The heat wave has finally broken, just in time for a long weekend in the Kaiserslautern Military Community. The weather is cooling down, but the festival calendar is just getting fired up.

Whether you want to spend the weekend celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday or soaking up the culture of your host nation, there is no shortage of ways to get out and make the most of it. All events listed below are free admission, but bring cash for food, drinks and vendor purchases.

Freedom Fest: Wave the stars and stripes, grab a funnel cake and celebrate Independence Day at this larger-than-life American festival on Ramstein Air Base from 2 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Friday and noon to 11:59 p.m. Saturday. Thrill rides, country artist Austin Snell and a Saturday fireworks spectacular at dusk make this the KMC’s biggest Fourth of July celebration.

Old Town Festival: Shop for handcrafted leather goods, jewelry and unique artisan finds while jamming to rock, soul and blues acts at this lively street festival on Kaiserslautern’s Fruchthallstrasse from 7 p.m. Friday to 1 a.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. Saturday to 1 a.m. Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Come hungry for everything from Japanese cuisine to hearty Palatinate specialties.

Birch Garden Fest: Fill the day with family-friendly activities, regional favorites and local drinks before Lorsch’s park and pond burst into a dazzling display of colorful lights after sunset at this picturesque summer festival all weekend long. Live music keeps the celebration going into the night.

Castle and Pond Fest: Soak up summer with live bands, DJs, great food and cold drinks on the storybook grounds of Illingen’s castle. Set beside the village pond, this all-weekend festival pairs a scenic backdrop with an upbeat atmosphere that’s perfect for lingering long after sunset.

Wine Festival: Swirl, sip and discover regional wines in Rüsselsheim, home to the first documented mention of Riesling in 1435, during this celebration of the region’s winemaking heritage all weekend long. Live entertainment and rows of local vintners make it an easy stop for wine lovers looking to sample something new.