July 3 LI planner: 10 top LI events
1. Go 4th on the Bay
WHEN | WHERE 9 p.m. tomorrow, Great South Bay with viewing from Fire Island and the shoreline between Captree State Park and Islip.
INFO grucci.com
ADMISSION Free
Long Island's largest July Fourth fireworks show returns for a spectacular affair over the Great South Bay. Organized by Grucci Fireworks and funded by donations, the display will feature colorful explosions over the water choreographed to classic tunes such as "America the Beautiful."
Although the spectacle will be visible from the shoreline, the best views are from the water. Roughly 20 charter and party boats from the Captree Fleet will ferry passengers from Captree State Park around 7 p.m. for a front-row view -- many invite patrons to pack a picnic with snacks -- advance ticket purchase suggested ($40-$54, captreefleet.com).
2. See dogs soar
Four-leggers will strut their stuff at Everything's Jake V Disc Dog Competition in Sayville, where dogs will leap, vault and fly through the air. Spectators will be entertained by a variety of competitive categories, including distance, accuracy and bull's eye -- dogs from beginner level to professional will be on the field.
WHEN | WHERE 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Gillette Park, Sayville. Registration begins at 9:30. Rain or shine.
INFO 631-258-9800, frisbeedog.org
ADMISSION Free for spectators
3. Jam with "Harry Potter" bands
They call it wizard rock. "Harry Potter"-themed bands with names like The Whomping Willows and Armoured Bearcub will play a free outdoor concert in Holtsville in a ramp-up to next week's release of the final "Potter" movie. Costumes encouraged.
WHEN | WHERE 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sachem Public Library, 150 Holbrook Rd., Holbrook
INFO 631-588-5024, sachemlibrary.org
ADMISSION Free
4. Breakfast -- at Belmont
Get an up close look thoroughbreds during their morning workouts at Belmont Park. After breakfast at the track's cafe (priced a la carte), you'll take a free, family-friendly guided tram ride around the stable and paddock areas to learn about the historic track and see the horses take off for a trot.
WHEN | WHERE 7-9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Belmont Park, Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
INFO 718-641-4700, ext. 2321; nyra.com
COST $1.95 and up for a la carte breakfast
5. Soundgarden at Jones Beach
One of the biggest acts to come out of the grunge scene, Soundgarden -- known for the hits "Black Hole Sun" and "Spoonman" -- has reunited. "School is back in session," front man Chris Cornell tweeted. Indeed.
WHEN | WHERE 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, Ocean Drive, Wantagh
INFO 800-745-3000, livenation.com
ADMISSION $39.50-$87.50
6. Declaration of Independence reading
In honor of the Fourth of July, attendees are invited to read a line from the historic text drafted by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 -- everyone receives a take-home copy provided by the Historical Society of the Merricks.
WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m. tomorrow rain or shine, Merrick Gazebo, north of the LIRR station, Sunrise Highway, Merrick
INFO 516-868-9833, merrick history.org
ADMISSION Free
7. Music Under the Stars
The Town of Oyster Bay's "Music Under the Stars" outdoor concert series kicks off with one of the cofounding members of Santana and Journey, keyboardist and lead vocalist Gregg Rolie, playing a solo show. Bring chairs or a blanket.
WHEN | WHERE 8 p.m. Tuesday, John J. Burns Town Park, Merrick Road, Massapequa
INFO 516-797-7900, oysterbaytown.com
ADMISSION Free
8. Learn to be a clown
Juggling, plate-spinning, balancing -- learn these and other circus skills at the National Circus Project's mini camp, geared toward ages 8 and up.
WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, 76 Main St. in Westhampton Beach
INFO 631-288-2350, whbpac .org
ADMISSION $75
9. Meet Ina Garten
Long Island chef and cookbook author Ina Garten will be interviewed onstage as part of Guild Hall's "Stirring the Pot: Conversations with Culinary Celebrities," series. A book signing of all of her books follows.
WHEN | WHERE 11 a.m. Sunday, July 10, Guild Hall, 158 Main St., East Hampton
INFO 631-324-4050, guild hall.org
ADMISSION $15
10. Browse expensive art.
ArtHamptons, The International Fine Arts Fair, returns to the East End with more than 4,000 works of modern, postmodern and contemporary artwork on display next weekend. Get a sneak peek at a kickoff cocktail party 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday ($100) -- the show opens to the public Friday.
WHEN | WHERE 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. next Sunday, Sayre Park, 154 Snake Hollow Rd., Bridgehampton
INFO 631-283-5505, arthamptons.com
ADMISSION $20 (free younger than 16)
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
Out East with Doug Geed: Wine harvests, a fish market, baked treats and poinsettias NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits two wineries and a fish market, and then it's time for holiday cheer, with a visit to a bakery and poinsettia greenhouses.
