirt guns. What a perfect way to cool off!

Catch a Fireworks Show

You can’t have a Fourth of July without proper fireworks show. And luckily for you, you won’t have to do much searching to find one happening in Las Vegas, as you can find fireworks displays both downtown and in the surrounding neighborhoods like Henderson and Summerlin.

If you want the best of the best, you’ll want to head on over to the Caesars Palace casino on the Strip. You’ll probably be able to see the show from anywhere on the strip, but your best seat will be as close to the casino as possible – that is, if you don’t mind a crowd.

Do Something Different

Maybe you’re feeling active but don’t want to partake in your typical Fourth of July festivities. If you’d rather skip the parades and party hearty instead, you’re in the best place to dance the night (and day) away. There are always performances going on in Las Vegas, and it’s no different on the Fourth of July. You can find out what’s going down in Vegas at LasVegas.com, Las Vegas Weekly, and if you’re feeling particularly energetic, Electronic Vegas. The founding fathers would be proud.

It’s Vegas, so nothing’s stopping you from hitting one of the city’s many great casinos. But, to stick to the slot machines or the blackjack table would be to turn a shoulder to all the possibilities the city really has to offer. For example, the High Roller ferris wheel has been known to be available both for public admission and for private rental, with or without bar in-cabin bar service. That might just be the best view of the fireworks you’ll get in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas knows how to have a good time, and if you go out on Independence Day, you’ll soon see why. With all the fun you, your friends, and your family will be having, you might just wish every day was July 4th!