From hot dog eating contests to BBQs and pool parties, there’s no shortage of celebrations in honor of July 4th. Before you head to a rooftop or stake your spot on the Mall, check out these daytime festivities.

American Ice Company
Head to U Street for American Ice Company’s 5th Annual Crab Crack. From 1 - 8 PM (when the fireworks start) they’ll have a feast of crabs, peel and eat shrimp and corn on the cob. Regular menu items will also be available. (917 V St, NW; 202-758-3562)

The Brixton
Stop by The Brixton’s Independence Day Party from 1 - 9 PM with drink specials all day and night on the rooftop, including an ice luge. Test your competitive eating skills and sign up for the hot dog eating contest. (901 U St, NW; 202-560-5045)

City Tap House
If you’re in the downtown area, head to City Tap House’s third annual BeerBQ Battle. For $20, sample BBQ from the four competitors: Evolution Craft Brewing, 3 Stars Brewing, Three Notch’d Brewing and City Tap and vote for your favorite. You’ll also get potato salad, coleslaw and watermelon as well as $5 select draft beers from the participating breweries. 12 - 5 PM. (901 9th St, NW; 202-644-9433)

Denizens Brewing Co.
The Silver Spring brewery will be hosting a Preamble Party complete with live music, cookout food (burgers, hot dogs and veggie skewers), ice cream from Ruby Scoops Ice Cream & Sweets, and of course, beer. July 3, 5 PM. (115 East-West Hwy, Silver Spring; 301-557-9818)

Ella’s Wood Fired Pizza
Just a few blocks from the National Mall, if you’re heading to A Capitol Fourth, be sure to make a pit stop at Ella’s and take advantage of their drink specials. Cocktails include the Independence Cooler (gin, lime shrub, club soda), District Mule (Bulleit rye, N.Y. Apple Whiskey, grapefruit shrub, orange zest), Watermelon Mojito (Bacardi, mint, lime juice, soda water) and the Strawberry Dill Martini (Bacardi, lemon bitters, strawberry shrub, fennel sprig). Fun fact: the shrub used in these cocktails is locally made by Shrub District. In addition to those drinks, they’ll have a Red, White and Brew Special: purchase any signature pizza and get a glass of house red or white wine or any draft beer for $6. (610 9th St, NW; 202-638-3434)

The Embassy Row Hotel
Catch the fireworks at the Embassy Row Hotel’s rooftop party featuring music from live DJs starting at 6 PM. Come by earlier and enjoy the holiday poolside at the Red, White and Blue Pool Party. Chill out in the cabanas and day beds and sip on summery cocktails from noon - 5 PM, but you must purchase a $30 day pass. (2015 Massachusetts Ave, NW; 202-265-1600)

Espita Mezcaleria
Shaw’s newest Mexican restaurant will be celebrating Independence Day by offering a number of BBQ-themed specials. Beginning at 11:30 AM on July 4, they’ll be serving hot dogs, hamburguesa tortas, ribs and elote, as well as chicken, steak and maitake tacos. Pair your BBQ meal with a mini bucket of Miller High life and Radler-Ritas — Espita’s house margarita with Stiegl-Radler grapefruit. (1250 9th St, NW; 202-621-9695)

Old Glory
Sign up now for Old Glory’s 4th of July Hot Dog Eating Contest. Sponsored by Budweiser, entry is free and all contestant wills get a Budweiser t-shirt. What’s at stake? The person who eats the most hot dogs in 10 minutes will score a pair of Diamond Club Nationals Tickets. (3139 M St, NW; 202-337-3406)

Republic
Celebrate America’s birthday at Republic’s Freedom Fest. An all day barbecue festival with live music, enjoy beers exclusively from local breweries including Right Proper, Hellbender, Denizens and more. Pair your cold beers with an impressive BBQ spread including slow smoked pork BBQ, Peruvian style chicken, elotes locos and watermelon salad. Tickets can be purchased for one session (11 AM - 3 PM, 3 - 7 PM) for $40 or as all day passes for $60. (6939 Laurel Ave, Takoma Park; 301-270-3000)

Photo via Flickr user J Sonder