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By Sandra Stelmach Published: June 20 2013

Long Islanders gather together for some of the largest celebrations in the country. With fast-approaching festivities and fireworks, don’t miss out on the fun - check out what’s happening near you and across Long Island!

The nation’s favorite major summer holiday is just around the corner - that’s right, it’s almost Independence Day! Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in accordance to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 in Philadelphia - the former thirteen states declared their freedom from British governance. July 4, 1777, the one year anniversary of our independence, was celebrated with music, ringing bells, bonfires, and fireworks. Ever since, Americans continue the tradition in celebrating their freedom by taking part in some fun and entertaining events in commemoration.

Long Islanders gather together for some of the largest celebrations in the country. These fast-approaching festivities include fairs, carnivals and festivals to concerts and sports games to picnics, cruises, and of course the stars of the day - FIREWORKS! Don’t miss out on the fun - check out what’s happening near you and across Long Island!

Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre

Eisenhower Park, East Meadow 11554

516-572-0200

Saturday, June 29, 2013 - 5:30 pm

Free

Check out some world class fireworks displayed by Grucci and presented by TD Bank. Free tickets at TD Bank stores. Gates open at 5 p.m. Show begins at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks at darkness. Performances by Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops, followed by Somethin’s Fresh, the best ‘80’s R&B, Dance and Funk Classic band on Long Island.

Moore’s Lane, Greenport, NY 11944

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Celebrate the holiday at a carnival fundraiser hosted by the Relief Hose Co. & Phenix Hook & Ladder. The carnival will run through July 6th. Fireworks are on July 4th and July 6th at 10 pm. The time of the carnival is to be announced.

Chateau Briand

440 Old Country Road, Carle Place, NY 11514

516-334-6125

Wednesday, July 3, 2013 - 9 pm

Celebrate the Fourth of July early at Body English's Annual Celebration. Table reservation and bottle services are available. Call early at 516-398-8777.

37th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacle Along the Hudson River in New York City Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 8 pm Take an adventure into the city to view more than 40,000 fireworks light up the sky along the Hudson River synchronized to a 25-minute soundtrack. Get yourself comfortable on the couch since the show will be also be broadcast on NBC at 8 pm. Fireworks show curated by Usher.

Umbrella Beach

Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954

631-668-2428

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 9 pm - 9:45 pm

Watch a spectacular show of fireworks in Montauk sponsored by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce. Fireworks can be viewed from any town beach. (Rain date is July 5th).

55 South Bicycle Path, Farmingville, NY 11738

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 6 pm

Free

Enjoy a tribute to Billy Joel by Mike Del Guidice and Big Shot. Doors open at 6 pm and the concert begins at 7:30 pm. Stick around for amazing Grucci fireworks beginning at 9:30 pm. See event listing for more details.

Captree Park

3500 E. Ocean Parkway, Babylon, NY 11702

631-592-9804

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 6:30 pm

7 in Heaven Singles presents a boat cruise joy ride aboard Captain Tim’s, Northstar II, on the Great South Bay with lots of fireworks. Light refreshments will be provided such as appetizers, sandwiches, water, soda, and some dessert. Bring your own beer or wine. All ages are welcome. Free membership to sign up for the group. Fees apply for the event - pre-pay now for $48 (bring a friend for a discounted price) or $55 (cash) at the door with RSVP. NY State parking fee of $8. If it rains, participants will be issued a refund. See event listing for details.

Firemen’s Memorial Field

E. Fenimore St and Albermarle Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580

Thursday, July 4, 2013- 6 pm - 10 pm

The park opens at 6 pm for ticket holders only. The ground show begins at 8 pm. The Fireworks Aerial Display begins at 9:15pm or at coordinator’s discretion. Personal items are subject to search for security purposes. The rain date is July 5th.

333 Bayville Avenue, Bayville on the Sound, New York 11706

516-628-3000

Thursday, July 4, 2013- 6:30 pm

Reserve your table for dinner and fireworks on the beach from the club's private deck and restaurant.

Finley Middle School and Morgan Memorial Park

City of Glen Cove, 11542

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Spend the morning watching the Annual July 4th Children’s Bicycle Parade from 10 am to 11 am at Finley Middle School. Later in the night, view fireworks at the Morgan Memorial Park at 9 pm.

