Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot:        
A Star Spangled Celebration

The 4th of July is just around the corner!

Celebrate our nation's birthday in style with all that's going on to commemorate Independence Day in NYC.

My categorized event picks from Friday to Friday will have you saluting the holiday in the most patriotic way, including viewing one of the world's greatest firework displays.
 
 
 
 
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GeneralGENERAL EVENTS
Now Open  Bryant Park Outdoor Activities
Bryant Park 
There is so much to do during the summer in Bryant Park - from outdoor dance and exercise classes to a live piano player... check the calendar for the full schedule.
Seinfeld Apartment Replica

Tuesdays  Stargazing on The High Line

The High Line (West 13th & Washington Streets)

Every Tuesday until October you can peek into high powered telescopes on the High Line and chat with the experts.       


Through June 27  NYC Dance Week 
Various Locations
Free dance and fitness classes from local studios.  

Through June 28  Seinfeld Apartment Replica
Milk Studios (451 West 14th Street)
Seinfeld fans, hold your hats!  A pop-up museum featuring a replica of the show's iconic apartment set, plus other highlights from the show, to coincide with Seinfeld's release on Hulu.

Through June 28  Fashion Week Brooklyn
Various Locations
Visit the website for the schedule.  

Through November 1  Met Museum of Art - Roof Garden
Metropolitan Museum of Art (1000 Fifth Avenue)
It feels like summer and a perfect time to visit the Met's Roof Garden. Besides the beautiful view and delicious drinks, Pierre Huyghe's minimalist installation is mystifying and adds to the view.

Books Beneath the Bridge
ON THE RADAR:       

July 6  Books Beneath the Bridge
Various Locations 

Free summer literary series Mondays in July & August.  Each night will feature authors, representing six of Brooklyn's best independent bookstores and include readings, discussions, and signings. 






July 12  Bastille Day
60th Street between Lexington & 5th Avenue
This annual street fair is presented by the French Institute Alliance.  From crepes to formage, you'll enjoy an afternoon sampling wonderful food, sipping French wines, and listening to great music.  A summer fete with something for everyone.   
   

July 18  City of Water Day
Governors Island

Entertainment, education, and adventure on Governors Island in celebration of our waterfront.  

July 25 & 26  NYC Poetry Festival
Governors Island
250 poets over 2 days... if you're a poetry lover, come to hear free readings.

July 27  Harlem Week
Various Locations
Celebrate Harlem through August 22nd with musical events, film festivals, fashion shows, and more. 
CutluralCULTURAL PURSUITS
Looking for a new way to see a museum?  Check out Museum Hack, guided tours (up to 9 people) of the Met and the American Museum of Natural History. Led by experienced guides well-versed in art history, it's a way to see the works through a new lens.
   
CLOSING THIS WEEK:

Simon Hantai - Pliage: The First Decade
DAVID BENRIMON FINE ART (730 Fifth Avenue)
Through June 30
Features works acquired from the collection of Marina Picasso.

MNUCHIN GALLERY (45 East 78th Street)
Through June 26
Paintings focused on the 1960s, his first mature decade.



SKARSTEDT GALLERY (20 East 79th Street)

David Salle: New Paintings

Through June 27

American artist David Salle is featured with all new work from two recent series. 

  

LIVE from the NYPL

Through June 29    

Spring Speaker Series - mark your calendar for June 29th, a discussion with hospitality mogul Ian Schrager.

 

ONGOING EXHIBITS: 

Nature's Fury: The Science of Natural Disasters

AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
(Central Park West at 79th Street) 
Through August 9
Exhibit uncovers the causes of nature's forces.

BROOKLYN MUSEUM (200 Eastern Parkway - Brooklyn)
Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks
Through August 23
View the large scale works of this illustrious painter along with sketches from his personal notebooks.

DAVID ZWIRNER GALLERY 
(537 West 20th Street)
Through July 24
A major new installation in forged weatherproof steel. 
  
Peopling of America Galleries
ELLIS ISLAND

Ongoing
Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island. 

Ongoing
Tells the story of immigration to America before the processing station opened in 1892 and after it closed in 1954.
 




THE FRICK COLLECTION (10 East 71st Street)
Leighton's Flaming June
Through September 6
British artist Frederic Leighton's paintings are on exhibition.  On June 26th, visit for Nights at the Frick, free after-hours access to the collection with an evening of free programs inspired by this iconic painting.
 
