When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve, for the duration of a long weekend, the political bands which connect them to work, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation of three days.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men and women are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness — best realized on the Fourth of July in the shooting of fireworks, the barbecuing of meats or your preferred vegetarian options, and the general revelry of a National Holiday. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world:
Editor’s note: Much of this will be familiar to anyone who has already seen our more comprehensive guide(s) to the best fireworks shows in town this weekend, the best parades and festivals, and the best concerts. Consider the following an abbreviated greatest hits compilation.
Friday (07/01)
The classic (“We’re In The Money,” “I Only Have Eyes For You”) backstage musical 42nd Street continues its run at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
Second Thought Theatre’s A Kid Like Jake, which follows two parents concerned about their child’s gender-variant inclinations, has shows through Sunday.
Shovels and Rope, Okkervil River, and more perform at the Bomb Factory tonight for the Lone Star Texas Heritage Fest — Tickets are cheap at $10, and proceeds go toward the good cause of Feeding Texas.
Start planning the rest of your month with the 25 things you must do this July.
Saturday (07/02)
Who needs Willie when Billy Bob’s Fourth of July Picnic has lined up Billy Joe Shaver and Shinyribs for its Independence Day hootenanny?
The great Bobby Sessions, maybe the best rapper in Dallas, performs with RC & The Gritz at Trees.
Take a deep breath, because the Fourth of July celebrations really get going on…
Sunday (07/03)
Red, White, and Boom on the Bridge brings fireworks and assorted Fourth-ish festivities to the recently christened Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge. The city will shut down the westbound lanes of Large Marge to make it a bridge-spanning holiday affair with a great view of the skyline.
The great Mitski plays Three Links.
Addison’s Kaboom Town is a madhouse every year for good reason — It’s one of the best fireworks shows in the country, and if you can handle the crowds or find a good rooftop somewhere else in Addison, it’s well worth the trip. And if your tolerance for traffic is especially high, show up early to take in the rest of the fun at Addison Circle Park.
Monday (07/04)
If you can handle the sight of vomit and enjoy watching people indulge in self-destructive dietary habits, the Kobayashis and Joey Chestnuts of Dallas will be scarfing down weiners for the annual Brass Knuckle Corndog Beatdown at The Libertine.
Fair Park’s Fourth of July celebration will feature a fireworks show, Midway games, a Dallas Winds performance, and more. The best seats for the fireworks show are in the Cotton Bowl, but head out early for the live music throughout the grounds, and the food (including corndogs), rides, and games on the Midway.
The Dallas Winds will have a busy Fourth — before the Fair Park celebration, the group will be at the Meyerson setting a world record for the largest number of piccolo players ever assembled for a performance of “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Of all the suburbs throwing their own Independence Day celebrations, only Frisco can boast an FC Dallas game. The soccer match and subsequent fireworks show at Toyota Stadium follow a food festival and a party at the city’s Simpson Plaza.
For much more to do this weekend, go here.
