Five Independence Day Events This Weekend

Nothing says the height of summer more than the Fourth of July, and with this year's holiday falling on a Monday, it gives us all the more reason to celebrate everything red, white and blue through the three-day weekend. If you're looking to party in honor of Independence Day, then fete the nation's 240th year in style at one of these five places around San Diego, plus one bonus south of the border spot in Baja.

Independence Day Picnic: Marriott Marquis

Enjoy a picnic-style buffet dinner by award-winning chef Aron Schwartz whose July Fourth Marina Kitchen menu (think Americana with a modern twist) features everything from watermelon and blue cheese salad to a 12-hour beef brisket with white cheddar mac-n-cheese. For dessert there’s peach crisp and strawberry shortcake. Priced at $36 per adult and $12 per child there are kid-friendly options too, such as hamburgers, hotdogs and corn on the cob. Even better? The Marquis’ location offers a great vantage point to view the annual "Big Bay Boom" fireworks and San Diego Symphony's Star Spangled Pops concert. 333 W Harbor Drive (619) 234-1500 Courtesy Photo

Old Fashioned Block Party: Carnitas Snack Shack

Kick it old school with chef Hanis Cavin on Monday, July 4 when he’ll be firing up the grill and cooking hamburgers and hot dogs from 2 – 6 p.m. at his new Snack Shack waterfront locale. Expect a local brewery tap takeover at the portable bar, games like corn hole plus live music leading up to the fireworks display. Kids get treated too, with pinwheels and ice cream topped in patriotic red, white and blue sprinkles available for purchase throughout the day. 1004 North Harbor Drive (619) 696-7675 Courtesy Photo

Rooftop Cook-Out & Fireworks: Porto Vista Hotel

On Monday, July 4 pull up a front row seat to San Diego harbor's firework display at the Porto Vista Hotel, who will be grilling up traditional America's favorites from 5 -10 p.m. on their rooftop bar and patio. For $10 you'll receive one beverage, one hamburger or sausage, plus spectacular harbor views. 1835 Colombia St. (619) 544-0164 Photo: Facebook

All-American BBQ: The LOT

Celebrate the stars and stripes with an all-American BBQ dinner at THE LOT in La Jolla on Sunday July 3 and Monday, July 4. Cooking out in true American fashion, enjoy a choice of one entrée with selections including marinated skirt steak, grilled all-beef hot dogs, THE LOT cheeseburger or a black bean burger served with the choice of grilled corn on the cob or red bliss potato salad between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Desserts include house-made peach cobbler topped with whipped cream. Also running at THE LOT’s Liberty Station outpost. 7611 Fay Ave. (858) 777-0069 Photo by Lyudmila Zotova

SoCal Summer Fest: Hard Rock Hotel

Head to the rooftops and cool off by the pool for a little 4th of July pre-game. From Noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 enjoy a craft beer garden, barbecued food, live music, outdoor games, and more at the Hard Rock Hotel’s lofty pool deck. Tickets cost $10-$15 for more information visit nightout.com. 207 Fifth Ave. (619) 702-3000 Photo Facebook

Culinary & Music Festival: Valle de Guadalupe

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, head south of the border to the inaugural Guadalupe Valley Culinary & Music Festival. Kicking off on Friday, July 1 there will be food and beverage offerings a plenty through Sunday in three different locations along the famous Ruta del Vino. Chefs from the region, including Javier Plascencia (Finca Altozano, Bracero Cocina) and Diego Hernández (Corazón de Tierra) will be serving up authentic eats, plus samples from noted winemakers and plenty of live music. Visit guadalupevalleyfestival.com for more details.