Independence day on the horizon makes for an explosive week in Los Angeles. From decadent dress-up to Dolly love to mash-up mayhem to tranny fanny shaking and more, you don't need Piccolo Petes or Cherry Bombs to get loud and cracking this weekend. Here, some very different yet equally bombastic bashes and blowouts before the holiday.

Friday, July 1

Labyrinth of Jareth enchants the Park Plaza again this year, bringing its fantastical celebration of Celtic faerie and goblin lore to its masquerade bacchanal. Sypher Studios throws the event, a melding of music, art, entertainment, and most importantly, dress-up, spanning two evenings. Aetherlight Orchestra headlines and there will be whimsically surreal performances and music throughout the weekend. (See website for details). Suggested costumes: wings, pointed ears, steampunk finery, wizards, witches, corsets, feathers, ball gowns, wigs, glitter, and masks. 607 S. Park View. www.labyrinthmasquerade.com

“It takes a lot of money to look this cheap,” – Dolly Parton. Cub Scout celebrates the brilliance and bodaciousness of Dolly Parton with “Night of 1000 Dollys” in which guests are invited to don their best Dolly drag for a chance to win two tix to the singing legend's Bowl gig on July 22. Surely the hottest tix (for gays and straights/rock and country fans like) in town. DJ Chris Bowen & DJ Victor Rodriguez and SF's Lady Bear (we'd like to somebody beat her sure-to-be big Dolly wig) co-hosts. At the Eagle LA, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd. Facebook invite.

Saturday, July 2

Bootie LA just celebrated six years and its pre-Fourth of July jam should be jumping as usual. Mashup sounds galore keep the floor grinding and dance troupe R.A.I.D (Random Acts of Irreverent Dance) are sure to have some eye-popping Patriotic-themed skit planned. But the big question really is this: What will DJ Paul V mash Katy Perry's “Fireworks” with? Also with DJ Shyboy. At the Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Blvd. Echo Park. www.bootiemashup.com/la

Sunday, July 3

July Fourth is about America's independence from Great Britain, so a tribute night celebrating an Englishman may be a bit atypical, but Part Time Punks has always been anything but your typical dance club. Plus, the limey they've chosen to honor this weekend–David Bowie–has one of the most independent spirits of anyone in the history of music, yes? From Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke to dapper '80s DB, DJs Mike Stock and Jose Maldanado (Sweet & Tender Hooligans) will spin a Bowie bonanza. Let's dance, indeed. At the Echo 1822 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park. parttimepunks.com

Another audacious hap will be going down below at the Echoplex, as Trannyshack LA (we'd hit both events!) makes a triumphant return to LA from SF with NY sensation Cazwell (“I Seen Beyonce At Burger King”). Known for collabs with everyone from Gaga to Amanda Lapore, Caz will add some street pizzazz to fete's fe-male trouble both on the floor and stage. Queens scheduled to perform include: Tranny's own Heklina, Phyllis Navidad, Raya Light, Rhea Litre, Fade Dra, Hoku Mama, Creamy Disease, Lady Bear, Willam Belli, and Toxic Waist. 1154 Glendale Blvd. Echo Park. www.trannyshack.com

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