5 things: Happy Birthday, America! edition

Fourth of July is FINALLY happening this weekend. So, to prepare you for the good times, I present to you 5 things: Happy Birthday, America! edition, my recommendations for how you should spend this long and festive weekend. And best of all, they are all free, just like the US of A.

July 2, 2009; 6:00 AM • by Valerie Catrow

After much build up, Fourth of July is FINALLY happening this weekend. So, to prepare you for the good times, I present to you 5 things: Happy Birthday, America! edition, my recommendations for how you should spend this looooooong and festive weekend. And best of all, they are all free, just like the US of A. See what I did there?

1. A FREE Pre-Independence Day Party

While you’re out strolling around at First Fridays on, uh, Friday, stop by Gallery5 for a little pre-independence day throw down, featuring the musical stylings of Gills and Wings, Nemuriyume, and Brian Martin. Friday, July 3rd, 7pm, 200 W. Marshall Street, FREE!

2. All-American Celebration at Lewis Ginter

In an effort to encourage the community to come on out and enjoy the Fourth of July fun, Lewis Ginter is letting everyone in for free this Saturday! It really IS like Christmas in July! Dress the kiddies up in a little red, white, and blue, stop by the Butterflies LIVE! exhibit, enjoy some live music, and take part in the Garden Parade! This suggested event was brought to you by lots! of! exclamation! points! Saturday, July 4th, 9am to 5pm, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, FREE!

3. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington on Turner Classic Movies

At some point on Saturday you’re going to need to come in from the sun for a break before heading out to get eaten alive by mosquitoes watch the fireworks. Luckily, Turner Classic Movies has quite the patriotic lineup for Saturday, and this Jimmy Stewart/Frank Capra classic is my pick from the bunch. Not familiar with it? Watch the trailer here. Saturday, July 4th, 3:30pm, FREE! Check your local listings. I have always wanted to say that.

4. Independence Day Celebration at Dogwood Dell

True, there are tons of places to watch fireworks around town, but this happens to be my choice 1) because of the great mix of people you get there and 2) it’s just a lovely place to walk around and soak up the Richmondy-ness all around you. And with no fireworks happening at the Diamond this year, you’re pretty likely to see everyone you know. Saturday, July 4th, 5pm, Blanton Avenue (Byrd Park area-ish), FREE!

5. WRIR 97.3 FM Independence Picnic and Kite Fly

Richmond’s much-beloved independent radio station is hosting what is likely to be the cherry on top of your Fourth of July Weekend Sundae: a community picnic and kite fly! Everyone (yes, you, you, and EVEN YOU!) are invited to pack a lunch, bring a kite, and head on over. Sunday, July 5th, 1pm to 5pm, Chimborazo Park, FREE!

Of course, if none of those appeal to you (Really? NONE of them? Well.) see what else is going on around town this weekend.

Did we miss anything? Leave it in the comments.

(If you have an event coming up that you want help promoting, let us know. We’ll add it to the calendar AND it just might end up making this list!)

July 2, 2009 6:00 AM 7