MONDAY, JULY 3
SPORTS The Washington Nationals are getting the fireworks celebration started a day early. After the Nats take on the Mets on Monday night at Nats Park (probable pitcher: Stephen Strasburg), the team will host a postgame Freedom Fireworks celebration. $45 to $380, 6:05 PM.
MUSIC Local rockabilly/roots singer Kiti Gartner is playing at Hill Country Live on Monday night with her band. With strong influences from the 1950s/1960s Nashville scene, her music is a perfect complement to a barbecue dinner on Independence Day Eve. Free, 8:30 PM.
TUESDAY, JULY 4
MUSIC Things To Do has already rounded up our favorite spots to watch the fireworks, so if you’re not planning on camping out on the Mall, head over to the Kennedy Center for a concert by Terry McDermott, runner-up on The Voice’s Season 3 and lead singer of the band Lotus Crush. McDermott will perform at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage with guitarist Island Styles, performing McDermott’s original songs plus some of his favorite covers from his time on The Voice. Free, 6 PM.
CELEBRATE Celebrate freedom (and a day off from work) at Dacha Beer Garden for a Brau, Brats, & Freedom party. Eat brats and drink DC Brau’s beer while joining in cornhole and jenga competitions for swag and a chance at Margaret Cho tickets. Free to attend, noon – 6 PM.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 5
MUSIC The Signature Theatre is hosting a Sizzlin’ Summer Nights Cabaret Series from Wednesday night through July 22. The series boasts a different artist every night, including Robbie Schaefer from Eddie From Ohio and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington.  The first night, which showcases the vocals of Helen Hayes Award winner Erin Driscoll, is sold out, but tickets remain for many of the other shows. $35, start times vary.
BOOKS Author Alexandra Fuller has taken a break from her series of memoirs to write a novel, Quiet Until the Thaw. The book tells the story of two Native American cousins whose paths diverge–one living quietly and one protesting and ending up in prison–and meet up later in life. She will be at Politics & Prose on Wednesday night. Free, 7 PM.
