Events to fire up your Independence Day

AAA expects 34.9 million people to travel at least 50 miles from home this Fourth of July weekend. We don't know where they're heading, but it looks like they have quite a few options. Our favorites? Taking a spin on the Auto Club Speedway racetrack, fireworks and perhaps the beer tasting.

-- Enjoy fireworks on and off the track at the Camping World Grand Prix at the Glen. The race is on July 4, but spectators can head over to Clute Park for the Indy-Pendence Kick-Off Celebration, beginning on July 2.

Watkins Glen International, 2790 County Route 16, Watkins Glen, N.Y., www.theglen.com

-- Gas up your choice ride and embrace your inner NASCAR driver at the Auto Club Speedway. The speedway will also feature live music and fireworks during its “Red, White & Cruise” event.

9300 Cherry Ave., Fontana, Calif., www.autoclubspeedway.com

-- Sample your favorites from 150-plus beers at the Seattle International Beer Fest, July 2-4. Darts, backgammon and other pub games are available for free.

Seattle Center Mural Amphitheater, 305 Harrison St., Seattle, www.seattlebeerfest.com

-- Watch paragliders take to the sky and dragon boats race in the water at the Pittsburgh Three River Regatta. The three-day festival will take over North Shore, Point State Park and the Rivers Casino Amphitheater.

Pittsburgh, www.threeriversregatta.net

-- Kick off the National Cherry Festival with a cruise through Northern Michigan on July 2. It will begin at Turtle Creek Casino.

7741 M-72 East, Williamsburg, Mich., www.cherryfestival.org

-- Kick the tail end of Taste of Chicago, which ends on July 4. More than 200 food items will be featured, but we've heard good things about Garrett Popcorn's Popcornsicles (frozen caramel popcorn on a stick).

Chicago, www.explorechicago.org

By Izzi Bendall