America, Fuck Yeah! : Top Independence Day Weekend Events

June 30, 2008 5:09 PM
by Marcos Colón [email]

[Article Written by Sandra Hurtado and Michael Maryanoff]

Whether or not you really care about letting the world know just how proud you are to be an American, Independence Day is not just a holiday, but an entire weekend of parties and events that no one should skip out on. With so much going on, it can be overwhelming to choose what the best itinerary will be.

So if you were wondering what you were going to do for the Fourth of July this year, Cooljunkie's got your back like always. From firework shows to all day marathon sets, we've compiled a list of just some of the top places to celebrate the entire weekend.

Thursday, July 3

Ft. Lauderdale Freedom Fest Featuring Rabbit in the Moon
Day: Thursday, July 3
Time: 9PM - 4AM
Venue: Revolution Live
Sure, fireworks are a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July, but anyone who has seen a Rabbit in the Moon performance knows that any explosive display pales in comparison to one of their eccentric live shows. The event is part of Freedom Fest, a larger event spanning two venues and four rooms.

July 3rd Holiday Jam
Day: Thursday, July 3
Time: 10pm - 5AM
Venue: Love Hate
Fourth of July weekend is chock full of house and trance marathon sets, but that isn't the only thing Miami has in store. This Thursday, Love Hate will be offering a spin on their regular Thursday night, Apartment 423, party by featuring New York based headliners Prince Language and DJ Shaka 23. Expect to hear everything from disco classics and electro to old school hip-hop and mash-ups. Don't miss the open bar running until 11:30PM.

2 Live Crew
Day: Thursday, July 3
Time: 10PM - 5AM
Venue: The Vagabond
Miami Bass pioneers come to the Vagabond this Thursday for a very special edition of Money$hot. Back in the early 90s, long before the stickers on CD cases warning paranoid parents of dirty lyrics, 2 Live Crew won a groundbreaking legal battle which upheld the first amendment and established an artist's right to use explicit lyrics. Seeing 2 Live Crew and taking advantage of the Vagabond's 2-4-1 drinks specials is not only a great time, it's also patriotic.

Friday, July 4

Miami Beach Fourth of July Celebration
Day: Friday, July 4
Time: 7:30PM - Close
Venue: South Beach
On 10th Street and Ocean Drive the City of Miami presents its annual Fourth of July celebration loaded with live concerts and a killer grand finale fireworks spectacle. Sounds provided by DJ Irie. For more information call 305-673-7400. Starts at 7:30 PM

Old Fashioned July Fourth at the Barnacle
Day: Friday, July 4
Time: 11AM - 3PM
Venue: Barnacle Historic Park
Don't like fireworks? At the Barnacle State Historic State Park visitors are encouraged to wear period costumes and bring their picnic baskets and blankets for a very alternative way to spend the Fourth of July. The Monroe House will be opened for tours as well. Located at 3485 Main Highway. Call 305-442-6866 for more information. Open from 11 AM - 3 PM.

Key Biscayne Fourth of July Parade
Day: Friday, July 4
Time: 11AM - Close
Venue: Key Biscayne
It's an oldie but a goody. This Key Biscayne Fourth of July Parade is an event filled with floats, music and fireworks. The parade begins along Crandon Boulevard at 11AM and the festivities conclude with fireworks at sunset. Festivities begin at 11AM.

America's Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park
Day: Friday, July 4
Time: 5 - 9PM
Venue: Bayside Amphitheatre
If you want a true Fourth of July festival experience, the Bayside Amphitheatre is providing live concerts and the fireworks that light up most of downtown. If you're hungry, food is provided by the many booths at the event. The festival runs from 5-9PM. Fireworks are after the live performances. The Bayside Amphitheatre is located at 301 Biscayne Blvd. in downtown Miami. For more information, call (305) 358-7550.

Fourth of July Bazaar at Flamingo Gardens
Day: Friday, July 4
Time: 9:30AM - 4PM
Venue: Flamingo Gardens
For a more organic Fourth of July, stop by Flamingo Gardens where you can shop for crafts, jewelry, art, photography, antiques, collectibles and gifts. There is discounted admission to shows, gardens and animal exhibits. For more information, call 954-473-2955.

Fourth of July Extravaganza
Day: Friday, July 4
Time: 7:30PM - 11PM
Venue: Eden Roc Hotel
If crowded festivals are not your cup of tea, Tikki Beach has a private party on the water. Enjoy food, music and an open bar. The boat's guests get a great of view of Downtown's fireworks at the end of the evening. The Tikki Boat departs from 45th and Collins at the Eden Roc Hotel. Boarding begins at 7:30PM and the cruise runs until 11PM. $89 per person, preferably ages 25 and up. Call 305-538-4040 for more information.

Fourth of Jose Featuring José el Rey
Day: Friday, July 4
Time: 9PM - 4AM
Venue: Vagabond
Chances are that few of the many parties going on Independence Day weekend will prove to be as entertaining and over-the-top as 'The Fourth of José' at the Vagabond. José is one of those personalities that truly defies description. All that can be said about him is that he's a mix between Freddy Mercury, Scarface, and a Latin-American Borat, with music that sounds like a hybrid between low-budget Miami Bass, The Police, and Atom and His Package. Check out the videos on his myspace to get an idea. It's the only way you'll understand.

The Fourth Annual IndepenDance Pool Party
Day: Friday, July 4
Time: 11AM - 11PM
Venue: Surfcomber Hotel
In any other American city, Fourth of July party options are limited to BBQ, Budweiser, and a modest fireworks show. That's not quite up to Miami's speed. This year South Beach boasts a modest 12-hour marathon party featuring none other than the #1 DJ on the planet, Armin Van Buuren. This is a must-see for all trance and progressive house lovers in the Miami-Dade area and beyond. So if you happen to be in town, we'd recommend that you put away your grill and bust out the sunglasses.

Saturday, July 5

Hernan Catteneo
Date: Saturday, July 5
Time: 10PM - 5AM
Venue: Mansion
Just when you thought the stream of top DJ talent this Fourth of July weekend would never end, progressive house pioneer Hernan Cattaneo will be at Mansion for an exclusive four hour set. While Eric Morillo and Armin van Buuren have a much harder musical style, Hernan is known more for his nuanced style and flawless mixing. If you are looking for a stellar performance that won't wear you out, this is a night worth checking out.

Sunday, July 6

Eric Morillo Marathon Terrace Set
Date: Sunday, July 5
Time: 10PM-12AM
Venue: Space
As part of their IndepenDance Music Week, Club Space (the same people throwing the IndepenDance pool party), has booked Eric Morillo for his second annual marathon set. King of the Terrace Patrick M will be providing an opening set, so by the time Morillo comes on, you can expect hours upon hours of peak energy dance music well in to Sunday afternoon.