Don’t fall into a midsummer slump because you’re spending the Fourth in the city. Hot damn, there are carnival acts to see.

DO
Best of the Bay Area
What: Tasty eats, delish libations, groovy tunes, and art to benefit Glide Foundation.
Why: Party like it’s 1776.
When: Thurs., 6-11:30 p.m.
Where: Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8th St., at Brannan St. To purchase tickets, go to sanfranmag.com.

DO
Marin County Fair
What: Barnyard animals, arcade games, rides, and fireworks.
Why: It’s your inalienable right to gorge on cotton candy and barf on the Ferris wheel.
When: Thurs.-Mon., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Where: Marin Center, Civic Center Dr., off Hwy. 101, San Rafael (415-499-6800).

EAT
Gary Danko’s All-American Cheese Cart
What: Fromage from more than twenty states.
Why: Life, liberty, and the pursuit of mascarpone.
When: Fri.-Sun., 5:30-10 p.m.
Where: Gary Danko, 800 North Point, at Hyde St. (415-749-2060).

HEAR
Rogue Wave
What: Good ole boys deliver indie rock tunes.
Why: Oh, beautiful, audacious guys …
When: Fri. & Sat., 9 p.m.
Where: The Independent, 628 Divisadero St., b/t Hayes & Grove Sts. (415-771-1421).

HEAR
James Frey Reading
What: Excerpts from his new book, My Friend Leonard.
Why: All men are created equal. Except maybe Leonard.
When: Thurs. at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Book Passage, 1 Ferry Building Plaza (415-835-1020).