Save The Date: It’s time to light the lights — then rock out

Happy Fourth of July! Pack a picnic and head out to one of three local fireworks shows. Ridgefield’s annual 4th of July Celebration is best known for its big, patriotic parade, which begins at 11 this morning along Main Avenue. Visitors can explore the activities in the kids zone, watch the pie-eating contest at 4 p.m. and enjoy live music from noon to 6 p.m. for $5 wristband. There will be dancing in Refuge Overlook Park with High Fidelity Entertainment at 6 p.m. for free. And the community fireworks show begins at 10 p.m. near the boat launch marina, with viewing along Railroad Avenue. www.ridgefield4th.com

Before the fireworks light up the Port of Camas-Washougal, enjoy the Children’s Patriotic Bike Parade at 4 p.m., followed by games and activities, and musical performances by Sky Bound Blues Band and 5 Guys Named Moe at 6 p.m. The fireworks show will be launched over the river at 10 p.m. from Marina Park, 24 S. A St., Washougal. Admission is free. http://portcw.com

Independence Day at Fort Vancouver kicks off with a bevy of activities at noon, with gates opening at 8 a.m. Enjoy music on the main stage all day, Kids Patriotic Parade at 4 p.m., historic activities, black powder demonstrations, picnic games, craft vendors and more. One of the biggest fireworks shows in the area lights the skies at 10:05 p.m. at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Evergreen Boulevard and Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver. Admission is $5 to $7, free for ages 12 and younger; $25 to $50 for prime viewing admission, 21 and older, $10 for parking. 4th.fortvan.org

Classic rock fans can still get tickets to see Van Halen perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. David Lee Roth, Eddie, Alex and Wolfgang Van Halen will perform at the Amphitheater Northwest, 17200 N.E. Delfel Road, Ridgefield. Tickets are $35 to $149.50 through Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. 360-816-7000 or www.ampnw.com

The 13th annual Tiki Kon returns to celebrate with Polynesian-inspired lounges, fashions and music that sprung up after World War II. This year’s event features a 1960s airline theme, with live music, Tiki cocktail classes, dinner shows and bar tour July 10-12 at the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver at the Quay, 100 Columbia St., Vancouver. Tickets are almost gone, at $49 for weekend pass, $10 to $55 for individual events. www.tikikon.com

The Twilight Half Marathon will take participants on an evening run along Vancouver Lake and the Columbia River on July 11. Choose from half-marathon, 10K and 5K routes, with part of the event’s proceeds benefiting the Children’s Cancer Association. The event features an after-party following the race in Vancouver Lake Park, 6801 N.W. Lower River Road, Vancouver. Registration is $79 to $89 for the half, $59 to $69 for 10K and $49 to $59 for 5K. www.twilighthalf.com

The 24-hour Relay for Life of Vancouver features teams taking turns walking around the track to raise money for cancer research, with games and activities starting at 10 a.m. July 11. There will also be survivor lap, a luminaria ceremony to honor those affected by cancer and more at Columbia River High School, 800 N.W. 99th St., Vancouver. Donations encouraged. relay.acsevents.org

Rod Englert, a 50-year veteran of law enforcement, will be the featured presenter at Science on Tap Vancouver on July 15. During “Crime Scene Reconstruction: The Devil Is In The Details,” Englert explains how investigations use observation, intuitive thinking and creative ability. He will discuss high-profile and controversial cases at the Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver. Tickets are a suggested $8 to $10. www.viaproductions.org

Prepare your chrome, as Cruisin’ the Gut returns July 18. The popular celebration of car culture features hot rods, classic cars and more as they cruise down Main Street. The event encourages canned food donations to benefit Share House. The action takes place along Main Street, between Sixth and 28th streets, Vancouver. www.cruisinthegut.com

Battle Ground’s 48th annual Harvest Days runs July 16-18, with a carnival, harvest nights cruise-in, grand parade, kickball tournament, entertainment and geocoin challenge. www.battlegroundchamber.org. The Harvest Hay Half takes place July 19, with a half-marathon, 8K and 2-mile family run courses that start and finish at Battle Ground Village, 802 S.E. 14th Ave., Battle Ground. Registration is $70 for the half, $40 for the 8K and $30 for the family run. harvesthayhalf.getboldevents.com