We're all about celebrating America this weekend. And if you don't have your cookout plans set, we've got some ideas to make sure you're 4th is filled with red, white and blue enjoyment.
On Friday, head to Caseus in New Haven for an all-American barbecue, with a special twist.
The celebration includes beer and wine specials, live music and a mouth-watering menu. Choices include pulled pork, local beef brisket, New England baked beans, clam chowder and everything else a growing boy needs.
Also Friday, two all-time all-American comics are gracing the stage at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods.
Mr. Warmth himself, the legendary Don Rickles is headlining the evening. Rickles has been making people laugh with his abrasive sense of humor for more than half a century.
Joining Rickles will be the Celebrity Apprentice herself, Joan Rivers.
The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $40-$65.
Of course Saturday (the 4th of July for those of you who are calendarly challenged) will be filled with family fun and fireworks across the state.
You can get a look at fireworks displays in your area click here, but we have a few highlights.
Lake Compounce in Bristol is celebrating the 4th with a display. Not to be outdone, Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury is shaking up the holiday with a 3-D experience over Lake Quassapaug.
And what better way to celebrate Independence Day than by taking a step back in time at the Mystic Seaport.
Of course it's not all about the fireworks. The Wili Boom Box Parade makes its way through Main Street in Willimantic. And you can enjoy a laid back holiday at the Haight-Brown Vineyard in Litchfield. They are offering a Red, White and Blue wine tasting that ends with a glass of sangria, dyed blue for the special occasion.
Moving to Sunday, and we figured you might be a bit "4thed" out. So we're ending your weekend with some classic heavy metal in Wallingford.
Judas Priest is playing at the Chevrolet Theatre (formerly the Oakdale).
Rob Halford reunited with Priest in 2003, and the band has been touring off and on ever since.
Just this month, they released a live album, "A Touch of Evil." But Sunday night, they will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their breakthrough effort, "British Steel," by playing the entire album.
Priest is playing with fellow hard rock heavyweights, Whitesnake.
The show starts at 7 p.m., and tickets are $55-$65.