Independence Day Weekend is a sentimental time, an air of wistful uncertainty on the back of my neck this year. It’s a nostalgic time, especially as we set up for all the fireworks displays across South Florida , and a perfect time to wallow in the memories provided by a great tribute band, a classic movie (“Jaws,” anyone?), an outdoor party under the embrace of a giant shade tree, award-winning barbecue and drinking beer in a Hawaiian shirt. Here we go!
THURSDAY
Room with a view: One of the great views of city fireworks displays on Thursday night will be from Bar Capri , the rooftop lounge that opened a few months ago above Elisabetta’s Ristorante, Bar and Pizzeria in downtown West Palm Beach . The covered space has 75 seats, doesn’t take reservations and is likely to be a popular spot on July 4, but it’s worth a try, and definitely worth a visit anytime this weekend. Bar Capri serves Elisabetta’s popular pizza and bar bites, as well as cocktails, wine and beer, opening at 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and at noon Saturdays and Sundays. Visit BarCapriWPB.com . For the record, Elisabetta’s does take reservations and you should be able to see fireworks from the patio. Check availability at Elisabettas.com .
Go bottomless: Batch New Southern Kitchen & Tap , with locations in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village and downtown West Palm Beach , on Thursday will celebrate Patrick Henry’s historic declaration, “Give me a cheap bellini or give me death.” Anyone dressed in patriotic attire gets $10 bottomless mimosas, sangrias and bellinis with the purchase of an entree. Visit Instagram.com/batchwpb or Instagram.com/batchftl .
Bags of booze: Bodega Taqueria y Tequila locations in downtown Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach will get an early start on festivities, opening at 2 p.m. Thursday and Friday with DJ sets and drink specials. Be on the lookout for Bodega’s summer-themed cocktail pouches . Priced at $14 each, they come in four flavors: Pico Picante (Gran Centenario Plata Tequila, lime, spicy agave, cucumber); Purple Paloma (400 Conejos Mezcal infused with butterfly pea flower, lime, grapefruit, agave, Owen’s grapefruit mixer); Margarita (Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila, lime, agave); and Strawberry Lemonade (E11even Vodka, lemon, agave, strawberry). Visit BodegaTaqueria.com .
Two if by sea: The Wharf Fort Lauderdale will do that thing they do with a bit more patriotic panache all weekend, beginning on Thursday with $10 red, white and blue cocktails , which can only help your aim during the obligatory axe throwing. The rest of the weekend at the waterfront will be a blur of stars, stripes and discounted sips. Visit WharfFTL.com .
Life is not fair: Speaking of independence, news came this week that Punk in the Park: American Road Trip — a festival featuring Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, T.S.O.L., Alkaline Trio, The Vandals and others — is coming to Florida on Sept. 14. In Orlando . Or-freaking-lando?! Do they even have a Stanley Cup?! Tickets just went on sale for $59+, VIP $149+. Visit PunkInThePark.com .
FRIDAY
Freedom of expression: The Boca Raton Museum of Art will continue its free-admission offer, so popular last month, through the end of July. Among the best reasons to get to the inviting Mizner Park venue is the exhibit “ Myths, Secrets, Lies, and Truths: Photography from the Doug McCraw Collection .” The works from the Fort Lauderdale arts patron (and creator of the original FAT Village) include more than 100 pieces from five artists: Hank Willis Thomas, Liesa Cole, Karen Graffeo, Sheila Pree Bright and Spider Martin . You may find the themes that reverberate in the work of the latter two photographers particularly compelling and instructive this weekend. Bright’s work is from her “ Young Americans ” series, in which she invited a cross-section of young people new to the voting process to pose with the American flag while recording their thoughts on the banner’s meaning. The late Spider Martin was an acclaimed newspaper photojournalist best known for images taken at the height of the 1960s Civil Rights movement . The Boca Raton Museum exhibit offers historic images from the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March , including the attack on peaceful marchers by state troopers at the Edmund Pettus Bridge, an iconic incident known as Bloody Sunday . For more information, visit BocaMuseum.org .
