Can’t Miss Alabama: Fourth of July ideas, summertime favorites

Independence Day events

Here are some holiday celebrations taking place around the state:

July 3: Alexander City Celebrate Freedom.
July 3: Wetumpka’s Independence Day Celebration.
July 3: Fire on the Water, Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham.
July 4: Shark Run 5K, The Wharf in Orange Beach.
July 4: Celebration on the River in Tuscaloosa.
July 4: Independence Day 1776, American Village in Montevallo.
July 4: Independence Day Celebration in Auburn.
July 4: City of Mobile’s 4th of July Celebration, USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.
July 4: Smith Lake Park 4th of July Fireworks Festival in Cullman.
July 4: Thunder on the Mountain, Vulcan Park and Museum in Birmingham.
July 4: Independence Day in Prattville.
July 4-6: MidCity 4th of July Weekend Celebration in Huntsville.
July 5: July 4th Fireworks Show in downtown OWA.

Independence Day at American Village means red, white and blue family fun, food and fireworks. (contributed)

Independence Day at American Village means red, white and blue family fun, food and fireworks. (contributed)

Thunder on the Mountain fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. (Nick Boone)

5K Shark Run/Competitive Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run returns to The Wharf in Orange Beach July 4. (contributed)

Light up your night in downtown OWA on July 5. (contributed)

Birmingham Barons

The Birmingham Barons will face the Chattanooga Lookouts at Regions Field through Thursday, July 3. Follow this link for the complete schedule, updates, promotions, giveaways and ticket information. Regions Field is a cashless facility.

Coca-Cola Amphitheater

July 9, 7 p.m.: Big Time Rush: In Real Life Worldwide.
July 18, 6:30 p.m.: Whiskey Myers: What We Were Born To Do Tour.
July 19, 7 p.m.: Luke Bryan: Country Song Came On Tour.
July 21, 6:45 p.m.: Toto + Christopher Cross + Men at Work.
July 25, 7:30 p.m.: Parker McCollum Tour.
July 26, 7:30 p.m.: Alabama Shakes.

For more shows, visit coca-colaamphitheater.com.

The new Coca-Cola Amphitheater is in Birmingham’s Northside. (artist’s rendering)

Alabama Shakespeare Festival presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’

Based on the classic children’s book by L. Frank Baum, “The Wizard of Oz” tells the story of Dorothy, a young girl dreaming of adventure far away from her family farm, whose life suddenly changes when a tornado whisks her off to the magical land of Oz. The fun-filled musical for all ages features the score made famous by the 1939 MGM film. The production will take the stage July 9 through Aug. 17. Ticket prices start at $27. To purchase, call 334-271-5353, visit the ASF Box Office (Monday-Saturday, doors open at noon) or purchase online at asf.net. Evening performances begin at 7 p.m.; matinees begin at 2 p.m.

Water park attractions

Water parks around the state include:

WildWater in Cullman: Click here for the hours and ticket information.
Alabama Adventure Amusement Park and Splash Adventure Water Park in Bessemer: Click here for the hours and ticket information.
Montgomery Whitewater: Click here for the hours and ticket information.
OWA Tropic Falls Waterpark in Foley: Click here for the hours and ticket information.
Aura Adventures in Foley: Click here for information about the newest water park in downtown OWA in Foley.