Top 3 ways to celebrate Independence Day

There’s absolutely loads going on in Manchester on 4 July: it’s the start of Manchester International Festival; there is new art at Piccadilly Place; Dieter Moebius is having a Video Jam; you can take part in the 33rd annual planetary dance; food and champagne is being matched at Albert Square Chop House; the Oi Polloi boys (and girls) are starting their residency at Kosmonaut – we don’t really need to go on. But, if you’re feeling somewhat more patriotic about the stars and stripes of America on the most freedom filled day of the year and need to celebrate, here are some suggestions as to where you go to feel as though you’re in the home of the brave.

Drink for free at Neighbourhood…

…if your name is Will Smith, Julia Roberts, Pamela Anderson, Bradley Cooper, Kate Hudson, or Michael Jackson. Their marketing budget doesn’t extend to flying over some of the biggest stars in the world, but for one night and one night only, their namesakes can have a cocktail on the house – though remember to take ID. Staff will be dressing up as cast members from 90210, The A-Team and Baywatch to celebrate this special Stars and Stripes party.

From 6pm, Neighbourhood, The Avenue North, Spinningfields, @neighbourhood4

Have a hot dog and a US craft beer at Port Street Beer House

Though it’s sister pub The Beagle that’s throwing a proper American Beer Festival at the moment, Port Street is taking the opportunity to combine their wildly successful adoption of pop-up food tents with 4 July to bring in Dirty Dogs for a very special menu. Though the menu is yet to be confirmed, history suggests you could be tucking into a ‘Cleveland Polish Boy’ (Polish sausage topped with coleslaw, fries, BBQ sauce), ‘DFP’ (pickle spears, deep fried and served with blue cheese dip) and a super secretive ‘Bill Clinton’ dog – extra dirty. Port Street has brought in its own special beers to celebrate, too.

All evening, Port Street Beer House, Port Street, M1 2 EQ, @portstreetbeer, @dirtydogsarehot

Test your American knowledge

This, we’ve already previewed, but if you’re too lazy to check, here’s the lowdown: Patrick (of Piccadilly Records) and Duncan (of Dutch Uncles) ask weird and wonderful questions about the United States. They only throw these quizzes on very special occasions – people still talk in awed, hushed tones about their Valentine’s Day event.

From 8pm, Joshua Brooks, 106 Princess Street, M1 6NG, FREE Entry, @joshuabrooksmcr