Still bitter about your beach-weekend plans falling through? (We are.) Well, if the events we gathered for you in our exhaustive roundup for the Fourth haven’t, um, exhausted you by the time the fireworks start, here are a few parties at local music and dance venues you might want to check out. Know of fun Fourth of July parties happening in town? Let us know in the comments. Oh, and God bless America!
Earlier: Where to Watch Fireworks on the Fourth
Fun Ideas for a Bang-Up Fourth of July
(Note: All these dance parties take place on July 4th except for Apex, which starts Thursday, the 3rd, and goes through Saturday the 5th.)
DC9
Liberation Dance Party does its patriotic duty by going green—hemp green, that is. The long-running indie-pop dance party hosts a special midnight fashion show by local clothing store Capitol Hemp. The bar’s relatively new open-bar policy runs form 10 to 11. There’s a $6 cover charge. Doors open at 10.
Black Cat
Celebrating our independence by dancing to British tunes may seem a bit odd, but those Brits do make great music. From 9 PM to 2 AM, DJ Stereo Faith will host Sorted, a dance party playing soul, indie pop, and Britpop songs, at the Black Cat’s main stage. Alongside Faith, there’ll be an entourage of guest DJs, including locals DJ Cassidy and DJ Cale. Tickets are $10.
Rock and Roll Hotel
Dancing to Britpop makes you feel like a pom (prisoner of Mother England, that is)? Then perhaps Asian underground electronica may be more your thing. Indian producer/musician/DJ/all-around genius Karsh Kale and duo MIDIval Punditz are part of the lineup for Electroganic 004, a night of—you guessed it—electronica at this popular H Street bar. Tickets are $20 at the door.
The Red and the Black
Just across and down the street a bit at this other Englert bar, the La La Walk—self-described as a loose network of musicians and artists—is hosting Name Your Cover, a night of $3 rail drinks, music, and a best-cover-song contest. There’s no ticket price; instead you get to decide your own cover charge. Just remember: All proceeds from the party go to benefit organizations such as Food & Friends, Jail Guitar Doors, and Students for a Free Tibet. 9 PM.
Fur
Stars & Stripes, the Independence Day party at this venue, promises all-night free entry to women carrying a special boarding pass (to get said pass, click here). Guys, don’t complain: The same pass gets you a reduced cover charge until 11. Did we mention the open bar from 9 to 11? There will be a different DJ spinning in each room or section of the freakishly large dance club. Doors open at 9.
Town
What’s more American than a talent competition? Gays in a talent competition. (Hello, DC Cowboys, anyone?) If you can sing, dance, or juggle or if you have any other hidden talents, the Fourth may be the day you celebrate our country and also win $1,000! E-mail info@towndc.com for more details and entry instructions.
Apex
We like the way the people behind Apex think: Why settle for one night of celebrating when you can have three? Independence Day starts Thursday at this gay dance club with the Red Party. There’s a $5 cover charge, except for college students with ID. DJ Randy White spins. Friday, it’s the White Party: No cover charge for those dressed appropriately. Adult-film star Kurt Wild will sign autographs. Finally, Saturday is Blue Party night, with a special drag performance by Kristina Kelly. Caliente, a Latin dance party, will be hosted in the club’s lounge area. Unless you’re wearing blue, there is a $10 cover charge.
Avenue
Ladies wearing red, white, or blue get in for free all night at this club, located right by the DC Convention Center. There will be an open bar from 10 to 11. DJs Jealousy and Soundwave will spin all night, and the party will be broadcast on WPGC. The club’s special catfish buffet will open at midnight. Doors open at 10.
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