We are surprised by the fact that it is pretty slim pickings at the moment regarding family friendly July 4th events. Maybe it just snuck up on everyone and venues have yet to finalize their arrangements. This succulent event, however, is the exception.

If you are looking for the perfect combo of a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet along with a savory side of live music to get you in the Fourth of July spirit? Then look no further than Sanlitun’s Home Plate BBQ for an insane amount of American themed fun for the whole family.

Things will get started at 6pm with a gigantic spread consisting of a whole hog buffet and smoked chicken wings, along with all the fixings like potato salad, cole slaw, Texas Ranch Beans, and green beans. If this combo hasn’t ignited hunger deep within, then you aren’t American or maybe just a vegetarian. Best of all it’s only RMB 138 per person.

While there likely won’t be any fireworks, because if it’s not Spring Festival, they are strictly prohibited, but you can expect the live musical stylings of Stevie Mac & the Mac Daddies to keep you and the fam dancing to work off some of that hog you consumed. This group of young musicians are known for their skillful ability to jam the classics and classics in the making to help the masses around Beijing cut a rug.

This is only the tip of the iceberg for what you can expect to happen on this particular day celebrating American Independence from colonial rule… in China!

photos: Home Plate BBQ

However you choose to celebrate Independence Day, there are plenty of options in town. There are pub quizzes, parties, drink deals and plenty of barbecue on offer. If you want to continue the fun (or delay gratification), AmCham is holding their annual event on July 5.

July 4

Fourth of July Mexican BBQ
Barbecued ribs, full Mexican menu and red, white and blue. 5pm-close. Q Mex

Kro’s Independence Day
Get American beer buckets with an assortment of Brooklyn, North Coast and Rogue for RMB 140 (5 beers). To wash down all that beer, Kro’s is offering beef wieners plus curly fries or onion rings and iced tea or Tsingtao for RMB 65. Deals apply at both locations. 11am-midnight. The Kro’s Nest

July 4th at Nola
Celebrate N’Orleans style with all-you-can-eat crawfish (RMB 130). No American party is complete without ice cream at the end. Choose from an assortment of scoops, go for their apple tart with SoCo ice cream or grab an ice cream sandwich. RMB 130. Nola

USA Independence Day Special Cooking Class
Join The Hutong for a culinary tour of America’s heartland. Chef Ali will teach three classic American dishes: Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup, Great Lakes Fish Boil, and Apple Pie. RMB 280. 7pm. The Hutong

Independence Day V.A. Open Mic
Celebrate the Fourth with some songs. We’re hoping for some American classics like "American Pie" and "Surfin’ USA." All other types of music are welcome, though. 9pm. VA Bar

Home Plate Bar-B-Que
Our mouths water at the very mention of their pulled pork. Given how regularly packed this joint is, we’d suggest making it an early dinner to ensure you still have your choice of barbecued meats. Also expect deals in beer throughout the night. Home Plate

Blue Frog
While not offering any special deal, their burgers (voted the readers’ favorite in our Burger Cup last year) offer a great way to indulge in some American food. Sweeten the deal by getting there for happy hour from 4-8pm. Blue Frog

Tim’s Texas BBQ
What’s more American than a plate of ribs and barbeque? Get that along with their weekly pub quiz at 8pm, happy hour from 4-8pm and live music. Tim’s Texas Bar-B-Q

Union Bar and Grille
While you can’t grab a burger, you can still show up for their extended happy hour from 4pm-close. Union Bar and Grille

July 5

AmCham China’s Independence Day: Hometown Cocktail Celebration
Join AmCham China for traditional American food, beer, wine, and the live band Overdrive, as well as lucky draw prizes. RMB 450, RMB 300 (AmCham members). Download the ticket form from AmChamChina.org. 5pm. Eudora Station

Want to celebrate the 4th at home? Check out this guide on where to get all your barbecuing supplies from the grill to the meats.

Need ideas of what to wear? Check out Get the Look in our July issue for some holiday-appropriate garb.

Photo: blog.timesunion.com

This blog is adapted from thebeijinger.com