July 1 weekly planner: Top 10 LI events

WEEK OF JULY 1-7

1. See Shakespeare outdoors

An abridged version of Shakespeare's "Macbeth" will fill the outdoor stage at Suffolk County Community College, hosting its annual Long Island Shakespeare Festival through July 15.

The drama, performed by students and alumni, is one of the great tragedy-themed plays by the Great Bard and shows the ill-fate of corrupting ambition.

Bring a chair or blanket -- if it's raining, the performance will be held on the campus at an indoor location.

2. Star-Spangled blast

Celebrate Independence Day with a concert of patriotic music presented by the Long Island Philharmonic conducted by David Stewart Wiley at 7:30 p.m. A Grucci fireworks display follows at 9:30 p.m. -- the synchronized fireworks music will be simulcast live on classic rock station WRCN / 103.9 FM.

3. Aquarium sleepover

Get your sleeping bag for an overnight stay at the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center. The theme: "Bedtime With Butterflies and Bugs." The evening includes dinner and a screening of "A Bug's Life," followed by meeting live free-flying butterflies and doing a butterfly craft. When the lights dim, nuzzle-in next to either the 120,000-gallon shark tank or the colorful clown fish tank. A continental breakfast will be served in the morning. Reservations required.

4. Summer screening

5. Long Island Toy Show

It might feel like Christmas morning -- in July -- at the Long Island Toy Show, where you'll find hundreds of video games, comic books and toys for sale. While there, meet the 501st Legion, a group of "Star Wars" enthusiasts dressed in costume, or author Mark Bellomo, who will sign copies of his book "Totally Tubular '80s Toys."

6. Tennis, anyone?

Tennis is a summerlong pleasure at Hempstead Lake State Park, where -- beginning Monday -- folks take to the clay courts to compete in daily tournaments for men's and women's singles, doubles and mixed doubles. If you're coming to watch, bring your own seating.

7. Sagamore Hill

Visit Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, the "Summer White House" and former home of President Theodore Roosevelt on Wednesday, when its annual July 4 celebration is a festive tribute to yesteryear. You'll see Roosevelt interpreter James Foote in character addressing the crowd, and the Rough Riders will re-enact historical challenges on horseback. Festivities also include patriotic music and children's activities.

8. Doggie competition

Dogs will be flying in Sayville on Saturday. That's when dozens of four-leggers will compete in the New York State Disc Dog Championship -- jumping high, far and long to catch discs thrown by their owners. It's a remarkable thing to watch -- bring your own seating.

9. Shecky's Girls Day Out

Get chic in the Hamptons -- an outdoor Shecky's Girls Day Out is a time for BFFs to get pampered with mini manicures, express beauty services and shopping for clothing, jewelry and accessories. Bonus: a Cointreau-based mixology class will teach you how to make summer cocktails.

10. Alive After Five

In true block party fashion, the Alive After Five street festival series kicks off Friday featuring five stages of live music featuring Reckoning, Oogee Wawa and others, food and craft vendors, outside dining and children's activities. Continues July 20, Aug. 10 and 17.