Once a year, we're allowed to celebrate our country's history by eating hot dogs and exploding things. On July Fourth, get the lakeside view, watching the fireworks display at Lake Grapevine, (grapevinetexasusa.com). Or choose the Lakewood view; the Lakewood Theater (1825 Abrams Parkway) claims to have the best seat in town for all the fireworks shows, and invites you to come for drinks, snacks, and free admission, beginning at 5 p.m. Call 214-821-SHOW.

This year's self-proclaimed "best bet for a grand Fourth of July daytime outing for families" is the 30th Annual Old-Fashioned Fourth at Dallas Heritage Village (Old City Park, 1515 S. Harwood St.) Civil War re-enactors and pie-eating contests are just a few of the activities planned. Because nothing says "traditional American celebration" like wasting food and honoring the most embarrassing war to ever happen on our soil. Call 214-421-5141 or visit dallasheritagevillage.org.

Finally, The Frisco Freedom Fest, beginning at 4 p.m. in Pizza Hut Park (9200 World Cup Way), offers the coolest show in town. Well, the Koolest, anyway. Local acts such as classic rockers StoneAge perform on the community stage and Kool and the Gang headlines for an affordable $5, which includes a fireworks display, and hopefully a rousing performance of "Ladies' Night." Visit friscofreedomfest.org.
Tue., July 4, 5 p.m.