How to spend July 4 weekend in Queens
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Fireworks over Citi Field. Photo via Flickr/slgckgc.
By Phineas Rueckert
You don’t even need to get out of town to celebrate Independence Day in style. It’s all in Queens! From night markets to daytime block parties, here’s how to spend the long weekend in your favorite borough.
Wednesday
Start the weekend early with a Subway Series at Citi Field. The Mets are just one of six teams that don’t play on the Fourth of July, but Independence Day is buffered by a spate of premium games at Citi Field in Flushing. On Wednesday night, the Mets play their crosstown foes at Citi Field at the recently renamed 41 Seaver Way. Next up: the Phillies, currently in second place in the NL East, are in town for the weekend. Get your tickets here.
Thursday
Queens already had its big fireworks show, which took place on June 27 at the Great Lawn at Astoria Park to the tune of the Queens Symphony Orchestra. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a number of fun activities on the Fourth.
During the day, make your way to the annual Fourth of July block party in Corona. DJ Omar Olusion will liven up Flushing Meadows Park during a free four-hour set from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. In the evening, head West for a special night market in Long Island City. Running from 3:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., the LIC Flea & Food Market will have food, music and local Queens brews flowing all night long.
Friday
Not tired of partying? On Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., catch the first Friday Night Sunset Lobster Jam of the summer at Jacob Riis Park in the Rockaways. Featuring live reggae music and lobster served up by Red Hook Lobster Pound, this event is sure to be a fun and weird way to spend a Friday night.
Saturday
Another night, another market. With more than 1 million attendees over its first four years, the Queens Night Market is back for its fifth season. From 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. this Saturday, the night market will again take over the New York Hall of Science with a number of vendors selling everything from jerk chicken to pie crust cookies, as well as music throughout the evening.
Sunday
After a busy weekend of eating, get some exercise with free kayaking and canoeing on Sunday afternoon. From 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the LIC Community Boathouse is lending its nautical expertise to help visitors explore Hallets Cove from its departure point at Socrates beach. Just don’t forget sunscreen!
