Events: Fourth of July Bash on Fountain Square

Fountain Square takes their Saturday night movie event to a whole new level for this American holiday with the addition of live music and a whole lot of fireworks. Starting at 7 p.m., listen to some patriotic tunes by the New Sousa Band. They’ll perform the marches of John Philip Sousa and other classic American works that were performed by Sousa’s band in the 1880s and early 1900s. After that, check out a larger-than-life screening of the 1996 alien apocalypse flick, Independence Day. As the former roommate of a Will Smith fanatic, I can tell you that this film is one of Smith’s finest outer space-related works. Remember that part where he punches the alien in the head and goes, “Welcome to Earth,” and then “That’s what I call a close encounter”? Classic. And to make this movie even better, every time there’s a big explosion, the square’s going to be setting off some fireworks. Talk about surround sound! And then at the end of the movie, more fireworks! Aliens, fireworks, Sno-Kones, Skyline and beer! Get details here.