As a patriotic pooch, I find so much to be grateful for as America celebrates its 234th Independence Day. I’m also thankful that our nation’s birthday gives us all the freedom to enjoy a three-day holiday weekend in Balboa Park. Here are just a few places to catch the Park’s special brand of cultural fireworks:

Earth Exposed at the Reuben H. Fleet Space Center. Just opened last week, this interactive display of 25 hands-on exhibits explores nature’s powerful forces, like tornados, geysers, and volcanoes, that are continuously re-shaping the world we see around us.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Museum of Photographic Arts. This screening of the classic family flick starring Dick van Dyke and Edison the Dog on July 3 at 1pm will be preceded by a most entertaining performance by Scott Paulson’s Teeny Tiny Pit Orchestra.

SUDS: The Rocking 60s Musical at the Starlight Bowl. This bubbly musical, featuring American 60s classics, ends its run with a bang on July 2–3 at 8pm. The uplifting story of a teenage girl who seeks true love with the help of two guardian angels promises good clean, laugh-out-loud fun.

House of U.S.A. Lawn Program. The annual Sunday celebration actually falls on July 4 this year. No need to fight fellow beach goers for a fire ring when you can enjoy a small town-style Fourth of July celebration, complete with live bands playing patriotic tunes, costumed Uncle Sams, and an all-American picnic menu of hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, and apple pie. Dog Bless America!