The day following a mid-week holiday should allow for coasting. We need HOV lane mannequins to place at our desks and recordings of typing sounds -- think Ferris Bueller meets 9 to 5. Hang in there, kiddo. We're going to get you drunk again in no time.
There is no shortage of parties this weekend: Check out the opening at Kettle Art, a running of the bulls bash at Cafe Madrid, Laser Floyd and a flapper-themed dance party at the Church. I dare you to go to all of them. Be a pal and share this list with your friends, everyone needs a little extra emotional support on the fifth of July. Go ahead and click the event titles for more details. Now, let's do this.
Thursday 7.5 Havana Nights at the W -- Celebrate summer's sexy, sweatier side every Thursday evening (7 to 9 p.m.) at the W's Living Room Bar for Havana Nights. You'll get a flight of rum for $25 that comes with a complimentary hand-rolled cigar and since it's the W, probably an investment banker chaser as well.
Brewery Tours at Deep Ellum Brewing Company -- Enter the hoppy inner sanctum of this local brewing temple and sample its finest offerings. Ten bucks gets you access to booze and live music. There are also food trucks on site to assist you with absorption.
Friday 7.6 Viva Burlesque Supports The Troops -- Disrobing for soldiers is a time-honored affair, one that the glam gals of Viva Burlesque revive each year around the Fourth of July. What's that? You didn't know they made red, white and blue nipple tassels? Now you do. Please feel free to stand at attention. Fashion Friday with Top Model star LyzBeth -- Arlington's own LyzBeth made it to the final six in Tyra Land, and tonight she's guest hosting this swank fashion show event at Glass. You'll see looks by Arkansas designer Esque by Leslie Pennel and local thread wizard Barron & J. before hitting up the after party at Revive. Yoga in the Galleries -- Here's the deal, guys: You don't want to take your workweek stress into your weekend -- you deserve better. The Crow Collection does lunch break yoga on Fridays, so you can twist up to unwind -- all while being surrounded by beautiful artwork.
Saturday 7.7 Cafe Madrid's Running of the Bulls Party -- Yes, the bull is a mascot, man-in-a-costume type of situation, but he'll chase you. Also, there are fun bull-themed events, games and prizes that you can enjoy because you aren't in Spain getting your ass punctured by the horns of a violent animal. Laser Floyd -- Because Pink Floyd + Lasers = Awesome. Ripple Effect at Kettle Art -- This water-centric art show marks the curatorial debut of Amber Campagna, daughter of famed Dallas muralist Frank Campagna. It showcases work by Richard Ross, Brian Crawford and other local artists as they dip below sea level to create magical water worlds for you to explore.
Sunday 7.8 Speakeasy -- This prohibition-era themed party is happening at the Church, which means there will probably be a funny mix of vampires, zombies and cheerful flapper burlesque performers all getting sloshed on the club's super cheap drinks. Do yourself a solid and check this one out.
Last Day of Pony Racing -- If you haven't gotten out to Lone Star Track this season, you better hustle over soon. Sunday marks the final day of pony racing, and you can't win or place if you don't show.