Bethpage Ballpark

3 Court House Drive, Central Islip, NY 11722

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 7:05 pm

Watch the Long Island Ducks play against the Somerset Patriots followed by a Grucci fireworks show presented by Atlantic Honda. Purchase tickets online or by calling 631-940-8499. See event listing for more details.

Pettit Ave, Bellmore, NY 11710

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 8 am

Runners take on the streets of Bellmore to run/walk either a 1-mile course or 4-mile course. The 1- mile run is for runners 12 years of age and under. The 4- mile run is for runners 13 years of age or older. Youth entries are $10 and adult entries are $20 between June 1 and July 3. Entries on race day are $22. Athletes 70 years or older pay nothing. The 1-mile run starts at 8 am. Refreshments will be available before the race, at every mile of the race, and after the race.The race starts at Pettit Avenue and finishes at Grand Ave.

4th of July Fireworks: Asharoken

Asharoken Avenue, Asharoken, NY 11768

(631) 261-7098

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 9:15 pm



The fireworks will be launched from a barge on the Long Island Sound side of Asharoken Avenue and will begin at approximately 9:15pm, weather permitting (raindate: Friday, July 5).



Please note and remember: there is no parking on any Village street and there are no public parking facilities in the Village. Please make sure you and your guests park only on your private property. Due to excessive traffic congestion, for everyone's safety, all traffic and parking laws will be strictly enforced.



Bonfires will be permitted if weather conditions allow them to be lit safely. Bonfires should not be oversized and only wood materials should be burned. The police department will be patrolling the beach. Personal fireworks are strictly forbidden. The fireworks will be launched from a barge on the Long Island Sound side of Asharoken Avenue and will begin at approximately 9:15pm, weather permitting (raindate: Friday, July 5).Please note and remember: there is no parking on any Village street and there are no public parking facilities in the Village. Please make sure you and your guests park only on your private property. Due to excessive traffic congestion, for everyone's safety, all traffic and parking laws will be strictly enforced.Bonfires will be permitted if weather conditions allow them to be lit safely. Bonfires should not be oversized and only wood materials should be burned. The police department will be patrolling the beach. Personal fireworks are strictly forbidden.

6164 Route 25A, Wading River, NY 11792

631-499-6824

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 6 pm - 11 pm

Free Admission

Come out with your family and friends to win some prizes, play some games, enjoy festival good, or just go on the rides! Admission is free for the festival. $30 pay-one-price for rides. The festival will go through July 7, 2013. Fireworks on July 5th at 9 pm.

Peconic Riverfront

Riverhead, NY 11901

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 6:30 pm

Free

Come see 2009 Children’s Grammy nominee, Brady Rymer, rock it out again this year for Independence Day with his Little Band that Could in Riverhead . The evening will be followed by a spectacular fireworks show around nightfall. Make sure to bring your chairs and blanket.

Garvies Point Road & the Harbor, Glen Cove, NY 11542

631-563-8551

Saturday, July 6, 2013 and Sunday, July 7, 2013- 11 am to 9 pm

Free Admission

Spend the weekend at the annual Sea-Faire festival on the waterfront in Glen Cove with games, food, live music, and rides ($30 pay-one-price). The festival will be open from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday. Grucci fireworks show will be held Saturday at 9 pm.

36 Barkers Island Road, Southampton , NY 11968

631-283-5847

Friday, July 5, 2013 - 7 pm - 10 pm

Admission by Tickets - Starting at $300 for General Admission

Fresh Air Home is a residential camp offering special recreational programs for physically challenged children. The picnic raises over 40% of the Home’s annual program expenses. Enjoy a benefit picnic dinner at the only Fourth of July fireworks family party in Southampton. Grucci presents fireworks over the Shinnecock Bay. Rain date is July 7th. Tickets can be purchased online. See event listing for details.

Old Bethpage Village Restoration

1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage, NY 11804

516-572-8400

Thursday, July 4, 2013

A re-creation of a Long Island July 4th celebration at the beginning of the Civil War, in honor of the soldier recruits of the New York Volunteers. Festivities will include a National Patriotic Picnic (bring your own picnic lunch), band concerts and fiddle music, children's games, rifled-musket firings and a patriotic parade and ceremony.

