Live music, food, and fireworks to close out the holiday. A great one to bring the whole family, and easy parking if you get there early. More info at cooltodaypark.com.

Local produce, baked goods, and live music between Harbor Drive and Hecksher Park, right by City Hall. It's as much a social hour as it is a market — a good way to meet your neighbors. Details at venicegov.com.

A quirky mid-summer shopping and dining promotion through the shops and restaurants of Downtown Venice. Worth a stroll even if you're not buying anything — the island is beautiful this time of year in the early morning before the heat sets in.

North Port's hometown Independence Day celebration, hosted at the Braves' spring training home. Same event as listed above — CoolToday Park sits right on the North Port/Venice line, so it serves both communities.

Free, family-friendly Florida Complex League games at CoolToday Park, with theme nights like Tail Waggin' Tuesday and Super Splash Day. $2 hot dogs don't hurt either. Full schedule at cooltodaypark.com.

Regular community programming for families at Playtime Paradise. Check the City of North Port events page for specific times.

Live music from Chas Collins in Downtown Wellen Park leads right into the fireworks show. Bring a chair and make an evening of it.

Local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment in Downtown Wellen Park. Held the second Thursday of every month — a good one to put on the calendar as a recurring date night or family outing. Details at wellenpark.com.

One of the oldest and largest state parks in Florida, with airboat tours, canoeing, and some of the best wildlife-watching in the region — alligators, herons, and the famous canopy walkway. Go early to beat the summer heat.

A natural mineral spring that stays around 87°F year-round. A nice, low-key way to spend a morning, especially if you haven't been yet — it's one of North Port's best-kept secrets.