Party Like It's the 4th of July

Another 4th of July goes bang, pop and zip.

This July 4 marks our nation's 223rd birthday, and you know what that means - fireworks, backyard barbecues, and if you're lucky, an extra day off. If you're looking for something to do this 4th of July that doesn't involve eating too many hot dogs, drinking too much beer and blowing your fingers off, head on out to one of the nation's best parties and let someone else do the entertaining.

The ROTHBURY Music Festival 

We can't think of a better way to spend the 4th than to kick back and listen to some good 'ol American music. This year, ROTHBURY's lineup includes over fifty bands and DJ's ranging from Bob Dylan to Matishayu to Blackalicious. ROTHBURY is also home to The Dead's only summer performance. As if that's not reason enough to head up to Michigan, the fest also offers a circus, a burlesque theater, and the Sherwood Forest, a hammock strewn hideaway featuring art installations set against the backdrop of  the peaceful Rothbury woods.

A Capitol Fourth

Rather hang with the Prez this 4th of July? Check out Washington, DC's A Capitol Fourth, the nation's ultimate birthday party. The show will feature pop artists such as Natasha Bedingfield, Barry Manilow, the Broadway cast of Jersey Boys, and for those who like things even more mellow, the National Symphony Orchestra. The free concert takes place on the lawn of the National Mall. After the show, fireworks will rain down over the U.S. Capital Building and the National Monument for a picture that will stir the hearts of even the most cynical among us. Get there early to snag a spot on the lawn. Gates open at three, and the concert starts at eight.

Sunoco Welcome America

If you're into brotherly love then head three hours north to our nation's birthplace for a cheesesteak and the Sunoco Welcome America festival. From June 26^th to July 5^th the city bustles with patriotic events ranging from tours to movie screenings under the stars to all-you-can-eat ice cream festivals. On the 4^th, a parade makes its way through Historic Philadelphia, and when night falls, the final concert and fireworks will take place in the area surrounding the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Musical icon Sheryl Crow will be there, and if you're a fan, you should be there to. Locals say the best place to see the show, which begins at eight-thirty, is from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Hollywood Bowl's July 4th Fireworks Spectacular

Out west? Head to Tinseltown for Hollywood Bowl's July 4^th Fireworks Spectacular - John Fogerty, special guest. John Fogerty, the voice and guitar of Creedance Clear Water Revival, oozes Americana. Here, he'll join the Los Angeles Philharmonic in what promises to be an electrifying performance. Bring a picnic dinner and take it all in. The show runs from the 2nd through the 4th, so you've got three chances to celebrate.

Rockets Over the River

If you're all about the fireworks, take a trip to Laughlin, NV for for Rockets Over the River. Said to be the most spectacular fireworks in the west, Rockets Over the River gets to the heart of the 4th of July and features fireworks, fireworks and more fireworks exploding in the dark desert sky.

Or, Head to Vegas, Baby 

If you're looking to go all out, head to Vegas where Jay Z is throwing down a concert at the Palms Place Hotel on the 4^th.  Or see Jamie Foxx at the Hard Rock (July 3rd and 4th) or comedian Bill Mahr at the Orleans (July 3-5). For a freebie, check out the Rock the Block with El Cortez, an outdoor concert featuring Taproot and Everlast.