Independence Day weekend activities around Birmingham

Celebrate your independence or codependence all Independence Day weekend long, whether that weekend is 2 days, 3 days or even 5 days. Take a look at the multitude of holiday activities around the Birmingham area.

Thunder on the Mountain: Despite funding difficulties, the annual fireworks show atop Red Mountain appears to be a go, thanks to a last-minute $15,000 sponsorship by … the Alabama Education Association?! Look to the skies at 9 p.m. Sunday for Thunder on the Mountain, also airing live on Fox 6. The musical accompaniment will air on Cox radio stations: WZZK (104.7 FM), The Eagle (106.9 FM), The Buck (97.3 FM), WENN (101.9 FM), JAMZ (95.7 FM), Kiss (98.7 FM) and Heaven WAGG (610 AM).

Video: Thunder on the Mountain, fireworks over Vulcan

I Love America Summer Celebration Series: Get a head start on the holiday fun Thursday at Wald Park [map] in Vestavia Hills. 6:30-7:30 p.m: free swim. 6:30-7:45: children’s activities by Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church. 7: Pops in the Park, patriotic music by the Shades Mountain Baptist Church Orchestra. Around 8: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” Free. For more information, see the flyer.

Jazz in the Park: Magic City Smooth Jazz kicks off its 5-week summer park tour with a performance on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Caldwell Park on Southside [map]. The free show features Keith Williams, Dee Lucas and Scrollworks. For more information, see the flyer.

UAB Summer Band: Annual free concert led by director Sue Samuels, featuring patriotic songs, traditional band music, pop tunes, Disney favorites, movie and Broadway themes and more. Free; raffle winner will conduct part of the performance, $2 for one ticket, $5 for three. 7:30-9 p.m. Sunday, leading up to the Thunder on the Mountain display. Bartow Arena lawn, 617 13th St. S. [map]. For more information, see the activeculture.info listing.

Video: UAB Summer Band performs Leonard Bernstein’s “Slava!”

Birmingham Barons: World Cup? Feh. Baseball! See the Barons play the Mississippi Braves at Regions Park in Hoover [map]. It’s a doubleheader on Thursday, starting at 5:05 p.m. Friday’s game starts at 7:05, while Saturday starts at 6:30; those games will have fireworks. Tickets are $7 to $12. For schedule and ticket purchase, visit the official site.

Independence Day Celebration in the Vineyards: Drive down U.S. 280 to Morgan Creek Vineyards for jazz and fireworks. 6-10 p.m. Saturday, with performance by Tekneek and wine tastings. $10. For more information, visit the site.

Helena concert and fireworks: Texas country performer Derryl Perry will be at the Helena Amphitheater [map] for the city’s holiday celebration. Fireworks follow the concert. Free, 6-9 p.m. Saturday. For more information, see the flyer.

Video: Derryl Perry

Turkey Creek Preserve hike and swim: Go for a short day hike with Southeastern Outings, starting at 1 p.m. Saturday. The trip through Turkey Creek Preserve will include time for a picnic lunch and swim. Hikers bring their own lunch, water, swimsuit, towel and river shoes or sneakers. Free. Departing from the Pinson Chevron, 6710 Ala. 79 [map]. For more information, see the activeculture.info listing.

Project Codename: Vulcan’s Underpants: Birmingham-based improv comedy troupe Extemporaneous Theatre Company will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at the Birmingham Festival Theatre, 1901 1/2 11th Ave. S. [map]. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door; Thursday is pay what you can, with $5 minimum. For more information, visit the site.