The Bloody Mary at Cafe Saint-Ex. Photograph by Flickr user Jenn Larsen.

In this town, plenty of people have roots in either New York or Boston (or a seething hatred of at least one of those cities’ football teams). But even if you don’t belong to one of those camps, you’ll likely be watching the big game this Sunday. We’ve rounded up some great area bars offering special Super Bowl deals on drinks and food to ensure that no matter what the final score is, you (and your wallet) will come out a winner.

Did we forget your favorite spot? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Washington

Blue Banana will open two hours before kickoff and serve $12 Yuengling and Miller Lite pitchers and other $15 pitchers, in addition to specialty cocktail discounts. The regular food menu will be bolstered by the PORC Mobile food truck, offering sloppy joes, mac and cheese, and other barbecue and tailgating favorites. Leave the kids at home; this party is open only to those 21 and over.

Hudson Restaurant and Lounge will have food specials such as apricot spicy wings, bacon-crusted fish sticks, and lobster or short rib sliders for $5. To help you wash them down, during each quarter of the game the restaurant will offer a different one of its new specialty cocktails for $6, plus happy hour drink prices all day.

We'll bet you your weight in candy corn that there's a place for you to wear that great costume to in this list. Photographs by Chris Leaman

Pastieville Horror at Red Palace
Thursday, October 27
The Red Palace promises a fun time with its burlesque show Pastieville Horror, featuring acts by Mourna Handful, Spanky Roundbottom, Stella Sweet, and more. The 21-and-over party is $10. Doors open at 8:30 PM.

Town Tavern
Friday, October 28, through Sunday, October 30
Town Tavern in Adams Morgan has a bunch of Halloween specials planned for the weekend. On Friday, enjoy an open bar from 10 to 11 PM for $10. Saturday’s $10 open bar runs from 8 to 10 PM, and you have the chance to win $100 for showing up in the best costume. On Sunday, head to brunch between noon and 3 PM and get unlimited bloody marys for $12.

Elliot in the Morning’s Halloween Bash at Clarendon Ballroom
Friday, October 28
Elliot in the Morning of DC101 will host an all-night bash at the Clarendon Ballroom, featuring live music from JunkFood and sets by The Naked and Famous and DJ Lil Fos. The winner of the party’s Halloween costume contest will go home with $3,000. $15 before 10 PM, $20 after. Doors open at 5 PM. Music starts at 8 PM. 21 and up.

Take a break from the summer heat at one of the surrounding area's watering holes. Photograph courtesy of Lake Anna

Beaver Dam Swimming Club
10820 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville, 410-785-2323
Distance from DC: 60 miles
Amenities: Splash into the four-acre quarry from a rope swing, an anchored raft, or a diving board. The quarry is deep—50 feet on average—and has a steep drop-off, but there are also two swimming pools. Dry off on the beach, then find a picnic spot under a tree. Snack bars and locker rooms are also available. No pets or alcohol is allowed.
Price: $10 to $17.

The French Embassy and various restaurants are going all out for Bastille Day on July 14. Photograph courtesy of flickr user irene.

ACTIVITIES

Bastille Day at the Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Road, NW, 202-944-6195
Dress your best for an evening of food, music, and dance on July 16 at the Embassy of France. The night will start off with cocktails and a silent auction, which will feature items like restaurant vouchers and paintings. Proceeds will go to Comité Tricolore, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need among the French-American community in Washington. A number of local chefs from restaurants like Belga Café, Ris Restaurant, and Citronelle will be on hand to showcase their food creations at a buffet. Tickets ($100) can be purchased here. 7 PM to 12 AM.

Dancing for French Residents
4101 Reservoir Road, NW, 202-944-6195
Two days before the big public event, French residents in Washington are invited to a night of dancing at the embassy on the actual holiday on July 14 from 6 to 10 PM. You must book a spot at their website and present the ticket and your French ID at the door.

There are plenty of spots around DC to catch the July Fourth fireworks for free. Photo courtesy of flickr user hannah522

We’ve already shared our top picks for Fourth of July events, hotel deals and packages, and restaurants offering special menus to celebrate America’s birthday. But what if you’re just looking for a great, free spot to watch the fireworks? Below we’ve collected tried and true locations that offer easy —and inexpensive—ways to enjoy this year’s pyrotechnic display in the nation’s capital.

Capitol Skyline Hotel will host Summer Camp on July 4, with plenty of fun, music, and food to go around. Photo by Dakota Fine

Fireworks on the National Mall
The fireworks on the National Mall are arguably the main attraction of Independence Day in Washington. The fireworks are lit from the Reflecting Pool and appear above the Washington Monument. They begin after dark, usually around 9:15 PM. The US Capitol building, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, East Potomac Park, the Marine Corps War Memorial, and the Air Force Memorial are all popular spots to watch the display. The crowds at many of these landmarks tend to be large, so stake out a spot early. Many nearby hotels and rooftop bars host viewing parties and special rates for the holiday week—check out our guide to the fun. Note: The Smithsonian Metro station is closed until after the evening’s fireworks display, so don’t plan on getting off there.