Celebrate our country’s independence with all-American classics: hot dogs, barbecue, and pie topped with homemade ice cream. All are on the menu at dining events around town. There’s also opportunity to perch atop downtown’s hottest highrise patio for dinner, cocktails, and primo skyline views. Finally, burn off all the extra holiday week calories with a social run fit for foodies — a brunch buffet with mimosas will follow.

Monday, July 2

BBQ Seafood Week at Waters
Nothing says Independence Day like a great barbecue, and the Sundance Square seafood restaurant will do just that with a menu of barbecue-themed features. Visit for New Orleans barbecue shrimp, watermelon and goat cheese salad, grilled swordfish kabobs, and caramelized banana sundaes with amaretto-chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. The menu will be offered through July 7 from 5:30-9 pm.

Wednesday, July 4

Curly’s 8th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest
Once a year on July 4, thousands flock to Coney Island in New York City for a worldwide hot dog-eating contest of epic proportions. (The gluttonous battle, hosted by Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, is even broadcast live on ESPN2.) But Cowtown has its own version at Curly’s Frozen Custard on Camp Bowie Boulevard. While spectators might only reach a few dozen, the competition is just as intense. Register by 10 am to compete at the noon event. There are even divisions for kids 11 to 16 and those 10 and under. Prizes include gift cards and trophie,s and registration is free. But competition is not required to enjoy a loaded Curly’s hot dog or the seasonal custard of the month, Parker County Peach.

Perch’s Independence Day Sunset Supper Club
Settle in on downtown’s hottest highrise patio on July 4 for a five-course pre-fixe menu. The contemporary restaurant and cocktail bar is located on the Sky Lobby Level of the new Frost Tower. Reservations are available at 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:30 pm, and the menu is $95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Saturday, July 7

Pacific Table Foodie Run 5K
The motto for this 5K is “run hard, brunch harder.” That’s because after participants complete the leisurely, mostly social 5K run (that’s 3.2 miles), they’ll be treated to a brunch buffet at Pacific Table. Think eggs, bacon, French toast, breakfast potatoes, hot coffee, and cool mimosas. The untimed run starts promptly at 9 am, and registration is $35 until July 5 or $40 the day of the event.

Pie Pop Up at Gypsy Scoops
Talented pie queen Lindsey Lawing, owner of Sweet Lucy’s Pies (which is named for her adorable daughter), will set up shop at Gypsy Scoops for an afternoon of all-American pairings. Flavors will include Texas blueberry, rosemary vanilla blackberry, and TX Whiskey peach. Pies will be for sale by the slice and paired with scoops of the Race Street ice cream parlor’s homemade ice cream. The pairings will be available from 12:30 pm-3:30 pm or sell-out.