A handful of towns in the Triangle are kicking off Fourth of July festivities a day early, attributing vendor availability, financial reasons and proximity to larger festivities to making early celebrations a tradition for their communities.

The annual Beach Haven Fourth of July Fireworks presented by @fantasyislandlbi and The Beach Haven Chamber of Commerce will be held at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, July 4, at Taylor Park. Bay Village will host fireworks on Taylor Avenue.

Philadelphia’s Fourth of July celebrations are back — and so are the street closures. From Old City to the Parkway, roads will shut down starting Thursday for concerts, parades, and fireworks as the city marks America’s 249th birthday in grand style.