In this city, the Fourth of July brings plenty of patriotic celebrations, but you’d be forgiven for wanting a different type of festivity. This summer has already brought some of the most culturally unifying and danceable pop releases we’ve heard in years (Charli XCX, Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter, anyone?). And since summer weekends are numbered, a day off during the workweek might just be your pass to day party — “darty,” if you will.
Start your day at Metrobar in NoMa, which is opening early to kick off its cookout at noon. Co-produced by the D.C. State Fair, activities include a hula hooping competition, bingo and a home-baked cookie contest. Food trucks and ice cream on-site provide seasonal eats, and DJs and a seven-piece youth go-go band provide the beats. Unless you grab a coveted spot inside the converted Metro car, most of the seating is out in the sun. Once you want a break from the heat, take the Red Line to Decades, two blocks from Farragut North, for a rooftop party spinning hip-hop, Afrobeats and Top 40. Its party begins with a free open bar between 4 and 5 p.m. with an RSVP, though early arrival is recommended to secure a spot. The dancing will wind down before 9 p.m., when you should get in place for fireworks watching. Head toward Shaw for a “Flash of July” party featuring funky house music DJs Ardalan and the Sponges ($25) at the Florida Avenue NW nightclub, where you should be able to make out the fireworks shooting off from the Mall at 9:09 p.m.
If all this dancing sounds a bit too sweaty for a summer with temperatures pushing up toward the triple digits, maybe you’re more apt to spend the day cooling off at a pool party. Starting at noon, you can lounge at the Generator hotel’s pool patio, where a $25 ticket will get you two drinks and a DJ party until 8 p.m. For a similar vibe a little farther downtown, try Hotel Hive. The $75 admission includes an open bar, barbecue buffet with hamburgers and hot dogs, a dessert station, a raffle with prizes that include a free night’s stay, and a DJ who will spin tracks until the fireworks begin.
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