Gay List Daily’s events for the Fourth (and beyond)

by Staff of Gay List Daily

Now, we are as patriotic as the next guy. Well, maybe not the guy with the “kiss my stars and stripes” tattoo. But the thought of standing outside in the heat surrounded by crowds, bugs and babies terrified by explosions in the night sky seems just short of hell on earth. So instead, we offer you this smattering of alternative ways to ring in the long weekend and beyond. Or you can just continue the summer-long ritual of floating in the pool marinating in margaritas. Whichever.

You Always Remember Your First: Bishop Arts District First Thursday

Tonight, shops open until 10:00 p.m.

Since tomorrow is a holiday, that means you can stay up late tonight. Why not enjoy dinner in Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts District and then stroll through some of the cute stores, galleries and boutiques. Everything stays open until 10:00 p.m. for your perusing pleasure.

For directions & more information, visit www.bishopartsdistrict.com

And The Weiner Is…: Show Up, Eat Up & Fill Up

Tonight, 11:00 p.m.

This entry might as well be called “Insert Joke Here.” A hot dog eating contest at a gay bar. Really? The punch lines are endless. The winner receives a $50 gas card and true street cred that he (or she) has absolutely no gag reflex.

JR’s Bar & Grill; www.jrsdallas.com

Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy: Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Friday, July 4 & Saturday, July 5, gates open 6:30 p.m.

Although the idea of sporting a campy pink cowboy hat and matching neckerchief to this event may seem hysterical, it probably won’t go over so well with the regulars in attendance. But we are willing to butch it up for the night if it means two hours worth of Wrangler butts driving us nuts. Oh, and the place is air-conditioned. Glorious!

Tickets: $14 - $30; $5 parking; Resistol Arena; www.mesquiterodeo.com

Get Your Groove Back: Earth, Wind & Fire

Wednesday, July 9, 8:00 p.m.

Admit it. You know all the words to “Shining Star.” And we have it on good authority you do a wicked roller skating performance to “Fantasy.” So why not indulge in a little guilty music pleasure and check out the Earth, Wind & Fire tour that’s blazing a trail to casinos everywhere (and to the Nokia Theatre, apparently).

Tickets: $40 - $85; Nokia Theatre; www.nokialivedfw.com

Click Your Heels Three Times: There’s No Place Like Home Exhibit

Through Saturday, July 19

Sorry Wizard of Oz devotees, this isn’t a gallery full of Judy Garland swag. Instead it’s a collection of photos exploring statements like “Home Is Where The Heart Is.” But have no fear, photographer Tom Atwood keeps the homo factor high with pics from the gay urban world of designers, writers, filmmakers and fashion designers as featured in his book Kings Of Their Castle.

Free Admission; Open Tuesdays - Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery; www.pdnbgallery.com