Put on your boogie shoes: Almost since their formation in Hialeah in 1973, KC and the Sunshine Band have been an essential part of the classic disco-era soundtrack, both because of the hits (“Get Down Tonight,” “That’s the Way,” “Keep It Comin’ Love” and “Boogie Shoes,” among many others) and singer Harry Wayne Casey ’s charismatic joy in sharing them. The band’s 50th anniversary celebration tour continues at 8 p.m. Friday at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood . Tickets start at $40+ at MyHRL.com .
Old chum: Coral Gables Art Cinema ’s plan to screen a 4K restoration of the ultimate Fourth of July thriller, Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic “ Jaws ,” on Thursday was such a great idea that tickets soon disappeared. But, fear not, the theater has added an encore screening on Friday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $11.75+, $10 for military, students and seniors. Visit GablesCinema.com .
Country in Flagler: Recently opened 511 Bar & Lounge in Flagler Village will go full ‘Murica with live country music and celebrated barbecue on Friday. In the beautiful indoor-outdoor space once occupied by restaurant-bar Aqui, the 511 party will feature music from Miami boot-scooter Gabriel Key and his band (as seen at this year’s Seaglass Rose Experience on the beach) at 7 p.m. The meat will come from Delray Beach-based Mistah Lee’s Smokin’ Good BBQ , which was recently voted the best barbecue spot in South Florida by Sun Sentinel readers . Drinks-wise, there will be $7 house margaritas (by El Bandido Tequila) in flavors such as mango, peach, prickly pear, passion fruit, strawberry and watermelon from 4 to 7 p.m. ($10 after 7 p.m.). You’ll also find $3 Busch Light drafts and $6 tequila shots all night. God bless the U.S.A. Visit Instagram.com/511bar_ .
Backyard party: Pompano Beach Arts and South Bar & Kitchen on Friday will kick off a new summer event called the Backyard Jam Concert Series , taking place from 6 to 10 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of the month in July, August and September. The setting will be Old Town’s Backyard , one of the city’s signature outdoor hangout spaces tucked under a massive tree behind South Bar & Kitchen. Along with South’s Dixie-centric food and drink, the inaugural gathering will have pop, rock and funk covers by locals Sacred Union (including former members of popular funk band B-Side Jones). Visit PompanoBeachArts.org .
Weekend anime: Cinema Paradiso in downtown Hollywood will host the Studio Ghibli Mini Film Fest , with multiple screenings Friday through Tuesday of three anime classics from the revered animation studio: “ The Tale of the Princess Kaguya ,” “ Spirited Away ” and “ Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind .” Tickets cost $9+. For tickets, showtimes and more information on the films, visit FLIFF.com/anime .
Friday tributes: Revolution Live in downtown Fort Lauderdale will offer a double bill of The Chili Poppers (a Red Hot Chili Peppers tribute) and American Idiots (Green Day tribute) on Friday night. Tickets start at $9.25+ as part of a four-pack at Ticketmaster.com . Doors open at 7 p.m. Visit JoinTheRevolution.net . … ELO tribute Ticket to the Moon is at The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton on Friday at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $25+ for general-admission standing room. Visit FunkyBiscuit.com .
Late-night eats: This taco news just in … Velvet Taco in downtown Fort Lauderdale is now open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Not that you ever need a taco that late, but now you can inform those crazy friends of yours. Visit VelvetTaco.com .
SATURDAY
Go Flamingo: The ninth annual FlockFest Beach Party , taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park , is the centerpiece of a weekend of FlockFest-themed events that will raise money for local charities from Thursday through Sunday. Hosted by FayWhat?! , the beach gathering will feature DJ Deanne , food and drink, and the iconic FlockFest Flamingo Float (try saying that three times without losing your margarita). For the complete FlockFest calendar and ticket prices for various events, visit FlockFestEvents.org .
Pride of Medellin: Colombian singer, songwriter and producer Feid , a.k.a. Ferxxo, brings his FerxxoCalipsis Tour 2024 to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $60+ at Ticketmaster.com . … Feid’s official DJ, Sebaxxss , is scheduled to perform at the official after-party that begins at 10 p.m. Saturday at DAER nightclub at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood . Tickets start at $40+. Visit HardRockNightlife.com .
