There’s no better place to celebrate Independence Day than in Washington, D.C. — it’s impossible not to feel like a patriot within view of the White House, Washington Monument and Capitol steps, especially with a local brew or two. Here’s where to raise your glass next week.

July 3

Midtown Liberty Bar Tour
5 PM–12 AM
Rumors (1900 M St. NW)
Get the holiday started right; wind your way through midtown with discounted drinks at participating venues.

July 4

J&G Independence Day Patio Picnic
4–9 PM
J&G Steakhouse (515 15th St. NW)
Looking for a more refined celebration? Head to this chic steak joint at the W Hotel for a three-course, prixe-fixe menu featuring classic summer dishes gone gourmet. Nosh on hot dogs, barbecue chicken and ice cream sandwiches, then wash it all down with a signature ginger margarita, the refreshing vodka thyme lemonade or passion fruit sangria.

Starrs & Stripes on the Potomac
4:30–11:30 PM
Fairgrounds (1299 Half Street SE)
Virginia’s Starr Hill Brewery sponsors this extravaganza near Navy Yard with games, live music, food trucks and specials on four droughts — Northern Lights, The Love, Starr Pills and Saison — all night long.

BYT Presents: Fat Camp Pool Party
11 AM
Capitol Skyline Hotel (10 I St. SW)
Those crazy kids at BYT are up to shenanigans again, this time with the Fatback DJs, eating contests, pool games and, as always, cheap drink specials.

Fourth of July Grill Out at Poste
Poste Modern Brasserie (555 8th Street, NW)
Sip your way through Poste’s new summer cocktail menu (start with the Tarragon in 60 Seconds) while enjoying Executive Chef Dennis Marron’s "Grill Out" Menu featuring holiday-worthy fare such as the Brasserie Burger and Pork & Chedddar dog.

National Independence Day Parade
11:45 AM
Constitution Ave. and 7th St.
Get in the spirit with parade floats, marching bands and members of the military as they make their way from 7th to 17th Street along Constitution Ave.

A Capitol Fourth
8 PM
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
Tom Bergeron hosts this year’s event, which features performances by Matthew Broderick, Megan Hilty, Kool & The Gang and more as well as an appearance by Olympian Apolo Anton Ohno.

Fireworks on the National Mall
9:10 PM
Launched from Reflecting Pool
Grab a spot with a view (and a drink) to take in this spectacular display, which will be visible from most any rooftop in D.C. and Virginia.

Base photo via Flickr user Will Mitchell

Event Date: 07/04
Event Time: Various Times
Location: Various Locations
Price: Varies