FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY | SUMMER ENTERTAINING

FRIDAY JULY 4

The 32nd Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks
When: 9pm
Where: FDR Dr between 14th and 42nd Sts
FREE
More than 120,000 bursts of color and light will be on display for your pyrotechnic amusement, so find your favorite spot and delight in their crackling.

Roosevelt Island’s July 4th Fireworks Festival
When: 5pm
Where: Roosevelt Island
$20
f you want to see the fireworks over the East River but you’re not eager to face the mobs along the FDR, tram it to Roosevelt Island for a unique vantage point. The $20 cover charge keeps the crowd to a minimum, and you can actually sit down as you listen to music from the Jazz Collective, alterna-rockers Citizens of Contrary Knowledge, salsa star Victor Quezada and calypso-soca sextet the Therapy Band. (Keep the little ones occupied with clowns, face painters, stilt walkers and rides.) Working up an appetite waiting for the big lights? Chow down on pork ribs and spice-rubbed wings from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que.South Point Park, Roosevelt Island (888-695-0888). Gates open 5pm, $20 (advance tickets required).

Find more fireworks listigs here.

Independence Day Celebration
When: 11am–5pm
Where: La Tourette Park
Adults $5, seniors $4, children $3.50
Be hands-on this Independence Day with crafts and activities: Growing your biceps, and your belly, as you churn and sample traditional ice cream. Bring a decorated baby carriage (or stroller if you’re not from the 18th century) and lead the Independence Day parade.

Turntables on the Hudson: Raw Fusion
Where: Water Taxi Beach
When: 8pm
$10
The crew isn’t really on the Hudson this summer (Water Taxi Beach is on the Long Island City bank of the East River), but when you have a party that’s this much fun, it’s best not to quibble. Plus, the view is great. (Especially if you get there early enough for the fireworks.) This night, TOTH’s Mariano, Nickodemus and percussionists Nappy G and Christian Rogers welcome Mexico's Dr. Juice, Houston's DJ Sun (check out his recent Monday Drive EP) and Six Degree's recording artist Jef Stott.

Fourth of July Kid's Cruise and Barbecue
When: 2–4pm
Where: Pier 40 at Houston Street along the Hudson River
Adults $25, children under 12 $15
Float down the Hudson with the kids and give Lady Liberty a wave on a historic riverboat replica, with face painting, arts and crafts, games and barbecue included. Make a your reservations early for this popular cruise (212-757-0981, ext 201).

The Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest
When: Noon
Where: Nathan’s Famous
FREE
Every year since 1916, competitors have gathered outside Nathan’s Famous to scarf down as many hot dogs as their stomachs will allow in 12 minutes. After a six-year winning streak, Takeru “the Tsunami” Kobayashi was defeated last year by bottomless pit Joey Chestnut, who consumed a record-setting 66 hot dogs in front of nearly 50,000 people. This year, the drama escalates as the two compete again for the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt.

The Great July 4th Festival
When: 11am–10pm
Where: Water Street between Fulton and Broad Streets
FREE
Everything you’d expect from a down-home birthday party for America, with more than is expected to draw tons of people: Dixieland bands, exhibits, food, art, crafts and a great view of the fireworks.

Presidential Greenwich Village & Gramercy Park Tour
When: Friday 4 at 2:30, 5pm; Saturday 5, Sunday 6 at 2pm
Where: Greenwich Village Business District
$15
Stroll through the beautiful and historic neighborhoods where Presidents and patriots once lived, passing the home of Yankee Doodle Dandy star Jimmy Cagney. The 5pm Friday tour finishes at FDR Drive at 7:30pm, giving you a great view of the fireworks.

Declare Independence & Freedom Strut
When: Friday 5 1–4pm; Saturday 5 at 1pm
Where: Lefferts House at Prospect Park
FREE
Our founding fathers had some natty styles, so step back into the 18th century and don a plumed hat (britches, sadly, are not included) to re-sign the Declaration of Independence on Friday. On Saturday, celebrate the end of slavery with a boisterous march, featuring the drum music of Heritage O.P.

Circle Line July 4th Cruise
When: 4:30pm
Where: Hudson River Park at Pier 83
$75
Take in views of Lady Liberty and dance to music spun by a live DJ on this festive Circle Line outing.

4th of July IndepenDANCE Cruise
When: 6–11pm
Where: The Paddle Wheel Queen  board at the Skyport Marina
$125
The price is steep, but it includes food, drinks and music.

Rooftop Films: Un-American Films
When: 5pm
Where: Solar One
$25
This Fourth of July bash isn't actually on a rooftop, but on a pier overlooking the East River, where you'll catch first-rate views of the fireworks, dance to live music presented by Williamsburg indie record shop Sound Fix, and watch a series of short films that explore the American experience.

River To River: Sonic Youth + The Feelies
When: 3:30pm
Where: Battery Park
FREE
Sure, the 27-year-old Sonic Youth more or less invented alternative rock, so the show’s already got feet. But the openers are the bonus: The Feelies broke up in ’92 but reunite for a few shows this summer, most notably this free gig. You’re not the only one who’s thrilled: There will be long lines when the tickets are distributed.

Good Morning America Summer Concert Series: Chaka Khan
When: 7–9am
Where: Bryant Park
Long before prolific hip-hop beat maker Kanye West chipmunked her vocals for his breakout hit, “Through the Wire,” Chaka Khan lent her soaring wail to songs by another exceptionally productive musician, Prince. For this early-morning TV appearance she might well pull out a classic penned by the Purple One (“I Feel for You”). Will her fans get up this early? More likely they’ll drop by her show before heading home to bed.