Ah, the Fourth of July!

A day to celebrate alcohol, explosives, and tasty grilled meats. Oh, yeah, and something about our independence from England.

Below, some things we think you may enjoy this Independence Day. And, no, there are no babies, fireworks or red coats involved. There are, however, drag queens, Asian filmmakers and the unavoidable hipster.

God bless America!


Myopenbar Presents: Stimulus Package
Ok, so there's free booze and ice cream, but also you have to listen to Indian Jewelry, the Apes, some other indie bands that some blog probably likes, and a band called "'80s Hardcore" that includes Gavin McInnes, the founder of Vice magazine. You decide if it's worth it.

At The Yard, 400 Carroll St, Carroll Gardens; 1 p.m.-9 p.m. $8 w/ RSVP, $12 w/out. Free PBR, Southern Comfort, and ice cream!

BAM AfroPunk
BAM's website describes it thusly: "six days of films about black rebellion and change, as well as a celebration filled with music, a skate park, a special DIY marketplace, and much more." No music or skate parks on the 4th, sadly, just films.

At BAM, 30 Lafayette Ave, BK. Times vary, films are $11.

Sonic Youth at Battery Park
Mostly sold out, but apparently a "very limited" number of tickets will be distributed 9 a.m. tomorrow in Battery Park.

At Battery Park, 3:30 p.m. Free!

Fire Island Invasion of the Pines
According to the Village Voice, this drag queen-invasion-by-boat has happened every year since 1976, when "a Cherry Grove queen was barred entry into a Pines restaurant," and "when her gal pals found out, they stormed the Pines like it was World War III."

At Ice Palace, Cherry Grove at Bayview Walk, Fire Island; 12pm. Free!

New York Asian Film Festival
This has been going on since June 20 and ends July 6. Ooh, we want to see Accuracy of Death!

At Japan Society, 333 E 47th St. Times vary.

Japanther Benefit Show
Japanther and some other bands playing a benefit for the American Cancer Society. Finally, hipsters give something back—something other than herpes.

At The Bodega, 1089 Broadway , Bushwick; 4 p.m. $5-$20 sliding scale.

Phosphorescent/Virgin Forest
Going.com describes the bands Phosphorescent and Virgin Forest as "freak-folk and alt-country" and says "imagine subdued, quietly beautiful fireworks." No actual fireworks, though. Lame.
At Glasslands Gallery, 259 Kent Ave, Williamsburg; 9 p.m. Price unknown.

Panty Raid
Apparently there are DJs and an hour-long Jameson open bar. An hour of whiskey isn't enough to get us into Williamsburg, but you might feel differently.

At Savalas, 285 Bedford Ave, Williamsburg; 10:30 p.m. No cover/free Jameson 10:30-11:30.

One Nation at Studio B
Random DJs, no free booze, $20-25 cover. Blah.

At Studio B, 259 Banker St; 8 p.m. doors. $20 advance, $25 day of.