Get Out: Fireworks, Scottish Games, Arts and Recreation on Tap for Weekend

Looking to get out and do something over the Fourth of July weekend? Here's a extra helping of suggestions to go with the baked beans and hot dogs sure to be dished during one of the nation's most popular barbecue weekends:

Ooh! Ahh! Fireworks

There should be plenty of room for viewing fireworks Friday night at the , 1480 W. Romeo St., Leonard. The night begins at 9:30 p.m. and is expected hit a grand finale by 11:30 p.m. Cost to attend is $10 per vehicle after 5 p.m. or free with a 2011 Oakland County Parks and Recreation annual vehicle permit.

For those looking for festivities closer to the eastern part of the city, a two-day  celebration kicks off Sunday. That city's Fourth of July committee's plans include a carnival with rides, food and games from 3-9 p.m. Sunday and from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday. A $2 admission is required for rides and games. A Fourth of July parade begins at 9 a.m. Monday in Clawson. The celebration will be capped off with a fireworks display about 10 p.m. Monday at Clawson City Park.

More than bagpipes and kilts

The Scottish American Society and Olde World Canterbury Village Scottish American Fest offers more than bagpipes and kilts Saturday and Sunday in Lake Orion. There will be Scottish heavy athletics, a Scottish dance competition, Celtic fiddling, vendor booths, arts, face painting and children's crafts. And of course, there will be bagpipes from the Michigan Scottish Pipe Band, the Alma College Pipe Band and the Raggle Taggle Band. Admission is free 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Parking costs $5 per vehicle.

Slip, slide, swim on Saturday

The Troy Family Aquatic Center will host a  from 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday to allow adults and children to beat the summer heat on the various slides, pools and spray toys at the park, 520 W. Big Beaver Rd. Admission to the family event costs $10 for families up to four or $12 for nonresident families.

Have a blast at Art Center

The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook Rd., Birmingham, will host its annual from 7-11:30 p.m. Sunday. The event includes classes, workshops, games and dinner, followed by a family friendly view of the city's fireworks display next door at the Lincoln Hills Golf Course. Tickets are $30-$300, depending on level of participation.