The Fourth of July is approaching, and there will be plenty of ways to celebrate the nation’s birthday. Events are planned all over the area that include drone shows, festivals, even monster trucks — and, of course, fireworks. Here are a dozen events happening in our areas.

Los Angeles County

All-American Fourth of July on the Queen Mary

You can hop on board the retired cruise liner for a daylong celebration that will include things like a disco party, a glow-in-the-dark bar, carnival games and a hip-hop party. It culminates with a 15-minute fireworks show mixed with patriotic music.

When: 4-10 p.m. July 4

Where: The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach

Information: queenmary.com

Drone show and beach party

No fireworks here. Instead, more than 800 drones will put on a patriotic display of flight skills. Before the show, families can eat at food trucks. There also will be a kids zone and swimming.

When: 5-9 p.m. Sunday

Where: Hansen Dam Aquatic Center, 11798 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace

Information: cd7.lacity.gov (search “Hansen Dam”)

Earth, Wind and Fireworks

The Hollywood Bowl will celebrate the holiday with a concert by the Grammy-winning group, which will perform hits like “September” and “Shining Star.” Fireworks come after on all three nights.

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and July 4

Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave., Los Angeles

Information: hollywoodbowl.com

Kaboom!

Monster trucks, motocross riding, truck shows and live entertainment mix together to celebrate the holiday at this event. And of course a night of action will end with a bunch of pretty explosions — the patriotic fireworks display.

When: 4 p.m. July 4

Where: Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona

Information: fairplex.com/kaboom

Orange County

Dana Point Fourth of July Fireworks

If all you’re looking for is a fireworks show in a picturesque spot, this is your event. The fireworks are shot from a barge off Doheny State Beach. So come watch and feel patriotism, and you’ll be home in no time.

When: 9-9:30 p.m. July 4

Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point

Information: danapoint.org

Costa Mesa Independence Day

You can bring your own picnic, lawn chairs and blankets for hanging out and watching fireworks. Before the skyrockets there will be live music, contests, kids events and food vendors.

When: 5-11 p.m. Thursday

Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

Information: costamesaca.gov

Fullerton Fourth of July Celebration

This celebration will have a car show, contests, food vendors, live entertainment and, of course, a fireworks display to end a full day of festivities.

When: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4

Where: Downtown Fullerton Plaza, 125 E. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton

Information: cityoffullerton.com

Santa Ana Fourth of July

Live music, food vendors, inflatables and a fireworks show finale at 8:45 p.m.

When: 5-9 p.m. July 4

Where: Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana

Information: santa-ana.org

Inland Empire area

Big Bear fireworks

You can head to the mountains and take in the fresh air with this daylong celebration that starts with a vendors market, a kids fun zone and live entertainment at the Big Bear Lake Convention Center. The fireworks show starts at 8:45 p.m. and is visible from the water, shoreline and some trail vantage points.

When: 10 a.m.-9:15 p.m. July 4

Where: 42900 Big Bear Blvd., Big Bear Lake

Information: bigbear.com

Moreno Valley Parade and Funfest

The daylong festivities start with a parade launching from Frederick Street and Alessandro Boulevard. Then at 3 p.m., gates open at the Civic Center for the Funfest, which includes food, a kids zone, a beer garden and fireworks.

When: 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Where: Civic Center Amphitheater, 14075 Frederick St., Moreno Valley

Information: moval.gov

Old Town Temecula Fourth of July Extravaganza

The day begins with a parade starting at Old Town Front and Second streets. Afterward, gates open at 2 p.m. for festivities that will include food vendors, kids zones and fireworks starting at 9.

When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 4

Where: Ronald Reagan Sports Park, 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula

Information: temeculaca.gov

Redlands Fourth of July

There will be a lot going on in Redlands for the holiday. The celebration will begin at Sylvan Park with a festival that will include a parade, live music, games and food. It ends at 3 p.m. Then at 5:15 the gates will open at Moore Middle School for an evening that includes skydivers, more live music and finally a fireworks show.

When: 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. July 4

Where: Sylvan Park, 601 N. University St.; Moore Middle School, 1550 E. Highland Ave., Redlands

Information: redlandsfourthofjuly.com