While thousands are expected to swarm the National Mall this Fourth of July to see fireworks, musical performances, or President Donald Trump’s speech, others in the region might want to avoid large crowds or snarled traffic.

There are numerous fireworks displays and concerts in Maryland and Virginia on Independence Day. WAMU put out a call on social media to find your favorite festivities. Here’s some of what you sent us.

Takoma Park Parade

The “Berkeley of the East” will hold its 130th Fourth of July Celebration on Thursday. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Julio Ceron, who has participated in the parade in recent years, tweeted that he goes to see the “quirkiness of some of the parade floats.” Around 7 p.m. there will be live music, food trucks and children’s activities. Unfortunately there won’t be any fireworks this year due to construction at Takoma Park Middle School.

Gaithersburg Summer Fest

If you want to start your Fourth of July early, you can go to Gaithersburg Summer Fest at Bohrer Park on Saturday, June 29. Fireworks are included and the party kicks off at 5 p.m. It goes until 11:30 p.m. This year’s theme celebrates the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing. Gaithersburg officials tweeted that there will be “space-themed kids’ activities.”

Ocean City

Too hot in the city? Head to Ocean City for some beach time There are multiple locations to aww fireworks, listen to live music, and sip libations. Ocean City officials have even created a seven-step list for a perfect Ocean City Fourth of July.

Leesburg, Virginia

At Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, Virginia you can start your day with a fife and drum corps and end with food and fireworks. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Live music and food starts at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. City officials say coolers and large bags are permitted in the park, but pets, glass containers, alcoholic beverages, and personal fireworks are prohibited. One reader said you may want to be patient leaving the park by car “because traffic is awful.”

Old Town Fairfax

Historic Fairfax will holding its 53rd Fourth of July celebration this year. The Fairfax Museum and the historic Ratcliffe-Allison-Pozer House will be open for tours. The town also celebrates old fashioned fireman’s day at noon with competitions and prizes for games including “Lay-A-Line” and “Battle of the Barrel.” Later in the evening there will be a fireworks show and live music. The rain date is July 5 for fireworks.

An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

If you’re lucky enough to score tickets, celebrate the birth of our nation at the home of one of our founding fathers. George Washington’s home on the Potomac River in Virginia is open for tours year-round, but on the Fourth you can also watch a recreation of General Washington’s troop inspection, a wreath-laying at his tomb, Revolutionary War military drills, and daytime fireworks. You may get a slice of “Happy Birthday, America!” cake, too.

This story originally appeared on WAMU.