GITTERMAN GALLERY (41 East 57th Street)
The Firefly series was one of the earliest digitally generated works of art with Larson utilizing a new technology to present image making that extended the vocabulary of montage. 

INTREPID SEA, AIR, & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - 46th Street & 12th Avenue)
Through September 15
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the exhibition showcases the history of this project and its scientific achievements.
Teresita Fernandez

THE JEWISH MUSEUM (1109 Fifth Avenue)
Through September 27
The first exhibition to explore how avant-garde art influenced the look and content of early network television.

MADISON SQUARE PARK

Teresita Fernández
Through Winter
500 feet of sprawling sculptures made of golden canopies suspended above the park's pathway.  An eye-catching exhibit.

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue)
China: Through the Looking Glass
Through August 16 
The Costume Institute and the Collaborative Department of Asian Art showcase the fashionable imagination of Asian designs, exploring the impact of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion.

Van Gogh: Irises and Roses 
Through August 16
Van Gogh's breathtaking exhibit.

Alice: 150 Years of Wonderland
THE MORGAN LIBRARY AND MUSEUM (226 Madison Avenue)
Through October 11

For the first time in three decades, the original manuscript will travel from the British Library in London to New York, where it will be joined by original drawings and letters, rare editions, vintage photographs, and fascinating objects... many never before exhibited.

 
MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle)
Through September 20
Photo-realistic painter Richard Estes exhibits his works.

Ralph Pucci: The Art of the Mannequin
Through August 30 
A display of thirty works taking you on a journey of his ever-changing fashion.   




MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK  (1220 Fifth Avenue)
Through September 13
An exhilarating exhibit of 50 years of New York landmarks.
Hip Hop Revolution

Through August 13
Exhibit will take us back to the early days of Hip Hop and showcase the work of three NYC photographers who documented the scene between 1977 and 1990. 

THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART (11 West 53rd Street)
Untitled (Club Scene)
Recently Acquired
Artist Kerry James Marshall's piece is currently on view in MoMA's Agnes Gund Garden Lobby, which is accessible free of charge.

Latin America in Construction: Architecture 1955-1980
Through July 19
An examination of the positions, debates, and architectural creativity from Mexico and Cuba to the Southern Cone between 1955 and the early 1980s.

Scenes for a New Heritage
Through March 31, 2016
Exhibition of past three decades of 30 international artists whose works range in their approach to political, social, and cultural flux of our global landscape. 
 
This Is for Everyone: Design Experiments for the Common Good
Through January 31, 2016
Digital age design encompassing fashion and furniture. 

Andy Warhol

Andy Warhol: Campbell's Soup Cans and Other Works, 1953-1967
Through October 12
Andy Warhol's famous Campbell Soup Cans are on display.

Yoko Ono: One Woman Show, 1960-1971
Through September 7
Compilation of approximately 125 of her early objects, works on paper, installations, performances, audio recordings, and films, surveying the decisive decade that led up to her unauthorized exhibition.




NEUE GALLERY NEW YORK MUSEUM FOR GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN ART  (1048 Fifth Avenue)  
Through September 7
View the original painting that inspired Helen Mirren's role in her latest movie by the same name.       

 

NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY (170 Central Park West)
Through October 12 
Nine decades of his art are on display for the first time. Also on view is Picasso's Le Tricorne: Painting for the Ballet. 

 

THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN 
Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life  
Through November 1
The inaugural exhibition to examine Frida's appreciation for the beauty and variety of the natural world, as evidenced by her home, garden, and use of plant imagery in her artwork.
Public Eye: 175 Years of Sharing Photography

NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (5th Avenue at 42nd Street)
Public Eye: 175 Years of Sharing Photography 
Through September 4
The first-ever retrospective survey of photography organized by the Public Library. How have we been engaged over time? Are we risking our privacy in pursuit of a more public photography? The exhibit explores these questions.
 
Sinatra: An American Icon
Through September 4

A tribute to the life of the legendary actor and singer, Frank Sinatra. A multimedia exhibit showcasing memorabilia never before seen.    
  

