Guide to July 4th fireworks in downtown Nashville

America's birthday is next week, and there are several ways to celebrate with fireworks, food and live music.

🎇 The main event: The centerpiece of Middle Tennessee's Fourth of July festivities will once again be Nashville's dazzling fireworks show over the Cumberland River, billed as one of the biggest in the nation.

• Hundreds of thousands of spectators typically come downtown for the annual all-day event, which includes hours of free music.

By the numbers: A team of 20 technicians is already preparing for the show, using about 40,000 pounds of explosives, according to organizers .

• For the first time, the city is including 400 drones as part of the show.

Zoom out: Downtown activities are scheduled throughout the day leading up to the show. Family events and live music will take place at Music City Walk of Fame Park from 12-5pm.

• The main concert begins at 5pm at First Avenue and Broadway. Yola, Girl Named Tom and other artists will perform. Headliner Chris Young is expected to take the stage at about 8pm.

The fireworks are scheduled to begin at about 9:30pm and will be soundtracked by the Nashville Symphony at Ascend Amphitheater. (The gates at Ascend open at 4pm, if you want to snag a spot there.)

Other fireworks options in and around Nashville

⏰ Early birds: If you don't want to wait until the Fourth, Nolensville's Star Spangled Celebration on Saturday night gives you a head start.

• Hendersonville and Goodlettsville are also hosting early offerings, with festivals and fireworks planned for July 3.

🌊 Pool party: Families looking to beat the heat can hang out at the Nashville Shores water park, where fireworks are expected to begin around dusk on July 3.

• Water park attractions close at 8 but concessions and other offerings will remain open.

🚗 Suburban sensations: Several surrounding cities just outside of Nashville have their own parties and fireworks planned on the Fourth, including Murfreesboro , Franklin , Mt. Juliet and Lebanon , to name a few.

⚾ America's pastime: If you prefer to celebrate with a hotdog in hand at a ball game, the Nashville Sounds are playing at home on July 4 and 5. Fireworks are planned after both games.

• Another fireworks-free home game will follow on July 6.