The Fourth of July is a time to spend some time outside and some quality time with friends and family.

From fireworks to parades and a concert, you’re sure to have a busy day full of festivities to celebrate America’s birthday right here in Ames.

Here’s how, where and when you can celebrate the patriotic holiday:

Ames Municipal Band patriotic concert

To get in the mood ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, the Ames Municipal Band will play an assortment of patriotic songs and local veterans will be recognized for their service at 7 p.m., Thursday at Bandshell Park.

Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs or blankets!

Fireworks

Get ready to gaze at the night sky east of Jack Trice Stadium the evening before the Fourth of July — this is when fireworks will illuminate Ames starting at around 10 p.m., or when it is completely dark.

Find out where to park on the Discover Ames website.

Watch the fireworks from within Reiman Gardens — without your sparklers or personal fireworks — as it is open all day Thursday until the fireworks begin to fizzle out late in the night. It will also be open on Friday.

Downtown Fourth of July Parade

Begin the holiday by going to Downtown Ames to watch over 70 parade floats drive down East Fifth and Main Streets at 11 a.m to 1 p.m at the Downtown Fourth of July Parade.

The parade will begin at the intersection of Main and Clark Streets, will wrap around Douglas Avenue and turn onto East Fifth Street, finishing just past Clark Street.

A parade map can be found on the Downtown Ames website.

Don’t forget to wear your red, white and blue as part of the “Stars, Stripes, and Summertime” theme for this year’s celebration.

You can also grab a bite to eat at one of four food trucks, located on Burnett between Main and 5th Streets: Kona Ice, Nisha Soul Food, Superdog and The Outside Scoop. Local restaurants and businesses may also be open during the parade.