Fourth of July Happenings and Things You Can Do!

When the Fourth of July doesn’t fall on a weekend, it still feels like a Saturday. Perhaps it's the eternal feeling of celebratory fun or impending "what am I doing to celebrate?" that gives us this inner love (or turmoil). Alas, we've discovered some great things for you to do all day long. Celebrate at home, head out with friends or have some "me time" and stay solo. Keep your honorary “Saturday” safe and have fun.

Go Out:

From the new issue: Culture Climax presents Summer Guide

Fireworks at Fountain of Lake Eola in Orlando, Florida
4pm - 10pm
Kick off your 4th of July at Lake Eola’s 4th of July festivities with live entertainment, a kids area, food and a fireworks display at 9:30pm.

Stay In:

Macy's NBC Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular

9-pm-10pm "The biggest fireworks display in the U.S. is the spectacular centerpiece of this exclusive summer special on NBC. Our country's greatest musicians perform their hottest hits and our most beloved Hollywood stars come out to celebrate our nation's independence." Featuring performamces by Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney.

Have a Drink:

Americano

The Americano is a gentle introduction to the unusual, bitter taste of Campari. A true classic cocktail, it was first served in the 1860's at Garspare Campari's bar in Milan, Italy. The Americano was originally name the Milano-Torino because of the origins of it's ingredients, but was later renamed because of its popularity amongst American tourists during Prohibition. This cocktail with it's acquired taste was also the first cocktail ordered by James Bond in the first novel, Casino Royale, the Vesper Martini (or the manner in which it was ordered) overshadowed the Americano in the books and movies.

Ingredients:

1 oz Campari

1 oz sweet vermouth

club soda

Lemon twist or orange slice for garnish

Something to Eat:

Fruit Tart Flag

Fill premade miniature tart shells or phyllo cups with sweet mascarpone cream (recipe below), then arrange on a tray and top with blueberries and halved strawberry slices to create stars and stripes.

Mascarpone Cream:

Beat an 8-ounce container of mascarpone cheese and 3 tablespoons confectioners' sugar with a mixer until smooth. Gently fold in 1/2 cup freshly whipped cream.

Bonus: Fourth of July Music

Grab these tracks or make a Spotify playlist and have your party (or "me party") be the one that stands out. From cheesy to downright celebratory – these are Fourth of July musts.

Katy Perry “Firework”

Bruce Springsteen “Born in the U.S.A.”

Ace of Base “Cruel Summer”

Lee Greenwood “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Whitney Houston “Star Spangled Banner”

Kim Wilde “Kids in America”

Don Mclean “American Pie”

Lenny Kravitz “American Woman”

Miley Cyrus “Party in the USA”

The Bird and the Bee “4th of July”

The Beach Boys “Surfin USA”