Celebrate the Star-Spangled Banner at These Independence Day Parties

Any Yanks stranded in Beijing for this Fourth of July can quell any homesickness, or stoke some patriotism, at a handful of star-spangled parties hosted by some of the capital's most popular pubs and restaurants. Be it a good old-fashioned barbecue or an opportunity to show off your homeland knowledge at various pub quizzes, these Independence Day parties should serve as ample substitutes to not being back Stateside.

As always, we'll update this blog with more parties as they come in. All parties are on Jul 4.

Independence Day Party at Home Plate
Few Beijing restaurants or bars ooze Americana like Home Plate, the southern barbecue-slinging, Bull Pen bar area-sporting, country music-blaring haven for anyone hankering for a taste of the Land of the Free. For Jul 4, Home Plate's Sanlitun location will have some patriotic goodies on hand like a smoked whole hog buffet with sides from 6pm-9pm for RMB 138. At 10pm, meanwhile, Stevie Mac and The Mac Daddies will take the stage to play some wholesome American soul. The Home Plate team also hopes to entice you by promising another Americana feature: "Obviously a whole lot of freedom!" Free. 6pm onward. Home Plate

Independence Day Quiz at The Local
This Courtyard 4 stalwart will host a Jul 4 trivia extravaganza that'd make Uncle Sam proud. A down-home style cookout will line your gut with burgers, hotdogs, chicken, beer, and more from 4pm onward before the quiz kicks off at 8pm. Free, RMB 280 for a barbecue set menu. 4pm-11pm. The Local

Independence Day Quiz Paddy O'Shea's
Paddy's will dedicate its regular Wednesday quiz night to American trivia with drinks and discounts aplenty for the winners of each round. Free. 8pm onward. Paddy O'Shea's

Fourth of July 4 Party at Equis
Diamond DJ Naomi will provide the soundtrack for this Jul 4 party at Beijing's glitzy Equis lounges. Patrons can also enjoy half price on selected American bourbons on Jul 3 and 4, including Rebel Yell Kentucky Straight Bourbon (RMB 100 per glass, RMB 1,080 per bottle), Rebel Yell Small Batch Rye (RMB 90/1,080), and Makers Mark (RMB 100/1,080). The dress code, if you haven't guessed it, is red, white, and blue. RMB 200. 10pm onward. Equis

July Fourth Barbecue at the Project Pengyou Courtyard
Project Pengyou is hosting their annual Independence Day celebration at their courtyard, offering all-you-can-eat barbecue and drinks for RMB 100 (veggie options are also available). There will be a special performance by JingSing Acapella. To register, scan the QR code in the poster above. RMB 100. 6.30-9pm. Project Pengyou Courtyard

Red, White, and Ru: RuPaul Drag Race Finale and July 4th Charity Event at Side Street
Side Street celebrate this July 4th with a slightly less conventional but no less important occasion: the finale of RuPaul's Drag Race and with a drag party of their own. After airing of the episode there'll be lip syncing, drag queens, and a charity raffle for the Beijing Gender Society with the help of numerous Beijing establishments. Best yet, if you come in drag your first drink is free. Free. 9pm. Side Street

Murrica Presents: A Delightfully Tacky, Yet Unrefined 4th of July
Hooters wants you to celebrate Independence Day the way the Founding Fathers intended: enjoying their RMB 100 free-flow on Budweiser and vodka sodas, not to mention 20 percent off on mixers and 20 percent off on food. Oh say can you see indeed. RMB 100 (free-flow on select drinks). 6-11pm. Hooters

Fourth of July at EAST
Join EAST this Wednedsay for an evening of American-themed fun, including an American spread at the hotel's Feast restaurant. They've also put a spin on this year's celebrations by inviting kids to learn the joys of the pigskin courtesy of American football players from the Legend Quarterback Club, leaving parents to chow down in peace. RMB 245, half-price for kids 7-11, free for kids under six. 5.30-9pm. EAST Beijing

4th of July Margaritas at Slow Boat
In honor of US President Donald Trump, Slow Boat are putting their new margaritas (which are "icy, boozy, and very Mexican") on special throughout the day. Grab one for RMB 40 or for RMB 10 with purchase of a burger and choose between classic lime or seasonal fruit flavor. RMB 40, or RMB 10 with purchase of a burger. Until 1am. Slow Boat Sanlitun Brewpub

July 4th and 230 Years of Friendship at Caravan
Tenuous? Perhaps. But there's no doubt that Caravan is equipped this July 4th to celebrate America's independence on account of Morocco being the first country to recognize it as such all those 230 years ago. They'll have jambalaya, gumbo, and barbecue to line your stomach as well as Sazerac and Manhattans to grease up the wheels of freedom. Free. 9.30pm. Caravan

Photos: investorplace.com, courtesy of the venues