Since the Fourth of July falls in the middle of the week this year, the Independence Day celebration is an extended one with events throughout the weekend. Check out for Times of San Diego’s guide to the fireworks shows throughout the county.

San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival

The picturesque Embarcadero Park North in the Marina will host music lovers from around the world for the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival.

The three-day music festival features smooth jazz combined with delicious food and picturesque waterfront for an amazing atmosphere. Musical acts include Eric Darius, Monty Seward, Jessy J, The Sax Pack and many others.

The festival goes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $65.

Sunsets and Superheroes

Comic-Con is fast approaching but no need to wait until July for some superheroes action. The Birch Aquarium is debuting a new comic-book inspired exhibit that showcases the “superpowers” of some marine creatures.

Oddities: Hidden Heroes of the Scripps Collections features animals that can give you quite a shock, literally, to creatures that have supervision.

To kick off the exhibit, the aquarium is hosting a 21-and-up party, Sunset and Superheroes. Guests can enjoy craft beer and wine while enjoying some of the best sunset views in town. There is also live music and Little Fish Comic Book Studio will be on hand to create improv comics with guests.

Sunset and Superheroes goes from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $26 general admission and $23 for museum member.

Annual Switchfoot BRO-AM

The iconic surf and music event is returning this weekend for the 14th year. Founded by Christian alt-rock group Switchfoot, that got its start in San Diego, to give back to the community.

The event includes surf contests, which start at 7 a.m., and a music festival, including a performance by the titular band itself. The Switchfoot BRO-AM raises funds for San Diego Children in need.

The event goes from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The surf contests go from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the concerts go from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free though advance registration is recommended.

Sensorium

Sensorium, the immersive event hosted by Vanguard Culture, asks guests to experience art through all five of their senses.

More than 75 artists will transform 15 condo lofts at The Hub,  IDEA1’s outdoor collaborative space, into experiential, multi-sensory art experiences, from visual arts to live dance, fashion, culinary arts, technology and others.

There is also a VIP rooftop experience that asks gues to tap into all their senses while blindfolded.

Sensorium goes from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $20 for creative professionals.

Oceanside Independence Day Parade

Celebrate the country’s birthday a little early this weekend with 24th annual Oceanside Independence Day Parade.

The parade features everything you would expect from an Independence Day Parade —  floats, bands, walking groups, cool cars and beauty queens. The parade will also honor former Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood, who’s lived in the city since 1955.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of North Coast Highway and Wisconsin Avenue and travels north on Coast Highway to Civic Center Drive. The best spot to watch the parade is at Seagaze Drive.

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