Fourth of July is approaching so gather up your beach towels, picnic blankets, lawn-chairs, and bug spray. Here's where you can catch the best fireworks South Florida has to offer.

(Tip: you know it rains every summer day, so before you head out, pick up a rain poncho for everyone in your group, and pack it as part of your July 4 gear. Yes, it may look dorky, but it will keep you nice and dry. It'll also keep you from getting a wet spot from sitting on damp grass or sand, as you picnic and/or watch the fireworks.)

FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS

MIAMI-DADE & KEYS CELEBRATIONS

All-American Super Saturday: Watch the Florida Marlins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game at 6:10 p.m. A post-game concert follows with KC and the Sunshine Band and fireworks. Pre-game festivities (gates open at 4:10 p.m.) are held at The Strike Zone at Gate H with player and celebrity autograph sessions featuring Billy The Marlin, the Mermaids, the Manatees, DJ M-Dot and live TV and radio broadcasts; 6:10 p.m. Saturday; LandShark Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami Gardens; free with game ticket, which start at $12. 877-MARLINS or marlins.com.

Aventura All-American Extravaganza: Display can be viewed at 9 p.m. from any location along Country Club Drive. Rain date for the fireworks is 9 p.m. Sunday; free. 305-466-8930 or www.cityofaventura.com.

Barnacle's Picnic: Features lawn games, board games, knot-tying, kite-making, crafts, scavenger hunt and live music. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Alcohol and fireworks not allowed; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; The Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove; $5, $2 for kids 6-12, free for kids 5 and under. 305-442-6866 or www.thebarnacle.org.

Bayfront Park America's Birthday Bash: Fireworks at 9 p.m., food and beverages and a free kids' zone with inflatable slides, hoops and face painting; gates open at noon with children's zone 3-7 p.m.; Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; free. 305-358-7550 or bayfrontparkmiami.com.

Big Pine and Lower Keys' Celebration: Features music by 40 Foot Sharpie, food, beverages, games, activities for adults and kids and fireworks at nightfall. Coolers, pets and personal fireworks not allowed; 5 p.m.; Sugarloaf Airport, 16855 Overseas Hwy., Sugarloaf Key; free. 305-766-8467 or www.fla-keys.com.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Fourth of July 5K: For male and female age groups. Top three winners in each division receive a medal. Also includes kids' race and school team challenge. Presented by Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation; 7 a.m.; Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24th St., Miami; $30, $25 in advance, $12 students, $5 for kids' race, advance registration recommended. 305-278-8668 or runmiami.com.

Bookstore in the Grove's Let Freedom Night with Michael Malone: Bring an original poem to read or have a coffee or wine and listen to the poetry of others; 3399 Virginia St. (at the corner of Virginia and Grand), Coconut Grove; 7:30 p.m. Friday; free. 305-443-2855.

Coconut Grove Art Stroll: More than 40 local and international artists participate. Features live musical shows and Japanese and Polynesian performances by Etnia Fusion. Captain Art, an art teacher, assists children while they paint and draw in the art area and there will be food and drink samples; 7-11 p.m.; Streets of Mayfair, 2911 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove; free. 305-726-1466 or myspace.com/coconutgroveartstroll.

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