PAUL KASMIN GALLERY (515 West 27th Street)

Brancusi: Pioneer of American Minimalism  

Through July 10 

The installation examines the artist's immense influence on the first generation of American Minimalists.

 

PARK AVENUE ARMORY (643 Park Avenue) 
Through August 2
Philippe Parreno constructs a sculpted space where a series of events fold and unfold onto the vast space of the Armory.  An amazing sensory journey! 

 

PETZEL GALLERY (456 West 18th Street)

Seth Price - Drawings: Studies for Works 2000-2015 

Through July 17

Best known for his sculpture, video, and writing, New York based Price's drawings will be on display.  

 

PHILLIPS (450 Park Avenue)

Brigitte Lacombe: Complicities 

Through July 6

French photographer Brigitte Lacombe has her first solo exhibition specializing in portraits.

 

Eddo Stern - Vietnam Romance 

POSTMASTERS GALLERY (54 Franklin Street)

Eddo Stern - Vietnam Romance

Through July 11

An installation exploring the relationship between war and gaming. 

   

RANDALL'S ISLAND
Through November
Annual summer art exhibitions on Randall's Island's shoreline.



ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street)
Summertime Salon
Through September 6

Annual photographic exhibition featuring the works of the gallery artists as well as a few newcomers.  

SOCRATES SCULPTURE PARK (Long Island City)
The Living Pyramid
Through August 30
America is Hard to See
Stop by and see New York City artist Agnes Denes' work.

THE SKYSCRAPER MUSEUM  (39 Battery Place)
Ten Tops
Through September 13
Focuses on a group of the world's tallest buildings 100 stories and higher.  A perfect exhibit for this museum!

WHITNEY MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART (99 Gansevoort Street)
America is Hard to See
Through September 24
Recently premiering at the downtown opening of the Whitney Museum. View this inaugural exhibit of over 650 pieces from 400 artists.
CurtainCURTAIN UP
Dior & I
FILM: 
Visit my recent Snapshot for all of the outdoor film this summer!

Through June 28  BAMcinemaFest 
BAM (Brooklyn)
BAMcinemaFest introduces New York audiences to an eclectic lineup of top Indie American and world cinema.  

June 29  Dior and I
Cinema Village (22 East 12th Street)
A 90-minute haute couture piece showcasing exquisite fashion from the powerhouse label. Through July 5th.


 
MUSIC & DANCE:

Tuesdays & Wednesdays  Jazz Nights 
The Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street)
Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
 

June 27  Maxi Priest 

Rumsey Playfield

Free concert as part of Central Park's SummerStage.

   

June 27  Warm Up 2015  
MoMA PS1 (Long Island City) 

Warm Up is experimental live music, DJs, and dancing in the outdoor courtyard of MoMA PS1 in Queens. Saturdays through September 5th.     

     

June 27 & 28   Saratoga Jazz Festival

Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Travel just a few hours north for this annual festival of music... names like Erykah Badu will be making appearances. 

 
Through June 28   The Royal Ballet
The Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Avenue)
The first New York appearance of the Royal Ballet.  
 
Through June 28  Anywhere in Time: A Conlon Nancarrow Festival
Whitney Museum of American Art (99 Gansevoort Street)
A festival celebrating his works on the player piano.

Through June 28  River to River Festival  
Various Locations
Live experiences including dance, music, visual art, and new media projects in public parks, in historic landmarks, on Governors Island, and along the waterfront. Check the schedule for events.   
 

June 28  Tony Yazbeck in "The Floor Above Me"

Birdland (315 West 44th Street) 

Tony Award-nominee and the star of this season's On The Town revival makes his Birdland solo debut.  

 



June 28  
Natalie Cole 

The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street)

I look forward to Natalie Cole's performance. As part of the Blue Note Jazz Festival, the Grammy winner sings a medley of Latin ballads.    

    

 

 

 

June 29  Cinderella  

Metropolitan Opera House (30 Lincoln Center Plaza)
The American Ballet Theatre Company performs this classic as part of the Spring Season. Through July 4th.   

 

Through June 30   Blue Note Jazz Festival  

Various Locations
Festival showcases over 150 premier artists at more than 15 venues throughout the city. Visit the website to find your favorite artist. Some highlights include Natalie Cole.

