Cedar Point ready to party for the Fourth of July and beyond. Here's how to join in

Award-winning Cedar Point is rocketing through this summer as it prepares for its annual Fourth of July celebration next week and gets ready for Boardwalk Nights to kick off later in July.

If you're looking to join in on the fun, here's what you should know.

Light Up The Point coming July 4 and 5

"One of the largest fireworks displays in the Midwest," as Cedar Point bills Light Up the Point, will light up the sky over Lake Erie at 10 p.m. on July 4 and 5. The show will be accompanied by a soundtrack of patriotic favorites plus today's hits.

And for those interested in more than the park's general admission ticket can provide, Cedar Point is offering VIP packages to Light Up The Point. The package includes an all-you-can-eat meal with one bottled beverage starting at 8 p.m. inside the VIP viewing area. VIPs also have access to an exclusive beach bar to purchase alcohol from 8–10 p.m., as well as a seat in the VIP section on Cedar Point Beach to watch the fireworks.

VIP tickets are $54.99, or $49.99 for passholders, on top of general admission tickets.

Cedar Point's Boardwalk Nights begin July 19

Starting July 19, Boardwalk Nights are set to heat up the dog days of summer. Starting at 7 p.m. nightly (except Tuesdays), giant mobile stages roll into Cedar Point's beach boardwalk for the opening cavalcade. From there, the party continues with bands, stunt performers, brass brigades and swing dancing, among others.

Boardwalk Nights, held through Aug. 18, is included with the daily admission ticket or season pass. Cedar Point is also offering a Boardwalk Nights Bundle for $64.99 that includes admission, parking and $20 in reward bucks.

HalloWeekends start in September

Is it too early to think about Halloween? No, it's never too early to think about Halloween. And Cedar Point's HalloWeekends kick off Sept. 12 on select days and nights.

During HalloWeekends, the daytime is for family fun -- corn mazes, pumpkin decorating and trick-or-treating. At night, however, things get spooky, with haunted mazes, scare zones, entertainment and more.

HalloWeekends are held on seven weekends from their September kickoff through Oct. 27.

Cedar Point hours

Cedar Point is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, through August. In September and October, the park is open Thursday through Sunday before closing for the season.

Cedar Point ticket prices

Daily ticket prices are $49.99 if purchased online, or $84.99 at the gate.

The Funday bundle is $79.99 online or $136.99 at the gate. It includes free parking and all-day dining for one meal every 90 minutes.

If you're only visiting for the evening, the After 4 p.m. ticket is $39.99 online or $84.99 at the gate.

Admission to the Cedar Point Shores waterpark is extra.

Of course, season passes are also available.