Picnics and parades, barbecues and the beach, festivities and fireworks. It's the Fourth of July! And how convenient that it falls on Monday, giving us a long weekend of sultry summer weather and a seemingly endless list of free and fun ways to make the most of every minute. Here are my top six picks:

1 On the Water

Canalside is at the top of the 4th of July places to be list. Expect more than just the largest fireworks display in WNY, thanks once again to the largesse of Russell Salvatore. The Canalside stage lights up at 2:00 with a full line-up, and a host of family-friendly events will take place right through fireworks at 10:00pm.

Honor the true significance of Independence Day right across the truss bridge at the Naval and Military Park. There's the Museum and the USS Littlerock to explore, and a Wall of Honor Ceremony will take place (10:00am-5:00pm). But just a stroll down Veteran's Lane and a picnic would be nice. Keep walking and you might be able to score a ride on the Miss Buffalo, or just wander along the lovely Erie Basin Marina, somewhat forgotten in all the Canalside excitement.

Or take the ferry from Canalside to the Outer Harbor and check out the festivities at Wilkeson Point. The stage starts at 4:00pm, there is "ballpark" fare available, and it's a great place to fly a kite or ride a bike. Don't forget that it's now possible to walk to the newly re-lighted Buffalo Lighthouse and there's a nature preserve to explore en route. 

2 Across the River

But why wait until Monday? Get your first fireworks fix tonight! It's Canada Day, meaning major celebrations are taking place right across the border. Massive city-wide events today culminate in fireworks in Niagara Falls, Ontario tonight, and there are smaller, fun goings on right over the Peace Bridge in Fort Erie.

But you don't need a passport to enjoy the fireworks in Fort Erie tonight. Just grab a blanket or a lawn chair and head down to LaSalle Park or to the grounds of the Frank Lloyd Wright Rowing Boathouse and take in the huge fireworks display from across the mighty Niagara. All the fury without much sound.

3  At the Ballpark

Baseball, the BPO and fireworks. What's not to love about the Independence Eve Celebration at Coca-Cola Field with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus and the largest Fireworks Show of the season on Sunday, July 3? The Bisons host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders at 6:05 p.m. After the game, sit back and enjoy a great post game concert by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus honoring our brave servicemen and servicewomen. After this feast for the ears, the largest fireworks show of the baseball season begins.

A discounted BPO 4-Pack is on sale through end of day today (Friday, July 1), but individual tickets are available online and at the ballpark straight through game time for this WNY summer tradition.

4 At School

UB, that is. The spectacular fireworks display over Lake LaSalle on UB's North Campus begins with live entertainment on stage at 7:00pm until the fireworks begin at 10:00pm. Join the more than 40,000 at Baird Point and other spots on the North Campus, or just park along Millersport Highway and Sweet Home Road to catch the show. The closer you get, the louder it is.

5 At the Fort

No fireworks, but lots of musket and cannon fire. Step back into the 18th century at Old Fort Niagara and witness battles from the 19-day siege of 1759 recreated in exact chronological order during the Fourth of July weekend. This re-enactment of the French and Indian War Encampment will vividly illustrate the concept of Independence and make the price we pay for it real for young and old alike.

6 On the beach 

If you prefer a quiet evening watching many brilliant displays, with just the dull thud of bombs bursting in air in the distance, head over the Skyway and out Route 5 to the Lake Erie shore (are you sensing a water-theme here?). You'll see the Canalside fireworks in the distance along with dozens of smaller displays in communities across the region, but you'll also be treated to bonfires dotting the beach for as far as the eye can see. Grab supper at any one of the many beachside restaurants, then take your blanket or lawn chair on to the sand for the evening. 

Have a safe and festive Independence Day weekend!