Fourth of July in Baton Rouge: A foodie guide

Are you planning to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Capital City?

There are more than a few chances for you to pump your fist and party in the name of Uncle Sam. Each event has a bit of good food, as well. Here are just a few to check out:

Get a head start on the festivities during the Red Stick Farmers Market’s second Farm to Fourth event Thursday, July 2, at Pennington Biomedical Research Center (6400 Perkins Road). The event will be held 8 a.m.-noon and features produce such as watermelon, sweet corn, squash, creole tomatoes and breads. The farmers market will also hold a “Star Spangled Saturday” celebration Saturday, July 4, 8 a.m.-noon, on the corner of Fifth and Main streets downtown. Click here for more information.

The Pelican House will host its annual 3rd of July Celebration Friday. The event includes a $5 American dinner plate, drink specials, beer pong contest and hot dog eating contest. A $5 entry fee is required to participate in the hot dog eating contest. The entry form and waiver must be submitted by Wednesday, July 1. The winner receives a $75 gift card to The Pelican House. Read the rules and sign up. The Helldorados will perform at 8:30 p.m. There is no cover for this event.

Calandro’s Supermarket hosts its second #ATasteOfIndependence tasting event and in-store celebration Friday, July 3, 3 p.m.-8 p.m., at its 12732 Perkins Road location. Participating vendors include Cafeciteaux Coffee Roasters, Militello’s Italian Specialities, River Road Honey, Truly Scrumptious Candies & Confections and Cupcake Allie. Get more information.

One of the biggest Baton Rouge Fourth of July events takes place downtown. The USS KIDD’s 4th of July Spectacular starts at 2 p.m. Food vendors include City Pork, Chelsea’s Café, Schlittz & Giggles, The Jambalaya Shoppe, Zibitz Extreme Waffles and Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar. The event also includes a pie baking contest, to be judged at 3 p.m. at the USS KIDD museum. A hot dog eating contest will take place on the Levee Stage at 4:45 p.m. Get more information on the event.

Hollywood Casino hosts its Fourth of July Buffet 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. The buffet includes Memphis-style barbecue ribs, smoked brisket, barbecue chicken, burgers, pulled pork sliders and more. The casino is located at 1717 River Road North. Call 709-7777 for more information.

The LSU Museum of Art will host its 11th annual July 4th Celebration 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. The event includes Southern barbecue in the Bert and Sue Turner Third Floor Gallery, catered by Louisiana Bayou Bistro. The Michael Foster Project will perform. Tickets are $125 for members, $150 for non-members. To purchase tickets, call 389-7210 or click here.

Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar will have music from Ty Miller, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday.

Restaurant IPO will feature drink and tapas specials Saturday during its “Red, White & Booze” event. DJ Earl will perform.

Frankie’s Dawg House will donate 20% of all profits on July 4th to the Wounded Warrior Projects. The hot dog stand is located at 2318 Cedardale Ave.

Winn-Dixie will donate all profits from Fourth of July sales to the Wounded Warrior Project’s Independence Program. The program is designed to help warriors who need to rely on their families and friends for support due to injuries soldiers have suffered.

Know of a restaurant participating in Fourth of July festivities that we missed? Add the event info to the comments below.