Sparklers, fireworks, burgers on the grill — it doesn’t take a genius to figure out how to celebrate Independence Day. But with the holiday falling on a Wednesday this year, you’ve got to plan carefully if you want to fire things up midweek. Keep things hot with these booming parties.
Fuze 2007
Where: Congress
Theater
(2135 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Why: With more than 20 DJs bringing the beats, $1,000 cash going to the partier with the sexiest patriotic get-up and the chance to dance onstage with spin masters Funk, Mixin Marc and Bam Bam, this party really does blow a fuse.
Cover: $15-$50
Tickets: wantickets.com
Blast factor: 5
Seventh Annual Independence Day DayRa Sunset Boat Ride
Where: Lumen
(839 W. Fulton Market. 312-733-2222)
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Why: If all you really care about on Independence Day is seeing fireworks, hop a bus from Lumen to watch the Navy Pier display from aboard a Lake Michigan cruise. Groove to DJ sets by Roy Davis Jr. and Heather Doble, and as the sun sinks, stay afloat with an open bar and appetizers. When the sparks are finished flying, return to white-hot new lounge Lumen for an afterparty.
Cover: $65-$80
Tickets: wantickets.com
Blast factor: 5
Manor Independence Day Bash
Where: Manor
(642 N. Clark St. 312-475-1390)
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday
Why: When celebrity DJ Gusto blows into town from Cali and the go-go girls start to groove, you’ll feel as comfortable in this mini-manse as a superstar sequestered in the Hollywood hills.
Cover: No cover
Blast factor: 2.5
American Blandstand
Where: Tini Martini Ultra Lounge
(2169 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-269-2900)
When: 8 p.m. Tuesday
Why: Despite its “bland” name, this party has more power than a 12-pack of Roman candles. You’ll have no trouble hearing DJs spin techno and dub-step on the club’s new turbo sound system. As for the body-painted go-go dancers handing out free shots? It doesn’t get more American than that … right?
Cover: $5
Blast factor: 3
Red, White and You
Where: Rednofive
(440 N. Halsted St. 312-733-6699)
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday
Why: It’s one of the only parties in town where you can light up a hookah ($20). Besides, with DJs Aladdin, Amer Sultan and others bringing the music magic, you can say you’re a sultan of swing — and mean it.
Cover: $10-$20
Blast factor: 3
Wigged Out
Where: Vision
(632 N. Dearborn St. 312-266-3333)
When: 9 p.m. Tuesday
Why: European superstar DJ Sander Kleinenberg hasn’t visited Chicago in more than three years. Don a wild wig for a free drink from SK, or do the ‘do on the dance floor while he spins.
Cover: $20-$40
Blast factor: 4.5
Patriot Games
Where: Krem
(1750 N. Clark St. 312-932-1750)
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday
Why: Free burgers, hot dogs and sundaes provide all the ammo you need for a full-on blast at this semi-alfresco camo costume party; sparklers, $4 Miller Light bottles and a free drink for folks in fatigues sweeten the deal.
Cover: No cover
Blast factor: 4
Citizen 4th of July Party
Where: Citizen Bar
(364 W. Erie St. 312-640-1156)
When: Noon Wednesday
Why: You don’t need a Green Card to party on the patio at Citizen. Just grab a buddy and compete for baseball tix in a pairs beanbag toss (2 to 6 p.m.), then relax with a DJ and $5 Effen vodka cocktails.
Cover: No cover
Blast factor: 2
Mamby Marathon 4th of July Blast Off BBQ
Where: Moonshine
(1824 W. Division St. 773-862-8686)
When: 2 p.m. Wednesday
Why: It’s a 12-hour indoor-outdoor bash. Do you really need another reason? Fine: With grilled grub for sale and 10 DJs working the decks, this party’s got more rocket power than the space shuttle.
Cover: No cover
Blast factor: 5
———-
metromix@tribune.com
