There are many good reasons to enjoy a professional fireworks show this Fourth of July (and, in some cases, 3rd of July), instead of buying and lighting off fireworks.

One, as you know, it’s hot and dry and the fire risk is high in Kitsap County.

Two, there’s just too much going on.

Here’s a rundown of all the ways you can have a memorable Independence Day weekend.

July 3

Kingston’s two-day celebration begins at 10 a.m. with the opening of Tiny Town, a carnival for little ones, near the waterfront.

Check out the local talent in Kingston’s Got Talent, 3:30-5:30 p.m., at Mike Wallace Park next to Kingston Marina. Open mic performances follow, then local rock group Idealism takes the stage from 7:45-9 p.m.

The three-day Old Mill Days Americana in Port Gamble begins, with events scheduled from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The day features a carnival, lumberjack show, Chainsaw Pro Carve Champion Competition, speed carving, ice sculpture carvings, chainsaw carving auction, live bands and a beer garden.

Poulsbo’s 3rd of July Celebration is from noon to 10 p.m. at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. There will be food and vendor booths, contests, live entertainment, and a fireworks show over Liberty Bay.

From noon to 3:30 p.m., patriotic music will be provided by Def Productions.

The Missy G Band will perform from 3:30 -4:30 p.m., followed by a pie-eating contest sponsored by Sluys Bakery.

Sweet T & Justice performs from 5-6:30 p.m., followed by Kate Hart until 7:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, watch— or compete in — the 1-mile stand-up paddleboard race at 6 p.m. and the 5-mile stand-up paddleboard race at 7.

Then, the opening ceremony, with Color Guard, the National Anthem sung by Ben Harris, and a welcome by Mayor Becky Erickson.

The Navy Band Northwest group “Passage” will rock the pavilion stage from 8-10 p.m. The fireworks display caps the evening, beginning at 10:30.

Bainbridge’s July 3rd Street Dance is from 6-11 p.m., on Winslow Way.  The Hep Replacements, The Tax Authorities and Psycho Sushi will perform. Enjoy local food, a beer and wine garden, and have fun with the family.

July 4

Keyport and Brownsville team up to present “An Old-Fashioned Independence Day.” The events begin at 8 a.m. with a Community Pancake Breakfast at Keyport Bible Church, followed by the Fourth of July Parade at 1 p.m. A free barbecue and family games take place from 2-4 p.m. at the church.

The celebration moves over to the Port of Brownsville, where you can enjoy Brownsville Brownie’s Famous Brownies from 5-7:30 p.m. at the Light House Gazebo. The Farragut Brass Band performs from 8-9 p.m. at the gazebo. Then, join others on the breakwater from 9-11 p.m.; you’ll have a view of fireworks shows from Bainbridge, Port Madison, and Port Orchard.

Old Mill Days Americana in Port Gamble continues from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Bremerton’s Rock the Dock Summer Concert Series begins at 5 p.m. with alternative pop band Boy Blue and the Moon, on the Bremerton Marina boardwalk.

Northwest rock ’n’ rollers Left Hand Smoke will perform from 8-10 p.m. The Sinclair Inlet Fireworks Show begins at10:30.

Kingston’s 4th of July Celebration continues. with the Kingston Fun Run from 9-11 a.m., the Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tiny Town from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Fourth of July Parade at 12:15 p.m.

The area’s most ambitious coaster racers will race in downtown Kingston from, 3-4 p.m. The winner of the Kingston’s Got Talent competition will perform from 4:15-4:45 p.m., followed by the Music Festival and then, at dusk, the Fireworks Show over Apple Tree Cove.

Bainbridge Island’s Grand Old Fourth of July fireworks show begins at dusk.

At the Kitsap County Fairgrounds, catch the Kitsap Bluejackets 4th of July Game & Fireworks Display; the fireworks show will begin at dusk, after the game.

The Fathoms O’ Fun annual Grand Fireworks Show over Sinclair Inlet begins at 10:30 p.m.

July 5

Old Mill Days Americana in Port Gamble continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Don’t miss local competitors in the Toughest Timberman Competition. the day features the carnival, ice sculpture carvings, competition speed carving, chainsaw carving auction and the Chainsaw Champion Race Finals.