Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Fourth of July lands on a Friday this year, but the celebrations last for several days along the Alabama Gulf Coast. From Foley and Gulf Shores to Orange Beach and Perdido Key, cities and venues are gearing up for fireworks, live music, fun runs, and plenty of patriotic spirit. Events begin Wednesday, July 2, and continue through Saturday, July 5, with something for everyone in the family.

With firework shows scheduled across multiple nights and activities ranging from sandcastle contests to bikini pageants, the Independence Day holiday is shaping up to be more than just a one-day celebration. Locals and tourists alike can look forward to beach parties, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun spread out across our area.

Here’s a detailed list of what to expect this week…

The Wharf in Orange Beach will kick off the celebrations with its Independence Day Street Party on Wednesday, July 2, from 5 to 9 p.m. Main Street will transform into a patriotic playground featuring a bubble truck, bounce houses, face painting, camel rides, a reptile bus, and DJ Matt spinning music throughout the evening. Guests can also enjoy a dunk tank benefiting Gift of God Ministry, a prize wheel, claw machine, face tattoos, and appearances by Lady Liberty and Uncle Sam. Live music by The Destinations will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Portside on Main. The National Anthem and a grand fireworks show will begin at 8:45 p.m., followed by The Wharf’s signature SPECTRA Laser Light Experience. The fun continues with the 11th Annual Shark Run 5K at 7 a.m. on July 4 and a three-night concert series featuring Alabama’s own The Red Clay Strays at The Wharf Amphitheater from July 3 through 5.

Kiva Dunes will host its 4th of July Beach Bash at the Kiva Beach Club on Friday. Events include a Poolside Royal Red Boil from 11 a.m. to sunset, live music all day, kids’ games and prizes from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a sandcastle contest at 3 p.m. (with voting at 4), and fire dancers at 8 p.m. Wristbands are required, and the event is limited to Kiva owners and rental guests.

The City of Gulf Shores will host its Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration on Friday, July 4. Fireworks will launch at 9 p.m. from the Gulf State Park Fishing and Education Pier. Spectators can get the best views from the Gulf State Park or the eastern side of the Gulf Shores Public Beach. Parking is available at Lake Shelby and the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion. For safety, discharging fireworks within city limits is prohibited without a permit.

Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach will also celebrate on July 4 with its annual Independence Day Celebration. The evening features a beachside barbecue, live music from The Mixed Nuts, and a 9 p.m. fireworks show. The event is open to both resort guests and the public, but tickets are limited.

Turquoise Place will host a private, weeklong celebration for its guests from June 30 through July 4, ending with beachfront fireworks at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 4.

The Beach Club in Fort Morgan will host its Fourth of July All-American Celebration on Friday with a beachfront fireworks show at 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy a week of live music, games, and family fun leading up to the big night. The event features what is billed as the largest fireworks display in Fort Morgan. Portions of the beach will close throughout the day for setup, with a full beach closure beginning at 7 p.m. and reopening around 10 p.m.

Flora-Bama’s All-American Fourth of July Party returns Friday with a full day of beachside music, food, and fireworks. The sky lights up at 9 p.m. over the Gulf. On Saturday, July 5, the 5th Annual Freedom Run begins at 8 a.m., offering a 4-mile run/walk and a 1-mile fun run benefiting AHERO, a nonprofit that supports veterans. Later that day, at 3 p.m., the beloved Miss Firecracker Bikini Contest takes place in the Flora-Bama Tent.

OWA in Foley will cap off the extended holiday weekend with fireworks on Saturday, July 5, at 8:45 p.m. The celebration runs Friday through Sunday with special entertainment and patriotic activities throughout the park.

For more information on each event, visit the official websites by clicking on their names, above.