Americans all over the country including the Eastside region will gather on July 4 to celebrate Independence Day. The Fourth of July commemorates the signing and adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Eastsiders can look forward to experiencing the Fourth of July with fireworks, parades, food and entertainment.

Mercer Island

For the first time, Islanders will be hosting an All-Island Fourth of July Picnic at Mercerdale Park. Activities include kids games, adult games, guided nature walks in the nearby Native Plant Garden with local plant experts, kid’s story time, and more. Locals can also come to meet City Council candidates and present councilmembers. The picnic runs from noon to 4 p.m.

Bothell-Kenmore

In Bothell, the celebration starts off at 8:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the Downtown Fire Station. At about 11 a.m., locals can head out to Main Street for the children’s parade, followed by the annual grand parade at noon. The Northshore Senior Center will continue the celebration from noon to 4 p.m. with food trucks, bouncy houses, beer and wine, face painting, a pie eating contest, and touch-a-truck.

Kirkland

In Kirkland, festivities will include a children’s parade at 11:30 a.m. followed by the old fashioned parade at Lakeshore Plaza and Kirkland Ave., a community picnic, live music, and the fireworks display off of Marina Park at 10:15 p.m.

Snoqualmie Valley

Nestled in the Snoqualmie Valley, the city of Carnation will celebrate America’s birthday with a parade, 5K Run/Walk, pancake breakfast, live music, three-on-three basketball, car show, vendor village, strawberry shortcake feast and fireworks. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. and continue until dark.

Bellevue

Bellevue will celebrate the Fourth at its annual Bellevue Family Fourth event. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with the Bellevue Fourth on the Fourth Dog Jog at Ashwood Park. Other activities include kid’s entertainment, an outdoor food court and live music. Fireworks begin at about 10 p.m. which will be synchronized to a live performance by the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Issaquah

The City of Issaquah will celebrate the Fourth at its Down Home Fourth of July Celebration. The old-fashioned celebration is a free, family-friendly, community event. Activities run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Field.