Events leading up to Independence Day are busy, ranging from a free mixology class to Manhattans paired with magic shows. Speaking of July 4, revelers can celebrate the holiday a day early at one of two fireworks watch parties. (A complete list of top July 4 events and fireworks is here.) Note that our neighbor to the north – Canada – will also celebrate an Independence Day this week, and there’s a restaurant planning an all-day party for the occasion.

Tuesday, June 27

Texas Lighting Classic at Midnight Rambler
The Joule’s underground cocktail lounge will host three top Texas bars for a craft cocktail tasting for a cause. Bartenders from Nickel City (Austin, Fort Worth), DrinkWell (Austin), and Bandista (Houston) will visit to mix up drinks for the event, which will benefit Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprofit that provides assistance to food and beverage industry workers. Tickets are $30 and include drink samples from all four participating bars. Chef Josh Harmon will be on site to serve his signature fried chicken favorites for purchase. The event will run from 7 pm to midnight.

Wednesday, June 28

Old World, New World Wine Tasting at Terroir – A Place for Wine
The Garland Road wine shop will host a complimentary come-and-go wine tasting of new additions to their inventory. Wines to be presented will come from France, Turkey, Argentina, and Spain. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served for pairing. Visit anytime between 5-7 pm. Reservations are encouraged to help ensure there’s enough wine to go ‘round.

Osadia Tequila Dinner at Te Deseo
Enjoy a three-course dinner paired with Osadia tequilas at the Harwood District restaurant. After dinner, plan to stay for Havana Night featuring rooftop salsa dancing and complimentary cigars rolled on-site. The dinner is $75, plus tax and gratuity. Arrive by 6 pm for a cocktail reception with dinner to follow at 7 pm.

Casa del Sol Tequila Dinner at La Neta Cocina y Lounge
The very vibey Las Vegas-based La Neta Cocina y Lounge will host a four-course tequila pairing dinner featuring Casa del Sol. Menu highlights include octopus tacos with habanero salsa and avocado mousse, and masa crusted lamb with cauliflower puree. Tequila representations will include blanco, reposado, anejo, reserve anejo, and a welcome cucumber mint margarita. Dinner is $75, plus and gratuity, and begins at 8 pm.

Saturday, July 1

Canada Day at Maple Leaf Diner
The Canadian-owned restaurant will celebrate Canada’s Independence Day with menu specials and extended hours. Visit all day from 7 am-7 pm for various poutines, pierogies, butter tarts, and more. Free t-shirts will be given out with purchase from the special menu at 7 am and 3:30 pm, while they last. Don’t forget to wear red and white.

Monday, July 3

Ida Claire’s Kaboom Town Block Party
Catch a great view of Addison’s July 4 Kaboom Town fireworks show from the Ida Claire parking lot. They'll serve backyard barbecue family-style favorites, including grilled chicken, ribs, potato salad, grilled corn, and mac and cheese; along with red, white, and blue frozen cocktail flights. Entry is $10 at the door for first-come, first-serve seating, or make reservations now for a table, which comes with complimentary valet parking. A Fleetwood Mac cover band will provide live music, and the party will run from 4-10 pm.

Kaboom Town Watch Party at Oak’d BBQ
The Addison barbecue spot will host a Kaboom Town watch party where patrons can stay cool, fed, and hydrated. The $65 ticket is per vehicle and includes a parking lot for prime fireworks viewing and one trip through the buffet for each person inside the car. Buffet will include items like sliders, tacos, chips, salsa, and more. There’ll also be drink specials, live music, a bounce house for the kids and yard games. Lots open at 4 pm and closes promptly at 8 pm.

Mixology Mondays at The Parlor
The upscale lounge bar inside the Sheraton Dallas has launched Monday mixology lessons. The best part: the lessons are free and open to the public. Come and go between 5-7 pm for complimentary demonstrations on how to make classic summer cocktails with a few tricks of the trade. Upcoming lessons will feature sangria (July 3), raspberry gin smash (July 10), watermelon margarita (July 17), and blackberry whiskey lemonade (July 24).

Manhattans & Magic at Bourbon & Banter
Pair a Manhattan with a bit of mystique during Bourbon & Banter’s new Monday night magic shows. The intimate Prohibition-era lounge inside The Statler hotel will host a magician who’ll perform table-side tricks. The bar’s barrel-aged Manhattan made with Balcones Pot Still Bourbon will be on special for $15 until 8 pm. The event will run from 5-9 pm on Mondays.