The Seacoast celebrates Independence Day with historical re-enactments, live music, food, art, games and, of course, plenty of fireworks.

Salisbury Beach: Salisbury Beach in Salisbury, Mass., will kick off its celebration early on Saturday, July 2, with live music from the Evan Goodrow Band at 7:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 10. The festivities continue on Sunday, with an old-fashioned campfire on the beach at 8:30 p.m. and more fireworks over the ocean at 10. 

Portsmouth: The party in Portsmouth begins on July 3 at 7 p.m. with a DJ in the area of Leary Field, near South Mill Pond. There will be patriotic music at 9 p.m., then a fireworks show starts at 9:15.

Rusty Wilson, city recreation director, said the 20- to 25-minute show attracts a crowd from miles away. “It has a reputation of being the finest firework show in New Hampshire,” he said. “We look forward to it every year.” 

The rain date is July 5. 

On Monday, July 4, Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth offers an old-fashioned Fourth of July with “An American Celebration!”  The festival features a children’s parade, traditional games and crafts, historic garden tours, costumed role-players, live music, entertainment and food. 

New this year, guests can go aboard a gundalow river boat, meet Abe Lincoln, visit an active shipyard, and observe a U.S. naturalization ceremony. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free for kids 17 and under, $15 for adults.

Rochester: On Sunday, July 3, the Journey Church and Rochester Fair Association will present a “Night before the Fourth”  fireworks display at the Rochester Fairgrounds. Gates open at 1 p.m. with exhibit areas, food vendors, arts, crafts, and games. Expect live entertainment later in the afternoon.

Opening ceremonies start at 7 p.m. with patriotic organizations. A skydiving jump may be included in the show if the weather allows. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. 

Admission is free, but a donation of non-perishable food or a personal care item is welcome. Last year, more than two tons of food were collected.

Dover: Locksley plays a free show in Dover’s Rotary Arts Pavilion in Henry Law Park on Monday, July 4 at 7 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at 9 p.m. The band is fronted by three guitar-playing songwriters who perform pop with a rock ’n’ roll heart. 

In case of rain, the concert will be moved to Dover High School and the fireworks will be moved to Tuesday, July 5.

A visit to the nearby Children’s Museum of New Hampshire costs only $4 on July 4. The “Four on the Fourth” event is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Hampton Beach: Also on July 4, the Continentals play a free show at the Sea Shell Stage on Hampton Beach from 7 to 9:30 p.m., then fireworks explode over the ocean. If you miss this “special shoot,” you can catch a regular fireworks show on Wednesday nights through the summer. The Continentals are long-time regulars to the beach, and play a mix of popular music.

Exeter: The American Independence Festival gives visitors a feel for life during the Revolution in Exeter, which was the state capital at the time. On July 16, 1776, local citizens first heard the Declaration of Independence. This historic event will be reenacted as part of the festival this year. The day-long celebration also includes colonial troop activities, traditional artisans, museum tours, military muster reenactments and the firing of cannons, live music, children’s activities, food and more. It all takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Independence Museum in downtown Exeter and Swasey Parkway. Admission is $7 or free for ages 9 and under. The town also has live music by Soulmate lined up at the Swasey Parkway Bandstand at 6:45, then a fireworks display at 8:45.