Go Fourth

What to do on Independence Day.

by Monica Weymouth

When in the course of human events it becomes necessary to get your July Fourth party on, Philly is the place to be. Not to brag or anything, but there wouldn't be an Independence Day without our rebellious city. You know where to find the fireworks (www.americasbirthday.com for more on that), so we've got your strippers, patriotic eats and Tom Cruise covered.

Sat., June 29, 9 p.m., $12-$14

Nothing says freedom like a night out with your favorite independent women. The toned, talented Men of the Cave take it off (er, mostly off) at this fantasy dance and strip show. Merely watching the gyrating cowboys not enough for you? They also offer a "Hot Seat" dance for one lucky lady, so bring plenty of Mr. Washingtons. For reduced admission, work red, white and blue into your sexy ensemble. The Cave, 700 N. Delaware Ave., 215-923-0504, www.menofthecave.com.

Mon., July 2, 6:30 p.m., $3 includes a drink or snack

Before the couch-jumping, psychiatry-bashing episodes, Tom Cruise was just a hottie fighting for his country in Top Gun. Katie Holmes' beau starred in the 1986 flick as Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a naval aviator with a passion for tricky flights and trickier women. Show up early for games and trivia, then watch it on the big screen. Dress to impress — aviator gear will score you a free drink. Balcony at the Trocodero, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Wed., July 4, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m., free, with a la carte menu

Two-hundred-and-thirty years after hosting the Continental Congress' first July Fourth celebration, City Tavern continues the patriotic party. Stop by for outdoor festivities including a military campsite, 18th-century crafts, a historical reenactment group from Fort Mifflin and appearances by Ben Frank, Thomas Jefferson and their liberty-loving friends. In addition to the usual colonial-inspired menu, chef Walter Staib will whip up chicken breast "Mount Vernon," a breaded tribute to George topped with crabmeat. City Tavern, 138 S. Second St., 215-413-1443, www.citytavern.com.

Wed., July 4, 5 p.m., free

It's not technically Philadelphia, but the Jersey Shore may as well be at this time of year. Celebrate by the beach at the annual kite-flying contest sponsored by Air Circus, Ocean City's authority on airborne toys. The highest-flying aerodynamic wonder takes home an award, but so do cute and crafty homemade creations. Grab some funnel cake and stick around after the competition — fireworks will go up as soon as the sun goes down. Sixth Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City, N.J., 609-525-9300, www.oceancity-nj.com.

Wed., July 4, 1 p.m., $25

Round up a team of clever buddies for this July Fourth-themed historic hunt through the city. You'll need to decipher the clues for exact locations, but expect to scamper between the Art Museum and Independence Hall in search of locked boxes, costumed guides and hidden "treasure." In the true spirit of the holiday, it all wraps up at an old-fashioned watering hole with a round of free drinks. Call 888-588-8862 or visit www.ravenchase.com for more info.