Where To Play On 4th Of July: The DC Summer 2011 Guide

It’s almost the 4th of July in the nation’s capital and options to celebrate in style are abundant. Since the 4th lands on a Monday this year, annual party-throwers have two extra days to host their events at establishments across DC, and that’s good news for DC’s motivated party-goers, who this year have the ability to pack their weekend with boozy events to celebrate our nation’s independence. Our top picks for the holiday weekend:

CEG’s Party on the Potomac

July 2nd, 2011 [Event Listing]

In its 7th installment of the Party on the Potomac, Capitol Entertainment Group is hosting the fete for the third time at the Bullpen, the open-area bar adjacent to the Nationals Stadium. The event will feature live music from Slim Pickins, Judo Chop, and Jimi Smooth & HitTime, and is “easily the longest running event of its kind,” according to Liam Donovan, one of the event’s organizers. The party will start in the late afternoon at 4pm and run until 11, and, weather permitting, party- goers will have the option of crossing the street and continuing the fun at Nationals Park (the Nats are scheduled to play two games on the 2nd against the Pirates). The party has become something of a rite of passage for preppy interns and yuppies spending the summer in the district. Sounds about right, since Bullpen is owned by Georgetown legend Bo Blair, who also owns Smith Point.

Red, White and Boom: 1221 First St NE

July 4, 2011 [Event Listing] The biggest rooftop bar in the district will play host to Red, White, and Boom, a 5 ½ hour open bar party featuring live music from four bands and a large crowd of Washington’s young social set. The sweltering July DC heat may be too much for some, which is why organizers are quick to point out that the venue has multiple air-conditioned indoor areas in addition to an expansive rooftop.

Tickets are still on sale ($70 for general admission, $95 for VIP). If you know where to look, you might find a leaked attendee list.

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Boom With A View: POV at the W Hotel

July 4th, 2011 [Event Listing] The W Hotel is hosting an Independence Day party on its famous rooftop. For a steep $300, you'll get one of the best views of the fireworks in DC, premium open bar from 6 p.m. until the fireworks show (approx. 9:20 p.m.), and passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations from the Jean-Georges Vongerichten- designed P.O.V menu. After the fireworks, New York City's DJ Sky Nellor will spin tracks until 2 p.m.

Rates for boom with a view with a ROOM begin at $899.

National FreedomFest: Yards Park

July 3-4, 2011 [Event Listing]

HiBall Events is throwing the National FreedomFest, with tickets beginning now at $24.99, but we're only interested in the Taste of Freedom section happening at the two-day festival. Redskins players like Kory Lichtensteiger are on the confirmed attendee list, and there will be craft beers and unlimited wine tasting and souvenirs. Bands that will be playing on one of the five stages include Burnt Sienna, White Ford Bronco, and Ryan Cabrera (remember him? Ashlee Simpson's ex).