What to do in Memphis for the Fourth of July

Bob Mehr
Memphis Commercial Appeal
July 4, 2015 — A boat in Wolf River Harbor is silhouetted against the fireworks display being launched from Mud Island during the city's annual Fourth of July celebration. (Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

An earlier version of this story incorrectly included a Bass Pro Patio event.  That event is not being held. 

Independence Day falls on a Tuesday this year, but that means a bit of an extended July 4 celebration starting this weekend.

The Memphis area will offer an array of entertainment options, from family fun and fireworks, to charity races, rooftop parties, concerts, baseball games and more.

Here's a sampling of activities and holiday highlights happening in and around the Bluff City:
 
FRIDAY
Redbirds vs. Baby Cakes

Celebrate America with its national pastime as the Memphis Redbirds take on Crescent City rivals the New Orleans Baby Cakes on Friday through Monday. Tickets start at $9. There will be fireworks shows following the games on Saturday and Monday. To purchase go to memphisredbirds.com.
 
 
SATURDAY
Red, White and Brew Tour
Backbeat Tours marks the holiday with a bus tour that will feature live music en route to stops at the High Cotton and Ghost River breweries. The tour takes off from B.B. King's Blues Club on Beale at 6 p.m. Admission is $39 (patrons music 21 or older). For reservations call 901-527-9415.
 
Ultimate Family Reunion 
An annual Memphis tradition of its own, this yearly "Ultimate Family Reunion" concert, presented by 103.5 WBRO, will feature Klymaxx featuring Bernadette Cooper, Candy Fox and Mechelle Johnson. The event is free and starts at 4 p.m. For more information go to levittshell.org.
 
 
MONDAY 
Flag City Freedom Celebration 
Millington's USA Stadium (4351 Babe Howard Blvd.) will be the site of the Flag City Freedom Celebration. The Naval Support Activity has partnered with the city of Millington to mark America's birthday with fireworks, concessions and kids' activities. Gates open at 4 p.m. The event is free, but parking is $5. Go to millingtontn.gov.
 
Stars and Stripes 5K 
The Memphis Botanic Garden provides a new location for the annual Stars and Stripes 5K. The event — which benefits the American Red Cross — will flip the usual script, with the race set to begin at 7 p.m. in the evening (there will also be a kids' race). Following the run there will be live music, food and post-race festivities. Entrance fee is $25 in advance, $30 day of. Go to memphisstarsandstripes.com.
 
Collierville Independence Day 
Collierville will mark its 32nd annual Independence Day Celebration this year, with festivities starting at 6 p.m. The program at W. Cox Park will honor veterans and include live music as well as a fireworks show starting around 9:30 p.m. Go to collierville.com.
 
Bartlett Fireworks Extravaganza 
The Bobby K. Flaherty Municipal Center will be the site of Bartlett’s fireworks show and more. A mix of events – including live music and ceremonies honoring veterans – will take place starting at 6 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. The event is free.
 
TUESDAY
 
Central Gardens and Cooper Young Parades 
Central Garden continues its long traditions of Independence Day parades. The event will start at 10 a.m. and move along Carr Avenue between Rozelle and Willett. 

Those wishing to enter the costume contest should meet at Rozelle and Willett at 9 a.m. At the same time, the Cooper Young Community Association will also joins in on the July 4 fun with a parade starting at the Peabody Elementary school at 10 a.m. with children and pets invited to join.  For more information go to centralgardens.org or cooperyoung.org.
 
 
Mud Island Celebration
The Mud Island River Park will open at 10 a.m. with its usual slate of entertainment offerings. Its July 4 programming includes live music and carnival rides, which will start at 3 p.m. A massive fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. Go to mudisland.com or call 800-507- 6507.
 
Peabody Fireworks Party 
The Peabody hotel marks America's birthday with a rooftop bash. Starting up in the early evening, the family-friendly function offers the ideal perch to view the downtown fireworks shows over the Mississippi. Refreshments and snacks available. There's no cover charge, but also no coolers or lawn chairs allowed. Doors at 5 p.m. Go to peabodymemphis.com or call 901-529-4000.
 
Germantown Fourth 
Germantown offers its own Fourth of July experience with a family-friendly event at Municipal Park. Kicking off at 5 p.m., there will be amusements, games, crafts and food, with fireworks starting shortly after 9 p.m. Free. Go to Germantown-tn.gov or call 901-751-5669. 

Cordova Celebration

Cordova Community Center's Annual Independence Day Celebration and Parade will feature Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland as grand marshal. The patriotic program begins at 9:30 am and will be followed by a parade featuring awards for best attire and decorations. Following the parade, free refreshments will be provided on the Community Center grounds at 1017 Sanga Road. Go to cordovacommunitycenter.com  


Madison Rooftop 
The Madison Hotel rooftop will be the site of the Twilight Sky Terrace Party. Offering some of the best views of the river and of the evening's fireworks, the event will also feature a live DJ and specialty cocktails. Opens at 6 p.m. $50 cover. Go to madisonhotelmemphis.com.