By Tracy Zwick
July 3rd through 5th
4th of July International Aerial Review at The Intrepid: Saturday, July 4th at 10:15 a.m. at Pier 86 on the Hudson, 12th Ave. and West 46th St.; register here (tickets required)
Our local retired aircraft carrier-turned floating museum, The Intrepid, will serve as a hub for myriad 4th of July celebrations, including an aerial salute for America’s 250th birthday. It’ll feature more than 150 U.S. and allied aircraft – led by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels – flying up the Hudson River.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks: Saturday, July 4th at 9:25 p.m.
The annual Macy’s fireworks display goes bigger than usual this year, its 50th anniversary and the nation’s 250th birthday. There will be an added Brooklyn Bridge laser show and performers including Post Malone, Blake Shelton, Noah Kahan, Salt-N-Pepa, Bebe Rexha and Shaboozey. While you probably won’t be able to see much from the UWS unless you get up pretty high, you can jump on the 2/3 or A/C to South Street Seaport for public viewing. Go early and check out all the tall ships in the downtown harbor at Sail4th 250. Consider registering for a free Tall Ship Dock Tour if you’re going.
Concert and Barbecue at Grant’s Tomb: Saturday, July 4th from Noon to 2 p.m.; at Riverside Drive and West 122nd Street; free
Enjoy music performed by a jazz ensemble from The Juilliard School, as well as The Antebellum Marine Band, followed by complimentary barbecue and cake (while supplies last). President Grant himself (portrayed by Ken Surfass) will be on hand, sharing his reflections on America’s 100th birthday, from 1876. Hosted by the Grant Monument Association, this event is free and open to all. You can also view the parade of tall ships from the Grant’s Tomb overlook pavilion.
Outdoor Jazz at Pier i: Sunday, July 5th at 7 p.m.; Pier i in Riverside Park at West 70th St.; free
“Amplified Sundays” is a recurring series of outdoor music events at Pier i in Riverside Park that’s part of Riverside Park Conservancy’s “Summer on The Hudson” programming. This Sunday, Wayne Tucker will perform improv jazz along with Bad Mothas, his NYC-based band. Free, open to all and no reservations or tickets necessary.
Take a Swim in a NYC Public Pool
Public pools are open, celebrating 90 years of public swimming in NYC. Local public pools include Frederick Douglas Pool on Amsterdam Avenue between 100th and 102nd streets, Sheltering Arms Pool on West 129th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, and Gottesman Pool at the Davis Center in Central Park beside the Harlem Meer. They’re typically open from 11 a.m. till 7 p.m. and many offer free swim instruction.
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