We’re almost there – the beginning of a three-day weekend is just hours away. Here are our picks for the best ways to enjoy this Fourth of July.

Thursday, July 2

3:30– 4:30pm: Kids ages 5-10 are invited to show their patriotic spirit by making Fourth of July tie-dyed T-shirts at Kidzu Children’s Museum. $12/parent and child. T-shirt provided.

8pm: See a performance of Pathway to Freedom, an account of the struggles and heroism along the Underground Railroad, at Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre. $7-$15.

Friday, July 3

2-3pm: Author James Morrison reads from his new collection of short stories, Said and Done, at McIntyre’s Fine Books in Fearrington Village. Free.

4:30-6:30pm: Sample a variety of wines at Weaver Street Market’s Friday Night Wine Tasting. Free.Big Fat Gap performs Friday evening at The Carolina Inn.

5pm: Taste five wines from American grape varieties in honor of the Fourth of July at A Southern Season. $15.

5-8pm: Bluegrass band Big Fat Gap performs at Fridays on the Front Porch at The Carolina Inn. Free.

7pm: Award-winning Elvis Presley tribute artist Keith Henderson performs his high-energy, family friendly act on the Village Green at Southern Village. $10.

9:30pm: Rockin’ Amonia Karaoke at Local 506. Free.

Saturday, July 4

7-10am: The Carrboro Farmers’ Market will hold a special holiday weekend market in front of Town Hall on West Main Street instead of its usual Town Commons location. Also note shortened hours. Free.

9:30am-3pm: The Carrboro Fourth of July Celebration at the Town Hall will feature a parade, live music, face painting, balloon artists, magicians, a pie-eating contest, games and food. Free.A night of music and fun will be capped by fireworks at Kenan Stadium.

10am-2pm: The Fun Fourth Festival at University Mall includes patriotic hat-making and a children’s parade. Free.

1-3pm: The Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration on the lawn of the Horace Williams House features patriotic music by The Village Band and free Maple View ice cream. Free. 

7-9pm: Fireworks at Kenan Memorial Stadium, featuring a performance by Johnny White and the Elite Band. Free.

Sunday, July 5

Noon-4pm: Walk through downtown Pittsboro’s shops and galleries during First Sunday. Free.

7pm: Bring a picnic and a lawn chair to the Village Green at Southern Village for a performance by Mandolin Orange. Free.