(Photo Courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach)

It’s officially summer, and communities across the Grand Strand are kicking off July with fireworks, festivals, and family-friendly entertainment to celebrate the Independence Day holiday weekend. From parades and patriotic runs to dazzling fireworks shows, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the U.S.A.

Visit Myrtle Beach shares the following Fourth of July celebrations planned across the Myrtle Beach area:

Conway Riverfest │ June 29, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. at Riverfront Park & Marina Drive, Conway: This 45-year-old tradition features a patriotic golf cart parade, a cornhole tournament, kids games, live music and fireworks over the Waccamaw River at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Broadway’s 4th of July Extravaganza │ June 30–July 4, 10 p.m., Broadway at the Beach: To celebrate its 30th birthday, Broadway at the Beach is hosting a series of fun activities June 30-July 4, including five straight nights of fireworks at 10 p.m. over Lake Broadway. After the 4th, the fireworks continue every Tuesday and select Fridays in July.

Pelicans Red, White & Blue Weekend │ July 4–6, Pelicans Baseball Stadium: The Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball team take on the Charleston RiverDogs during their “Red, White & Blue Weekend” July 4-6 with special patriotic uniforms, giveaways, and post-game fireworks on Friday and Sunday. Game times vary.

Independence Day 5K Run/Walk │ July 4, 7 a.m., Grand Park at The Market Common: Now in its 16th year, this family event welcomes runners and walkers to dress in red, white and blue for either a 5K, 1-Mile, or the free Stars and Stripes Kids’ Dash.

Pawleys Island 4th of July Parade │ July 4, 10 a.m., South Causeway to Old Town Hall: Featuring creatively decorated floats, golf carts and more, this 1.5-mile parade kicks off at 10 a.m. with prizes awarded to the best decorated float, golf cart, house, and dock.

Surfside Beach 4th of July Golf Cart Parade │ July 4, 11 a.m., Ocean Boulevard: Cheer along as creatively decorated golf carts cruise along Ocean Boulevard in Surfside Beach. Adding to the excitement, Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” will broadcast live from Neal and Pam’s restaurant that morning. Following the parade, the “Salute from the Shore” flyover can be watched at the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier.

Salute from the Shore │ July 4, 1 p.m., Cherry Grove to Pawleys Island: Bring your flags and head to the beach to watch the extraordinary military aircraft flyover led by F-16s from Shaw Air Force Base followed by vintage Warbirds. The procession starts at Cherry Grove in North Myrtle Beach at 1 p.m., traveling south along the coastline all the way to Bluffton, S.C.

Murrells Inlet Boat Parade & Fireworks │ July 4, 2 p.m. & 10 p.m., Murrells Inlet MarshWalk: The 42nd annual boat parade begins at 2:00 p.m. along the inlet as onlookers rejoice from the MarshWalk, taking in the decorated boats and live music. Fireworks light up the sky at 10 p.m.

Garden City’s “Wet” Golf Cart Parade │July 4, 3 p.m., Garden City: Bring your water soakers to this annual parade as participants are allowed to splash the decorated golf carts as they drive along the route. This “wet” event is a community fundraiser for local first responders.

4th of July Concert on The Lawn │ July 4, 7–8:30 p.m. Kaminski House Museum, Georgetown: Patriotic music by the Indigo Choral Society will fill the air during the Kaminski House Museum’s annual 4th of July Concert on The Lawn. This family-friendly community gathering is free and open to the public. Lawn chairs or blankets welcome.

Fireworks at The Beach │ July 4, 9 p.m., Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: Myrtle Beach’s weekly summer fireworks show take place each Wednesday with a special showing on July 4th. Enjoy an evening on the beach watching the sky light up from the Second Avenue Pier. Additional festivities on July 4th include Hot Summer Nights live music in Plyler Park and a First Friday Art Walk.

4th of July Fireworks at Cherry Grove Pier │ July 4, 9:30 p.m., North Myrtle Beach: This fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean at Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach is a sight to see, lasting approximately 30 minutes long. Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach.

4th of July Fireworks at Barefoot Landing │ July 4, 10 p.m., North Myrtle Beach: Barefoot Landing is offering a special fireworks display over the lake during their SummerFest! lineup of free entertainment, including live music, strolling entertainment, and family-friendly shows every night through August 25.

Red, White & Blue 5K Run/Walk presented by United Bank │ July 5, 7 a.m., Barefoot Landing: Now in its 7th year, this festive 5K run and walk starts at 7 a.m. around the scenic lake at Barefoot Landing with participants encouraged to dress in red, white, and blue attire. Kids can take part in a free 50-yard Stars and Stripes Kids' Dash at 8 a.m.

After the 4th Celebration │ July 5, 5 p.m. & 9 p.m., Aynor Town Park: Bring your lawn chairs and blankets out to the charming Aynor Town Park to enjoy live music, food trucks, face paintings and a 9 p.m. fireworks show. Admission is free.

For more information, VisitMyrtleBeach.com highlights various July 4th celebrations across the Grand Strand, while KeepingMyrtleBeachSafe.com provides insight on local fireworks regulations and safety information.

The Myrtle Beach Area Visitors Center at 1200 N. Oak Street in Myrtle Beach will be closed on Thursday, July 3 starting at 1 p.m. and all-day Friday, July 4 in observance of the holiday.