Green street: Garden District Taproom , the self-pour taproom and beer garden in downtown West Palm Beach , will host a Vegan Street Party on Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m., celebrating the plant-based lifestyle with food, drinks, shopping, a DJ and a welcoming zen. Visit Facebook.com/GardenDistrictWPB .
South Florida blues: Local blues-guitar favorite JP Soars will stop at The Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton on Saturday on a tour supporting his new album, “ Brick by Brick ” (Little Village Foundation) , which was released June 30. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show start at $20+ for standing room, $25+ for table seating. For information about the show, visit FunkyBiscuit.com . For more on Soars and the album, visit Facebook.com/jpsoars . … Coming next Saturday, July 13, acclaimed Wilton Manors guitarist Albert Castiglia and band will be at The Funky Biscuit with music from his new album, “ Righteous Souls ,” set for release on July 19. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show start at $20+ for standing room at FunkyBiscuit.com . Castiglia’s recent collaboration with guitarist Mike Zito, “ Blood Brothers ,” won the award for best blues rock album at the 2024 Blues Music Awards. For more on Castiglia and the album visit Facebook.com/albertcastigliaband .
Island stylin’: Mathews Brewing Co. in Lake Worth Beach celebrates the 50th state in the union with its annual Luau Party on Saturday from 2 p.m. to midnight. Hawaiian attire recommended. Popular locals taking the stage include Girlfriend Material, Reverse Oreo, Maximum Friction, Ambush, Billy Doom is Dead, Sewerside Bombers, Young Cassidy and D-Gen$ . You’ll also find specialty beers Toasted Coconut Cream Ale and Pineapple Express Piña Colada, and free cake (get there early). Visit Instagram.com/mathewsbrewingco .
Saturday tributes: Excellent Boston/Styx tribute band Smokin’ Renegade performs at Boca Raton restaurant-brewery Crazy Uncle Mike’s at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets start at $15+ at CrazyUncleMikes.com . … Jimmy Buffett tribute The Caribbean Chillers will play Stage 954 at The Casino @ Dania Beach on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $23+ at CasinoDaniaBeach.com .
SUNDAY
Magic in Sunrise: R&B enchantress Jhené Aiko will be at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Sunday at 7 p.m., part of The Magic Hour Tour , her first headlining tour in six years. The opening-night concert last month charmed a Detroit Free Press reviewer, who praised Aiko’s “stealthily compelling performance of modern quiet-storm music with her own hippie-trippy touch.” Tickets for Sunday’s concert start at $52+ at SeatGeek.com . Supporting acts include Coi Leray, Tink, UMI and Kiana Ledé .
Weekend burger: You may be able to get your hands on one of the region’s great sandwiches on Sunday at Laser Wolf in Fort Lauderdale ‘s Progresso neighborhood when Takeshi Kamioka of Kaminari Ramen food truck and Jay Rok of popular pop-up Eat BMC Smash Burgers collaborate on their infamous Ramen Patty Melt . They’ll serve from 3 p.m. until there are none left. Visit Instagram.com/laser_wolf .
Sunday tribute: Performing at Crazy Uncle Mike’s in Boca Raton on Sunday, Face Value is a tribute to Phil Collins and his Genesis years by a band made up of Nashville session musicians. It’s a soundtrack that cuts across generations and demographics in interesting ways. Ask Mike Tyson. The show begins at 7 p.m., with tickets starting at $20+ for general admission. Seats at a table for four cost $20 each, with a $25 food and drink minimum. For tickets and a menu of other table options, visit CrazyUncleMikes.com .
Party like it’s 2004: Emo staples Hawthorne Heights brings the tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of debut album “ The Silence in Black and White ” to the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday. Other MySpace-era bands on the bill include Anberlin, I See Stars and Armor for Sleep . Not surprisingly, the show is sold out, but resale tickets on StubHub were available starting at $80+. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Visit CultureRoom.net .
Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at bcrandell@sunsentinel.com . Follow on Instagram @BenCrandell and Twitter @BenCrandell .
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