 

June 30  Rock Photography and Wine Pairing 

City Winery (155 Varick Street)

Join world-renowned Rock & Roll photographer Bob Gruen and award-winning sommelier Jean-Luc Le Dű for a journey of music history through photography, each photo paired with hand-selected wine.   

    

July 1  Madison Square Park Oval Lawn Series

Madison Square Park 

Free live music every Wednesday night through July 29th.

 
Barenaked Ladies
July 1  Barenaked Ladies 

Hudson River Park Pier 97 (at 55th Street)

Hudson River Park partners with Live Nation to present this waterfront ticketed show.  Special guest Violent Femmes.  

 

July 2  MoMA Nights  & July 5  Summergarden  

Museum of Modern Art (11 West 53rd Street) - Sculpture Garden
The perfect respite... listen to jazz and classical music in the museum's exquisite sculpture garden on Thursdays in July & August and Sundays through June 26th.

   

Through July 3  DanceBrazil

The Joyce Theatre (175 Eighth Avenue)
Purchase tickets to watch this captivating group perform capoeira learned in the urban setting of Bahia, Brazil.     


Through July 11  Midsummer Night Swing 
Lincoln Center
Tickets are on sale for one of my favorite events of the summer.  New York City's best dance party under the stars.  Whether you're a seasoned dancer or novice, you'll sample salsa, swing, and an array of other dances.  
 
Naumburg Orchestral Concerts
July 26  Kaiko Matsui
B.B. King Blues Club
This contemporary jazz performer is internationally acclaimed and is making a stop in NYC on a world tour.
 
Through August 4   Naumburg Orchestral Concerts
Central Park
Every Tuesday, the city's oldest free classical music series.
  

Through August 12  Celebrate Brooklyn 

Prospect Park Bandshell

Free concerts all summer. 

 

 

 

THEATER:
39 Steps

39 Steps
Through November 30
Union Square Theatre (100 East 17th Street)
The energetic production has returned to NYC! A comedic spoof where 4 actors portray over 150 characters.

An Act of God
Through August 2
Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street)
Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Jim Parsons, stars in the 90-minute comedy in which God and his devoted angels answer some of the deepest questions of mankind.

An American in Paris
Through April 3, 2016
Palace Theater (1564 Broadway) 
American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war.

Amazing Grace
Through December 20
Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st)
World Premiere musical based on the awe-inspiring true story behind the world's most beloved song. 
Now in previews, opens July 16th, through December 20th. 
Helen Mirren (now a Tony Award Winner) stars in an electrifying performance as Queen Elizabeth.... 12 prime ministers, only 1 Queen! 



Through January 3, 2016
Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street)
This musical follows the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to well-known hits as a top recording artist.
  
Churchill
Through September 13
New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) 
An extraordinary one man show at New World Stages.
  
The Curious Incident of the
Dog in the Night-Time
Through January 3, 2016
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) 

Now a Tony Award Winning play!  The lead actor, a recent graduate of Julliard, is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets.   

 

Finding Neverland 

Through December 20

Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street)

Starring Kelsey Grammer. The amazing story of how Peter became Pan.

  

Fish in the Dark
Through July 18 
Cort Theater (138 West 48th Street)
Funnyman Larry David focuses on 15 characters as each deals with a death in the family.  Seinfeld buddy Jason Alexander replaced Larry for the remainder of the show's run.
 
The Flick
Through August 30
Barrow Street Theatre (27 Barrow Street)
Set in a run-down movie theater in central Massachusetts, this is Annie Baker's Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

Fun Home
Through January 3, 2016
Circle in the Square Theatre (235 West 50th Street)
Performance brings the actors and audience within close proximity. Tony Award Winning play depicting the theme of seeing your parents through adult eyes.

Guards at the Taj
Guards at the Taj
Through July 12
Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street)
An Atlantic Theater production directed by Tony nominee Amy Morton. The play stars Tony-nominated actors Omar Metwally and Arian Moayed.

Happy Days
Through July 18
The Flea Theater (41 White Street)
Tony Shalhoub stars in Sam Beckett's play that is newly relevant to a generation burdened by climate change and environmental doom.  
Through January 3, 2016
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street)
The revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's play, starring Tony Award Winner Kelli O'Hara.
 
