The annual celebration of our nation's independence is fast approaching, which can only mean one thing: fireworks, and lots of them. There are many options throughout the Valley to bask in the traditional pyrotechnics of the holiday, grab some food and enjoy some live music. Nearly every city has something cool going on this holiday. Here's a look at what's in store:

•Things get started a day early in Cave Creek with the annual Fireworks Extravaganza at dusk on Saturday. There will be fireworks on Sunday as well, and all the shops and restaurants downtown will be open for business both days. Admission is free. You can find the fireworks Saturday behind Harold's restaurant at 6895 E. Cave Creek Road and Sunday behind the post office at the corner of Cave Creek and School House Roads. Info: .

•Early Independence Day partiers can also try the Old-Fashioned 4th of July Spectacular at the Rockin’ R Ranch 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat barbecue dinner, gold panning and fireworks. Tickets are $27 for adults, $25 for those over 65 years of age and $15 for kids ages 3 to 12. Kids under 2 are free. 6136 E. Baseline Road, Mesa. Info: .

•If you're looking for an Independence Day celebration that is definitely unique, try the 8th annual Arcadia “Do-It- Yourself” Parade Saturday morning. The Arcadia neighborhood puts on a parade led by the Phoenix Fire Department and consisting of whomever decides to show up that day. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the parade starts at 8 a.m. Following the parade there will be a potluck breakfast and other activities. It starts at the corner of Calle Tuberia and Jokake Road (just east of 56th Street and north of Indian School Road) in Phoenix. Info: .

•It's the 19th year for the always popular Fabulous Phoenix 4th, six hours of fun featuring two stages of entertainment, vendors and a big fireworks show. Steele Indian School Park is the place to be from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday, with fireworks at 9:35 p.m. There will be two stages of entertainment, highlighted by a performance by Grammy-nominated country artists SHeDAISY. Best of all, it's free. 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Info: .

•Tempe is hosting the Tempe Town Lake Festival downtown, complete with a beer garden and a kid's zone boasting magicans, a rock climbing wall and a water playground. The live music is headlined by country act the Doo-Wah Riders, who will take the stage at 8 and 10 p.m. Sunday, with fireworks in between. It's also the official farewell for Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano, who is leaving the office after 10 years. Tickets are $5 at Valley Safeway stores, or $8 at the gate on the 4th, with children under 12 free. The bash starts at 3 p.m. and goes until midnight. Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Info: .

•Mesa has been celebrating the 4th of July for 44 years, and the city is looking forward to another fun night starting at 6 p.m. Sunday at Mesa Community College, with fireworks starting at 9 p.m. It's free to get in, but there's an on-site parking fee of $5. 1833 W. Southern Ave. Info: .

•Another Mesa option is the “Fire in the Sky Concert & Fireworks Show” put on by Central Christian Church of the East Valley. More than 25,000 people are expected to take part in the fifth annual, free event. It gets started at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Central Christian Church of the East Valley, 933 N. Lindsay Road. Info: .

•Chandler is promising an Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration set to take place at Tumbleweed Park. It begins at 4 p.m. Sunday, with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. One of the many attractions for kids is the “Push, Pull, Peddle Bike Parade” at 6 p.m. The winner will receive a bike. It's free. 2250 S. McQueen Road. Info: .

•Keeping things in the East Valley, Gilbert is having an “Old Fashioned 4th of July” of its own, with a solid line-up of food, live music and, you guessed it, fireworks starting at 2 p.m. Sunday. It's at Highland High School and $3 for adults, $2 for ages 6 through 16 and free for kids under 6. 4301 E. Guadalupe Road. Info: .

•A 4th of July with a true western flavor can be found at Rawhide Western Town in Scottsdale. They're hosting “Scottsdale Lights It Up,” headlined by the “largest ground and aerial fireworks display in the Valley.” The event is co- presented with the Scottsdale Jaycees and features live country music. It starts at 4 p.m. Sunday, with the ground display kicking off at 8:40 p.m. and the aerial fireworks following at 9 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children 5-13 years and free for those ages 4 and younger. 23023 N. Scottsdale Road. Info:

•The “Red White & Boom” celebration is Ahwatukee's entry into the July 4 foray. Along with the usual fare and fireworks, the Red, White & Boom will have plenty of games and rides for the kids. The event is free and goes from 6-10 p.m. Sunday, with fireworks at 9 p.m. 13601 S. 50th St., Phoenix. Info: .

•Casino Arizona at Talking Stick will have their own festivities on Sunday, highlighted by concerts and fireworks. People of all ages are welcome, but keep the kids away from the gaming floor. Local country artist Harry Luge will be on stage at 7 p.m., with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. and John Kay & Steppenwolf performing at 9:30 p.m. It's all free. 9700 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. Info: .