With the 4th awkwardly falling in the middle of the week, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the weekend-like activities. Our priorities are to keep the bellies of our readers full and to celebrate the great food-loving freedom we have in this country. Here are our recommendations for some activities to accomplish both these goals.

Tuesday (the new Friday), July 3rd
What: Texas Tavern Grand Opening
Time: 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Whistlin' Dixie's Texas Tavern, 714 11th Ave. at 51st St.
Cost: Free (mention Dixie at the door)
Open Bar: Bud Draft, 6-10pm
With a bar flowing with free Bud from 6-10 pm and a free Tex-Mex Buffet from 6-7 pm, we can think of few places that are more 'merican.

What: FreeNYC Taco Tuesday Takeover!
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location: Rewind, 137 Essex btw. Stanton and Rivington
Cost: Free
The FreeNYC staff will be pouring shots down your throat as we guest bartend one of our favorite weekly afterwork parties, Taco Tuesday. $4 Margaritas, $2 damn-good carne asada (or veggie) tacos and some find DJ music.

What: McCarren Park Pool Film - "Bring It On"
"Bring it On" at McCarren Pool
Time: 7:00pm
Location: McCarren Pool, Lorimer St., Williamsburg (btw Driggs and Bayard)
Cost: Free
For a mellow evening of movies and picnic, this is the place to go.

[via FreeNYC.net]

Wednesday, July 4th (Our Nation's Birthday)
What: Rooftop Films - "Political Shorts: Un-American Films"
Amusing Americana, explosive music, fantastic fireworks view and a two-hour open bar.
Location: On the East River at Solar One (@ 23rd St), just north of Stuyvesant Cove
Time:
5:00 - Doors Open
5:00 - 7:00 - Open bar with FREE Martin Miller’s Gin and Beaujolais chilled red wine.
6:00 PM - Live music by The New Dress
7:00 PM - Live Music by The Subjects
8:00PM - Live music by Vic Thrill and the Saturn Missile
9:00PM - The best fireworks view in the city
9:30PM - Films

What: July 4th party in Williamsburg at 3rd Ward:
Location: 3rd Ward, 195 Morgan Ave between Stagg and Meadow, East Williamsburg
Time: Sunset to Midnight
Cost: Free
Celebrate Independence on the massive roof of 3rd Ward. We have an amazing view of both fireworks shows. Drink cheap booze, eat good food and groove to the eclectic mix of dj Zemi17.
[Uncool Kids via FreeWilliamsburg.com]