Monterey Peninsula communities are prepping red, white and blue for an eventful Fourth of July weekend with day activities scheduled across Monterey, Pacific Grove, Carmel and Seaside from July 4-6. Varying from pancake breakfasts and parades to concerts and dancing, there’s a number of events this Independence Day.

Monterey

Visitors can start the morning July Fourth with a Firefighters Charity Pancake Breakfast from 7:30—10:30 a.m. at Fire Station 11 on Pacific Street, benefiting the Monterey County Youth Museum. Families can expect pancakes, sausage, eggs and a chance for kids to meet firefighters.

The Annual Fourth of July Parade kicks off at 10 a.m., winding its way down Alvarado and Calle Principal streets with floats, music and patriotic flair.

Then from 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Colton Hall Lawn will transform into a block party with food vendors, balloon artists and a musical lineup featuring local bands such as The Pfeffers and tribute bands honoring Santana and Michael Jackson. Admission is free. Alcohol and fireworks are strictly prohibited.

Visitors can also step inside Colton Hall Museum from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to explore local history and an art exhibit by the Youth Arts Collective.

Down at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, the party stretches through the entire holiday weekend from July 4-6. The Wharf will be decked out in patriotic bunting for festive photo ops, while merchants will offer special deals and a candy fundraiser benefiting the Veterans Transition Center.

Visitors can stroll the wharf, spot sea otters and seabirds, or embark on a water adventure. Whale watching, sailing and glass-bottom boat tours are all available.

Pacific Grove

Just a few minutes away, Pacific Grove is offering an Independence Day with small-town charm at Jewell Park, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event begins with a dramatic Declaration of Independence reading by Rotary Club members in full 1776 attire. Next, attendees can enjoy the voices of Monterey Peninsula Voices choir and live music throughout the day.

Kids can dive into activities like a bounce maze, face painting, games and a watermelon-eating contest, while vintage military vehicles offer a blast from the past. There will be a free T-shirt giveaway at 1 p.m., courtesy of the PG Youth Ambassadors.

Carmel

Monterey County Pops! will give a 90-minute concert beginning at 2 p.m. July Fourth at Devendorf Park. This year’s concert opens with a performance by Estillo Eficiente under the direction of Eliodoro Vallecillo (“Lolo”).

Seaside

In Seaside, the celebration takes a musical turn with the Red, White and Blues Festival on the City Hall Lawn, 440 Harcourt Ave., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m on July 4. The White Album Ensemble will headline this free outdoor concert, which also features kid-friendly activities and free hot dogs for children, while supplies last. City officials are reminding attendees that dogs, alcohol, grills and illegal fireworks are not permitted.

Safety and fireworks

All three cities are prioritizing safety this Fourth of July. The City of Monterey is enforcing a $1,000 fine for anyone caught using fireworks, including the so-called “safe and sane” varieties.

Meanwhile, Seaside is enacting a 10 p.m. curfew for legal fireworks use, from Saturday through July 5. The city is deploying drones, Flock cameras and increased on-the-ground enforcement to crack down on illegal aerial fireworks, which can cause fires, trauma for veterans and pets and property damage. Violators face fines of up to $1,000.