Local Ish: Your Alternative 4th of July

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Hopefully everyone who is reading this, is doing it from the comfort of their own home and not from work.  This weekend’s theme (of course) is the 4th of July and while I am including some of the requisite firework display info (and everything else that goes on in the name of symbolizing America’s independence), it is not going to be the central focus.

In an effort to shed some light on a few of the ‘alternative celebrations’, we’re going to start this weekend’s column off with one of the longer running of these alternatives.

Brought to you by The 4th of July Hemp Coalition, this year marks the 40th Annual Smoke-In down at 23rd & Constitution (near the Lincoln Memorial and the Foggy Bottom Metro on 23rd St.) from 2-9pm on the 4th.  DC is one of 263 cities to take part in the 2009 Global Marijuana March to end marijuana prohibition.  The Washington City Paper has a good little article with additional details and schedule information.

Tonight, Fat Tuesday’s in Fairfax (across the street from GMU) is having their annual 4th of July party, but this year it should be better than ever.  In the middle of their East Coast, 25-city, summer SpreadLoveMassive Tour, FUTURE will be dropping in to headline an impressive show that also features NoVa jam band, Poor Man’s Lobster.  Doors open at 9:00 and there will be standing room only, so get there early. [BONUS: Bucket just stopped by and I showed him what I was working on.  He gave me a link to give to y'all that gets you a 3-track FUTURE sampler on iTunes...you're welcome!]

I’ve mentioned this before, but hey…all-you-can-drink is ALL-YOU-CAN-DRINK and although it may not be an alternative to what you are used to, it isn’t what I would consider the “traditional” way to celebrate our country’s independence so its getting included!  Kelly’s Irish Times (don’t you just love the Irish?) is doing it again in Northwest for just $15 from 8-11pm.  (Though I haven’t spoken to him about it, this seems like an event that is right up S-Dott’s alley, so who knows, maybe he’ll make an appearance)

Another previous event is worth mentioning again as this weekend is your final opportunity to check out Artomatic for the year before it wraps.  Saturday (12-10:30pm) features 18 different musical performances, films, and even a comedy performance along with family-friendly activities.  On the final day, Sunday (12-10pm) there are also a number of musical performances, live artist showcases, and also a party celebrating the 10th anniversary of this event.

Now I know that we’ve got holiday’s specifically to honor our military (Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day) but in my humble opinion, we can’t thank them enough.  While this weekend is often seen as being the birth of our freedom-loving nation; it is also important for us to acknowledge those that are sacrificing their lives to ensure that we stay that way.  While this isn’t a local event, I strongly encourage you to take a minute or two this weekend to send them a message and let them know that you’re thinking about them.  This site is actually brought to you by the Department of Defense’s Community Relations Department and messages can be submitted directly right here.

And finally, here is your obligatory map to the firework displays taking place in the city.

Have a fun, safe weekend, try not to blow your hand off while lighting small explosives, and…

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