If you've never been to Las Vegas, the Fourth of July is the perfect occasion for a first-time trip. The party starts with free concerts, pool parties, fireworks displays and more. Best of all, you can bring the entire family along and celebrate Independence Day in Las Vegas.

Dive in to weekend fun

On the Las Vegas Strip, you’ll find the party at Ayu Dayclub and Zouk Nighclub at Resorts World Las Vegas. For Independence Day weekend, both hotspots are pulling out all the stops with DJ sets from acclaimed artists, so grab your “upscale casual partywear” and get ready to dive into some Vegas-style fun.

What’s a Las Vegas Fourth of July without a pool party? Hotel guests and residents of Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas can enjoy a special Independence Day celebration on the hotel’s stunning 8th-floor pool deck that will include cabanas and food specials, including charred Chicago-style hotdogs, St. Louis-style smoked barbecue ribs and a chocolate-dipped ice cream bar with strawberries and peanuts.

On July 6, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton will be hosting a Backyard BBQ from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with live music, cold drinks and grilled barbecue favorites for purchase. Guests of the hotel get free entry, and outside attendees can buy a day pass for $40.

Concerts and family fun

If you’re in the mood to dance the weekend away, head to Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas. This summer, the popular venue is hosting a free concert series every other Saturday, including July 6th, featuring artists from a wide range of genres.

Meanwhile, sports fans can head to the Las Vegas Ballpark to catch a minor league home game (and post-game fireworks) or take in the high-flying acrobatics of the Nitro Circus.

Don’t forget to be up bright and early on Monday for The Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade. The local celebration merges small-town spirit with all the pageantry of Las Vegas — complete with floats and balloons, of course.

Fireworks all weekend long

As expected, Las Vegas fireworks can’t be beat — a number of Las Vegas casinos (and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority) join together in celebration for a grand fireworks display held in sync at 9 p.m. along the Strip. Make reservations early for a good seat.

If you’re looking to take the party off the Strip, consider heading to Heritage Park in Henderson for live entertainment, family activities, food and a special fireworks display.

A few miles outside of Las Vegas, you’ll find the appropriately named Lake Las Vegas, which is as beautiful as it is serene except for July 4th when the community will light up the dark desert night with a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m.

However you choose to celebrate, one thing is clear: Independence Day in Las Vegas is always a good time.

Jeremy Long is a writer and content creator based in Las Vegas.