Chippewa Valley Museum's 18th Annual Independence Day Celebration – nothing says “Happy Birthday, America!” like wool spinning and spelling bees! (All the boring stuff like hot dogs, face-painting and fireworks will be there, too.) Other events include music by the Eau Claire Municipal Band, cake walks, carnival games, patriotic speeches, an honor guard, and a civil war encampment. Many of the activities are free, and others have a small charge. Visitors can buy tickets 3-for-$1 at two outdoor booths. This festival is a true community effort to raise funds for the museum. Most of the food and supplies have been donated to keep admission free. In addition to this sweet outdoor festival, the museum itself will also be open on Sunday. Currently on display is an exhibit featuring four local neighborhoods (Eau Claire's downtown, Northside Hill, and Putnam Heights neighborhoods, as well as Augusta's Amish settlement). Details: Carson Park, Sun. July 4, 11am-4pm. Fireworks over Carson Park at dusk.

BACON: Augusta Bean and Bacon Days | In Wisconsin, we love our festivals. We honor everything from catfish to cranberries with a weekend of carnie rides, beer tents, and even sometimes a queen to reign over said food item for the year. Don’t fight your natural Wisconsinite urges; revel in them at Augusta Bean and Bacon Days. Enjoy a quilt show, kickball, ATV mud race, demolition derby, car show, fireworks, a parade and more. (Downtown Augusta, Thurs-Sun, 10am-10pm, free.)

GRASS: ‘Grass on the Chippewa | No, it’s not another community beautification project, or is it? The bittersweet sounds of seven (seven!) bluegrass bands will be echoing through Durand during the first ever ‘Grass on the Chippewa music festival. The show is open to all ages, and free camping will be available at Tarrant Park. (Memorial Park Bandshell, 2nd Ave East, Durand, Sat, 1pm-8:30pm, free.)

MUD: Pioneer Park Mud Racing and Tuff Truck | Mud Bogging: the delicate and nuanced art of racing trucks through mud. Genius in its simplicity, big trucks + lots of mud = awesome way to spend a Saturday. Spectators may watch from a safe distance and concessions will be available. (Pioneer Park, Highway 37 & 85 Porterville Rd., Eau Claire, Sat, noon-6pm.)

The rest of Saturday here. More of a Sunday person? This link's for you.