It's 4th of July... Now What Do I Do?

Whether you’re a native New Yorker or just in town for the weekend, there’s something for everyone this Fourth of July. Here are some activities, big and small, for all to enjoy.

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

07/04/09 – 9:00 p.m., Hudson River (btwn 23rd and 50th Streets), Manhattan

The biggest fireworks display in the nation comes full force right off Manhattan Island over the Hudson River. Although it’s able to be seen from rooftops almost all over the city, your best seat is anywhere between 23rd and 50th Streets right on the river. The show begins at 9 pm, so it’d be best to show up early for a better view.

Woodside on the Move – Woodside Annual Festival

07/04/09 – 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Woodside Ave. (btwn Roosevelt Ave. and 65 Place), Queens

Woodside on the Move, a grassroots community organization that advocates for a better living and working environment, will be putting on their annual street fair between Roosevelt Avenue and 65 Place. Music, food and shopping will ensue.

38th Annual International African Arts Festival

07/02/09 – 07/05/09 – All Day, Commodore Battery Park, at Park Avenue and Navy Street, Downtown Brooklyn

The IAAF, a non-profit arts organization, will hold its 38th annual street festival Thursday through Sunday. Each day festival-goers will enjoy a blended experience of music, dance, spoken word performances, African marketplace and fashion, among others. According to the organization’s website, the festival this year is dedicated to the 40th anniversary of The East, the institution that helped get the IAAF started those many years ago.

Staten Island Independence Day Parade

07/04/09 – 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Staten Island

The Staten Island Independence Day Parade is an event that will take place the afternoon of the Fourth. According to NYC.gov, exact location of the parade include: Glen Street, between Victory Boulevard and Cannon Avenue, Cannon Avenue, between Glen Street and Victory Boulevard, Victory Boulevard between Cannon Avenue and Glen Street. A celebration for all ages, it will surely be a packed event, so make sure to arrive early before the parade starts to ensure yourself a good seat.