SAN DIEGO -- The sun is shining again and all over San Diego barbecue grills are heating up in preparation for this weekend's Fourth of July celebrations. Just about anywhere you go and any activity you choose to participate in will feature some sort of red, white and blue theme.

For many, like San Diego Padres fans, the celebrations begin tonight. If you head to the ball park or are in the downtown vicinity, be sure to catch the Independence Day Fireworks after the game.

Many local bars and nightclubs will also feature Fourth of July themed parties. SDGLN Nightclub Columnist Jim Winsor previewed several parties, such as the T-Dance on the Bay Pride Night Cruise happening tonight and Bourbon's Boston Tea Party on Saturday.

At some point over the weekend you will either attend or host a barbecie and SDGLN has many great recipes in its archives that will impress and delight any palate. Some of these great Fourth of July recipes include: The Strip Club’s Perfect Signature Strip Steak, a new twist on a BBQ favorite - Puff Doggies, Yellowtail ceviche, and several recipes for delicious creamy avocados .

Saturday, July 3, celebrations

• Coronado Independence Day celebrations feature the 62nd Annual Independence Day Parade: A Salute to America's Heroes at 10 a.m. and at Spreckles Park (6th and Orange) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be Art in the Park events, followed by a free concert featuring Stiletto at 4 p.m.
• Independent music store, M-Theory Music (915 W. Washington St.) will host an Independence Day celebration with a sidewalk sale, a BBQ and live performances by Boyscout, The Makeup Sex, NMX, So Many Wizards and Team Abraham, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Oceanside will host its 17th annual Independence Day Parade which this year salutes 68 years of military history. Parade begins at 10 a.m.
• Paradise Point Resort and Spa will host its 9th annual “All American BBQ and Fireworks Extravaganza,” featuring live entertainment, an all-you-can-eat Kansas-city style BBQ, carnival fun and the city’s largest display of fireworks over Mission Bay, lasting a full 25 minutes. Event is open to the public, check website for cost. BBQ begins at 6 p.m., fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Of course no Fourth of July celebration would be complete without a great fireworks display and San Diego does not disappoint! What follows is a comprehensive list featuring locations of firework displays throughout the County. Unless otherwise noted, ALL fireworks shows being at 9 p.m.

The Beaches

• The 10th annual Big Bay Boom promises to be spectacular 17-minute display over San Diego Bay. Fireworks will be discharged simultaneously from four barges placed strategically around the bay off Shelter Island, Harbor Island, North Embarcadero, Seaport Village and the Coronado Ferry Landing. Fireworks will also be discharged at the Imperial Beach Pier.

  Arrive early, over 850,000 people are expected to head to bay and beach areas for these impeccably choreographed series of displays. Listen to the simulcast on 105.7 The Walrus FM radio. The show also will be televised live on San Diego FOX 5 HD and Cox 4 HD, covered by four remote cameras. Parking and shuttle information is available HERE

• Glorietta Bay (Coronado): The festivities begin with the 35th Annual Independence Day 15K Run 5K Run/Walk at Tidelands Park beginning at 7 a.m. and culminating with a spectacular fireworks display over Glorietta Bay that complements the Big Bay Boom fireworks show just across the water
• La Jolla Cove: Despite an attempt to halt the fireworks by some who cited environmental concerns, the 25th annual show will go on as planned
• Mission Bay Yacht Club
• Ocean Beach Pier
• Paradise Point Resort and Spa
• SeaWorld(Mission Bay): 9:30 p.m. SeaWorld San Diego will celebrate Independence Day with a special, patriotic Shamu’s Skysplash USA fireworks show over Mission Bay. One of the most popular fireworks shows for locals, the best viewing areas are from the shores of Mission Bay, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.
• Del Mar Beach will feature all activities all day prior to the fireworks
• Oceanside Pier

Other Locations

• Town Center Community Park Ballfields (Santee)
• Spring Valley Park
• Lake Murray Music Fest and Fireworks (La Mesa): 9:05 p.m. (619) 583-5211.
• Bradley Park (San Marcos)
• Brengle Terrace Park (Vista)
• Grape Day Park (Escondido)
• Julian: No fireworks, but a day full of country-style celebrations
• Olive Peirce Middle School (Ramona)
• Rancho Bernardo High School
• Valley Center High School
• Kimball Park (National City)
• Mira Mesa Recreation Center: Food, rides, games and entertainment in Mira Mesa Community Park during the day.

Other celebrations will also take place at LEGOLAND and the San Diego County Fair.

LEGOLAND will present a star-spangled Red, White and BOOM! Celebration on July 4 with live musical performances by The Jumpitz at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and festive fireworks at 8:30 p.m. During the day, family favorite Uncle Sam will also be roaming LEGOLAND on stilts, as guests enjoy old fashioned lawn games including potato sack races and LEGO Limbo.

Spending the holiday at the San Diego Fair is one of the oldest American traditions there is. After a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m., Joan Jett and The Blackhearts take the stage at 9:30 p.m. The concert and fireworks are included with fair admission, and all the exhibits halls and rides stay open until midnight.

A warning about your pets

Beware that your pets can be frightened by fireworks.