Of Good Stock
Through July 26
New York City Center (131 West 55th Street)
Alicia Silverstone stars in this play about a reunion of three daughters. In previews now, opens June 30th, through July 26th.
On the Town

On the 20th Century
Through July 19

American Airline Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) 

Love, lust, and mischief collide in this musical comedy starring Broadway showstopper, Kristin Chenoweth. 
 
On the Town
Through December 6
Lyric Theatre (213 West 42nd Street)
The feel good play of the season. Broadway's largest orchestra and cast make us fall in love with the city again.   
 
Penn & Teller
Through August 16
Marquis Theatre (46th Street between Broadway & 8th Avenue)
For the first time in 25 years, this duo returns home bringing astonishing tricks from their record breaking Las Vegas show.

Preludes
Through July 19
Lincoln Center Theater (150 West 65th Street)
A musical fantasia set in the mind of a Russian composer as he attempts to overcome his writers block and return to composing. 

A Queen for a Day
Through July 26
Theatre at St. Clement's (423 West 46th Street)
Many of the former stars of The Sopranos (such as Vincent Pastore) have joined forces in this production... a new mafia story.

Shakespeare in the Park: The Tempest
Through July 5
The Delacorte Theater (81 Central Park)
It's worth standing in line for the free performances of Shakespeare's classic tale. Starring Sam Waterston and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. And later this summer, Cymbeline will star Hamish Linklater. 
    
The Taming of the Shrew
Through July 12
The Players Theatre (115 Macdougal Street)
A comedic Shakespearean classic on stage in the Village.
 
Wolf Hall
Through July 5
Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway)
2 major plays, 1 royal event. Performed in repertory, Hilary Mantel's exhilarating stories of power and persuasion in Tudor England transport you to the volatile court of King Henry VIII.   
 
Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic
Through June 27
Speakeasy Dollhouse (234 West 42nd Street)
A hidden theater in the Heart of Times Square, purchase tickets for an evening of music, magic, and mystery.


ON THE RADAR:
      

July 6  Lincoln Center Festival

Lincoln Center 

Performances to wow and delight... music, dance, art. Through August 2nd. 

 
July 6 through 11  Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton 

Avery Fisher Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza)

Danny Elfman's music from the films of Tim Burton will be presented with a full orchestra and choir.  

 

July 7 through 27  The New York Musical Theatre Festival  

Various Locations 

The festival provides a platform to introduce new shows and new perspective into the world of musical theater. Visit the website for tickets.  

  

July 9  Broadway at Bryant Park

Bryant Park 

Broadway's biggest hits are sung by many top performers each Thursday. Performances will be announced soon.

   

July 9   Hudson Riverrocks
Hudson River Park Pier 84 (at West 44th Street)

Free outdoor concert series on the river. Also July 23rd and August 6th.

  

July 11  National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
Annual summer concert bringing together the brightest young players from across the country - the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America. Performance marks the beginning of an international tour to cities across China.

July 11  4 Knots Music Festival

Hudson River Park Pier 84 (at 44th Street)  

Listen to renowned and emerging artists at this annual festival.

  

July 13  Hamilton
Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street)
A show stopper that got its start at the Public Theater earlier this year.  An inventive musical about the young immigrant who changed America... Alexander Hamilton. Previews begin July 13th, opens August 6th.
 
July 14  Bastille Day Tribute to Edith Piaf
Cafe Wha? (115 Macdougal Street)
A special Bastille Day show, featuring French singer Yael Dray and Argentinian guitarist Gabriel Hermida, paying tribute to France's national diva. 



July 14  Colbie Caillat & Christina Perri

Hudson River Park Pier 97 (at 55th Street)

Hudson River Park partners with Live Nation to present this waterfront ticketed show. 

 

July 14 & 15  Lowdown Hudson Music Fest
Brookfield Place New York - 230 Vesey Street
Blues legends come together at Brookfield Place to entertain during this festival.

July 15 through 18  The Wild Party

New York City Center (131 West 55th Street) 

Starring the infamous Sutton Foster... the decadent era of the 1920s is captured by the artistic performance of Ms. Foster.

 

Idina Menzel

July 17  Idina Menzel 

Jones Beach

One of my absolute favorite performers will be performing for one night only.  Her talent goes well beyond her Disney song and I will definitely be purchasing tickets!   

