Happy 239th Birthday, America! Celebrate Independence Day all week long by attending any of our event picks this week. From a bestselling phenomenon to some hot jazz, a spider exhibit, global-themed entertainment, and, of course, some eye-popping fireworks, we have an awesome array of exciting activities for this holiday week. Happy Fourth of July!
[Editor’s note: For even more ways to celebrate the Fourth in NYC, click here!]
Beginning Wednesday, July 1
“The Hunger Games: The Exhibition”
Discovery Times Square
9am-8pm
Young Katniss Everdeen devotees will not want to miss “Hunger Games: The Exhibition,” coming to Discovery Times Square this Wednesday. This immersive exhibit invites visitors into the world of Panem, where they will view hundreds of authentic costumes and props, see detailed set recreations, and enjoy high-tech interactives as they follow Katniss’ incredible journey through seven galleries. Highlights will include an explorable map of Panem, a stunt choreography interactive, a gamemaker’s control table, the Girl on Fire dress, Katniss’ bow, and more. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Runs through Sunday, January 3, 2016. Tickets are $29.50 for adults and $22.50 for children ages 3-11.
Thursday, July 2
Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: WeBop Family Jazz Party
Madison Square Park
10:30am-11:30am
Park yourself in Madison Square Park this Thursday morning to hear standard jazz classics during Jazz at Lincoln Center’s WeBop Family Jazz Party! The WeBop Family Band will explore the history of jazz and its instruments during this hour-long interactive concert. Perfect for ages 2 and up with adult supervision. This event is free and will be held rain or shine.
Beginning Saturday, July 4
“Spiders Alive!” Exhibit
American Museum of Natural History
10am-5:45pm
Did you know that spiders evolved more than 300 million years ago? For the bravest of little learners, the American Museum of Natural History is reopening its exhibit all about arachnids. “Spiders Alive!” will investigate the eight-legged critters’ anatomy, behavior, defense mechanisms, venom, silk, habitat, and more. Additionally, the exhibit will feature approximately 20 live spiders including the Wolf Spider, the Fishing Spider, the Western Black Widow, and others. Free with museum admission. Runs through Thursday, October 29.
Saturday, July 4
Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks
The Hudson River from Midtown to Lower Manhattan
8pm
Independence Day wouldn’t be complete without a fireworks show, and Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks is arguably one of the best in the nation. This year more than 40,000 fireworks will be synchronized to a score of classic and new patriotic songs. This year’s performers include Kelly Clarkson, Dierks Bentley, Ed Sheeran, Meghan Trainor, Brad Paisley, and others. Please arrive early to ensure a good view. Younger children may benefit from earplugs due to the noise level. For the best places to view the fireworks, please click here. This event is free.
Sunday, July 5
Global Family Day
Central Park
2pm-6pm
This Sunday head to Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield for SummerStage’s Global Family Day. Spend the afternoon enjoying live music, dance, and circus performances that celebrate the diversity of the city. Performers include Shine and the Moonbeams with the Noel Pointer Youth Orchestra, The Red Trouser Show, Batoto Yetu, and Ziporah Roney with collaborative artists. This event is free. Doors open at 2pm; show begins at 3pm.
