The mosquitos are out, the sun is starting to blaze, and weekends now fill neighborhoods with the smell of barbecue smoke. Summer has officially begun, and that means it’s almost time for the biggest summer birthday of them all: America’s. There is literally no place more patriotic to celebrate Independence Day than the nation’s capital and there is no shortage of events and celebrations this year.

Official fireworks are launched by the National Park Service near the Reflecting Pool on July 4 at 9 :10 PM, which means some of the best places to watch the spectacle are also alcohol-free zones: the National Mall, the US Capitol, and around the Tidal Basin. Your next best bet is to get to a rooftop bar with a great view of the light show--check out our round-up of best places to toast to the Founding Fathers and watch fireworks. If you can’t snag a seat, we’ve also included some great bars running Fourth of July specials.

DNV Rooftop Lounge: Boasting one of the District’s best city views, the rooftop bar and pool on the 14th floor of the Donovan Hotel guarantees spectacular views of the national pyrotechnics. Dance the night away to their house DJ while enjoying boozy red, white, and blue popsicles. (1155 14th St NW; 202-379-4367)

P.O.V. Roof Terrace: Giving DNV a run for its money in the “best views of DC” category, the P.O.V. Roof Terrace at the hip W hotel overlooks the White House and has arguably the best view of the fireworks. They’ll be hosting their annual “Boom with a View” celebration, with live music and signature themed cocktails. Just don’t wait—this popular event sells out every summer. (515 15th Street NW; 202-661-2400)

The Hay Adams Hotel: For an all-inclusive experience, check out this hotel located directly north of the White House. The 4th of July package includes a stay at the hotel, a 3-course dinner for two and access to the 9th floor Top of the Hay rooftop lounge for a spectacular view of the fireworks with champagne and desserts. (1 Lafayette Sq; 202-638-6600)

Rock and Roll Hotel: When the last of the fireworks have fizzled out from your view on the rooftop of this live music venue and bar, head downstairs to really get the celebration started at the USA Birthday Dance Party. Three different DJs will be spinning the best electronic beats and the bar will be serving up drink specials. Best part? Totally free. (1353 H Street NE; 202-388-ROCK)

DC9: This U Street bar may be a dive, but it’s got a sweet rooftop and they’re hosting a barbeque with brewery DC Brau. Hot dogs and burgers will be available all day and all cans of DC Brau are only $4. The event starts at 2 PM, so you’ve got plenty of time to get nice and sauced for the light show. (1940 Ninth St NW; 202-483-5000)

The Observatory at The Graham Georgetown Hotel: You can’t beat watching fireworks near the river, and the Observatory is one of the few publicly accessible rooftops in Georgetown. A ticket to their Fourth of July celebration gets you hand-crafted cocktails, complimentary snacks and all the sparklers you can set afire. Live music provided by the National Symphony Orchestra seals the perfect evening. (1075 Thomas Jefferson Street NW; 855-341-1292)

El Centro D.F.: El Centro will be running their awesome $35 brunch special (unlimited small plates and brunch cocktails) from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM on the 4th. Get your brunch on and then stay to watch the fireworks from the rooftop bar, where you can sip on margaritas and mojitos all night long. (1819 14th St NW; 202-328-3131)

1905 Bistro & Bar: One of DC’s best small rooftops, 1905 will be hosting a Fourth of July barbeque with 3 Stars Brewing Co. Your ticket gets you a main and two sides from the grill and 3 Star drafts are $5 all afternoon. Of course if you’re really serious about your Independence Day quaffing, they’ll let you trade your food tickets for more beer instead. (1905 9th Street NW; 202-332-1905)

Lincoln: Where better to celebrate America than a restaurant named after its 16th president? Lincoln will be hosting its annual Independence Day weekend with all-day barbeque on Friday and specials on American beers and cocktails from 2-7 PM. Their famous Emancipation Punch Bowl (Bluecoat gin, Cuca Fresca cachaça, chamomile, clove, lemon and lavender bitters) will be only $34 all night long (serves four to eight people). (1110 Vermont Avenue NW; 202-386-9200)

Photo: Flickr user dpbirds