    

July 20  Broadway Unplugged 

The Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street)

Annual concert event featuring Broadway stars belting out hits.  Also at the Town Hall, Broadway Rising Stars on July 13th.

  
July 21 through 30  31st Annual Jazz in July Festival
92Y (1395 Lexington Avenue)
A jazz series featuring the true titans of jazz and brilliant new stars of the next generation.


July 22  Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Lincoln Center

3 weeks of dance, music, and concerts in Lincoln Center... and it's all free! Through August 9th.   

 

July 25  Mostly Mozart 

Lincoln Center

Classical music concerts through August 22nd. Order your tickets now.   

  

FoodFOR THE FOODIE
EVENTS:
   
Daily  Seaport Smorgasburg
Seaport District along Fulton Street
Smorgasburg market includes eight food vendors and a bar open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and drinks. Vendors include Pizza Moto, Ramen Burger, and Red Hook Lobster Pound.
 
Through June 27  La Nuit en Rosé New York
Hornblower Infinity Yacht
Wonderful events on a luxurious yacht on the Hudson River. 5 events, more than 100 rosé wines and Champagne, a VIP lounge with local chefs and restaurants, DJs, entertainers, and dancing.

June 30  Rock Photography and Wine Pairing 

City Winery (155 Varick Street)

Join world-renowned Rock & Roll photographer Bob Gruen and award-winning sommelier Jean-Luc Le Dű for a journey of music history through photography, each photo paired with hand-selected wine. 


July 1  Taste of the Terminal
Grand Central - Vanderbilt Hall
Free tastings from selected shops and restaurants, plus special offers and live music. Wednesdays throughout July.

ON THE RADAR:

July 13 through 19  French Restaurant Week   
Celebrate Bastille Day's weekend festival while dining in some of the city's finest restaurants where many prix fixe menus are offered.  I'll highlight top picks soon.

July 20  NYC Restaurant Week
Various Locations
Restaurant Week returns through August 14th - lunch $25, dinner $38. I will feature my personal recommendations in the upcoming weeks.
FeatureSPECIAL FEATURE: A Star Spangled Celebration 
VISIT:
Statue of Liberty
What better day to visit the statue than on Independence day!

WATCH: 
Of course!  The 39th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will start at 8pm back on the East River!  More than 2 miles of viewing space along the river, or you can watch the event from home, this year hosted by Willie Geist and Tamron Hall; entertainment includes Kelly Clarkson and Meghan Trainor. 
Best places to watch? Along FDR Drive at 23rd Street, 34th Street, and 42nd Street exits.  Or head to the South Street Seaport....go for the day since there will be an array of events all day.

EXPLORE:
Coney Island 

A great place to spend the day... while there, watch Nathan's Famous annual Hot Dog Eating Contest. 


CRUISE: 
Board a Yacht  
You can watch the fireworks aboard a beautiful yacht on the Hudson. Check out their 4th of July Independence Day cruises.

St. Cloud

PICNIC:

Visit a recent Weekly Snapshot for a list of outdoor flicks and spots to grab picnic items. Have a picnic in Central Park or in Hudson River Park.  Try out the Perfect Picnic, delivering everywhere in Manhattan.

IMBIBE:
Visit a recent Weekly Snapshot for my favorite al fresco cocktail spots, the newest ones being St. Cloud at The Knickerbocker Hotel and the Terrace at Sixty Five at the Rainbow Room.



WALK:
Big Onion Walking Tours offers a special Lower Manhattan tour on the 4th. Visit sites associated with the US War of Independence and New York's role in the early Republic. Or the Fraunces Tavern Museum has an Annual Revolutionary War New York Nighttime Walking Tour, starting at 3am!
Scarpetta Beach
 
LISTEN
July 4 & 5  54 Below Sings 1776
54 Below (254 West 54th Street)
Show your patriotism during the holiday week, listening to a showcase of American tunes.
 
ESCAPE: 
Head to the Hamptons... stay at Gurney's in Montauk (still in the process of a multi-year renovation, which includes the opening of a new restaurant, Scarpetta Beach!), learn to surf, grab a bite at Gosman's Dock, then watch their annual 4th of July fireworks display on Umbrella Beach. End with a nightcap at Navy Beach.


Stay tuned all summer...
I'll be highlighting upcoming events and New on the Scene
restaurants and shops throughout the Hamptons!