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Make this July Fourth an occasion to spend time with family without spending a lot of cash.

Free fireworks and Independence Day celebrations are taking place across the county with a variety of entertainment. Games and children's concerts are planned for the kids and music for the adults.

Organizers are hoping for better weather after rain dampened the fun last year.

"We're hoping for a better turn-out, hopefully the weather will cooperate. Mother Nature has to be on our side at least once," said Trish Gill, special events coordinator for the Montgomery County Department of Recreation.

Gaithersburg's ‘Big Bang Weekend'

The city of Gaithersburg‘s celebration, sponsored in part by 97.1 WASH FM, is a five-day event packed with family fun.

The celebration kicks off Thursday with a 10:30 a.m. children's concert by dancer and storyteller Arianna Ross at the City Hall Concert Pavilion, 31 S. Summit Ave., followed by a screening of the movie "Madagascar" at dusk in Robertson Park, 801 Rabbitt Road. Donations of nonperishable food will be accepted.

Friday features a free concert by the National Institutes of Health Community Orchestra at the City Hall Concert Pavilion.

Fireworks are at 9:25 p.m. Saturday at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St. Gates open at 5 p.m., followed by a concert featuring Free Spirit at 7 p.m. and ceremony at 8 p.m.

Radio station 97.1 WASH FM, which has provided family-friendly games and music prior to the fireworks in previous years, will be handing out fans this year due to lack of resources and staff, Crosby said.

No cars are allowed on the fairgrounds and the Perry Parkway entrance, as well as Perry Parkway itself, will be closed.

Two more free events are scheduled at the Concert Pavilion: a 5 p.m. Sunday concert by English Channel, and a 10:30 a.m. Monday children's concert by Alden Phelps.

Although the budget for this year's celebration took a slight hit, according to Caroline Crosby, program coordinator for special events at the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Culture, no cuts were made to the fireworks. Spending on the weekend's concerts, free giveaways and security was reduced.

Rockville Celebrates Independence Day

Rockville will celebrate the Fourth of July at Montgomery College, Rockville Campus, 51 Mannakee St.

The festivities begin at 7 p.m. with concerts on two stages by the Fugitive Brass Quartet and Redline, said Colleen McQuitty, the city's special events coordinator. The music continues with a concert by the Rockville Concert Band at 8 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. Limited bleacher seating will be available. Food vendors will have hamburgers, hotdogs, pizza, Korean barbeque and ice cream for purchase.

Parking is available in all Montgomery College lots and on the corner of Mannakee Street and Route 355. Rain date is Sunday.

-Germantown Glory, South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Circle, Boyds. Concert at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Food. Parking on site. Rain date (fireworks only): July 6. Call 240-777-6820.

-Midcounty Sparkles, Albert Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Road, Kensington. Concert and walk-around magician at 7:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Food. No on-site parking. Ride-On shuttle will transport from Westfield Wheaton and Wheaton Metro station starting at 6:15 p.m. Football stadium will be open for seating. Rain date (fireworks only, no shuttle): Sunday. Call 240-777-8115.

-Poolesville's Traditional Fourth of July Family Fireworks will be held at the soccer fields at Hughes and Sugarland roads. Music by Jim Bowie Band and Poolesville High School spirit bands. Food. Parking on site. Rain date: Sunday. Call 301-972-8888.