If you’re staying in the city this Fourth of July weekend there’s plenty to do around town. Here’s a list to keep you and your family busy for celebrating the holiday.
Weather
It will be mostly cloudy for the Fourth of July with a high near 85. Winds will be calm from the south 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. There is a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms.
International African Arts Festival
The International African Arts Festival is scheduled to take place from June 30 to July 4 at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn. The festival is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. rain or shine and features music and dance performances, spoken word events, fashion shows and an arts and crafts market. There is a suggested donation of $5. Click here for more information on this year’s festival.
Public Pools and Beaches
The city’s beaches are open with many people staying cool along the miles of coastline in the Big Apple. Beaches are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty. The Park’s Department is advising people to stay away from the water on beaches when lifeguards are not on duty. The 54 public outdoor swimming pools around the city are also open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. To find the beach or pool near you go to www.nycgovparks.org
Fireworks
There are several fireworks shows scheduled around the city this weekend. Click here for a list of firework displays happening around the city. The largest and most widely attended fireworks display is the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks on the East River. Organizers say this year’s show is 25 percent larger than last year with 70,000 shells. Fireworks will be set off at 9:25 p.m. for a 25-minute presentation. Public viewing locations and dedicated entry points will be set up along various streets on the F.D.R. Drive, as well as various points in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. The presentation is being shown live on NBC starting at 8 p.m. ET. Click here for more information.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
If your stomach can handle it, head over to Coney Island on July 4th for Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island. Over 30,000 spectators are expected to come out to the event. Last year’s men’s winner was Joey “Jaws” Chestnut who ate 72 hot dogs in 10 minutes. Miki Sodu, the women’s winner ate 41 hot dogs. Log onto www.nathansfamous.com for more information.
Public Transportation and Closures
The observance of Independence Day will be on Monday, July 4. City government offices, libraries, courts and schools will be closed for summer meal programs. Post offices and the DMV will also be closed and sanitation will not operate. Subways and buses will operate on a Saturday schedule. Alternate side parking and meters will be suspended. Banks are also closed for the holiday.