164 Old Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954

631-668-2554

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 9:30 am

Show off your skills by taking part in this year’s sandcastle contest by using sand, water, and any other natural material native to the beach at Hither Hills State Park . Castles will be made on the spot. Prizes will be given to the best sculptors and castles. The contest will be held every Thursday from June 27 to August 29. Registration is held every Thursday from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at the park’s beach house.

Route 25A and Prime Ave, Huntington, NY 11743

631-271-8423

Thursday, July 4, 2013- 8 pm - 10 pm

The North Shore Pops Concert Band consisting of a talented group of musicians perform tunes from Sousa to Gershwin, and Broadway to American Patriotic anthems at Heckscher Park

The Fishery Parking Lot

1 Main Street, East Rockaway, NY 11518

Friday, July 5, 2013 through Sunday, July 7, 2013

Free

Spend the 4th of July weekend at the East Rockaway festival with family and friends. On Saturday at 3 pm, The Eliot Lewis Trio will be performing live after an opening by Drive performing an ‘80s music tribute plus a tribute to The Cars. Enjoy some food, games, rides, a petting zoo, and fireworks! Friday: 6 pm to 11 pm Saturday: 12 pm to 11 pm Sunday: 12 pm to 8 pm

Walker Street

516-541-1443

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 10:30 am

The Chamber would welcome your participation in the 4th of July Parade. Assembly time is 10:30 a.m. The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Walker Street and proceed south on Lake Shore Drive to Park Blvd.

Fourth of July Fireworks: Grangebel Park

Peconic Ave

Riverhead, NY 11901

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - 9 pm

Watch the fireworks light up the skies!

118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901

631-727-4343

Wednesday, July 3, 2013 - 8 pm

$25 in advance/ $30 at the door

Disco and dance the night away with the Terry Hines Band.

118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901

631-727-4343

Thursday, July 4, 2013- 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Free

FREEdom Fest featuring fabulous food and a FREE musical performance by the swingin’ GI Jivesters! There’s always something to celebrate at The Suffolk Theater, so bring the whole family and join us for great food, fun and music on July 4th prior to Riverhead’s fireworks display!

Doors open at 6pm, so come early and join us for dinner (dinner cost additional) and order up some all American food and enjoy some great music!

118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901

631-727-4343

Friday, July 5, 2013 - 8 pm

$25 in advance/ $30 at the door

Experience the best of both American & British Rock. This rock show is a tribute to the music of the great American classic rock artists & bands who came of age particularly in the late 60s & 70's.

118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901

631-727-4343

Saturday, July 6, 2013 - 8 pm

$30 in advance/ $35 at the door

Come Join us with our Red White & Swing Summer Saturday Supper Club Series with the Black Tie Affair Orchestra! Join Tom Manuel and the Black Tie Affair Orchestra for their command return performance at the Tom and his 17 piece big band are calling all jitterbuggers to join us for a swingin’ night of big band - USO style! Supper/Show Package $70.00. Dinner Seating at 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm.

Montauk Farmer’s Market

742 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954

631-668-2428

Thursday July 4, 2013 - 9 am - 2 pm

Stock up on fruits and vegetables for a Fourth of July barbeque at Montauks Farmer’s Market presented by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce . Proceeds will benefit the Montauk Food Pantry.

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If you are looking to lay low and relax during this year’s Fourth of July, get away from the chaos and check out some other summer fun things to do

Beaches

With prominent beaches packed with sun loving people, check out a small, local beach near you to sink your feet into the sand and soak up some sun.



Parks

Hit a local park and enjoy nature and the outdoors with a picnic with family and friends.



BBQ

Are you hosting a Fourth of July barbeque? The 4th of July isn’t the Fourth of July without a BBQ. Start up the grill to rack up your favorites from hotdogs and hamburgers to savory chicken or juicy steak. Check out some farmers’ markets near you and stock up some fresh food!



Public Pools

Cool off by taking a swim in your pool . Don’t have a pool? Check out a local public pool by you and go take a dive.



Boating

Have a boat? Take a ride out into the sound and watch the skies light up with fireworks from all over the area. Don’t own a boat? Go out on a charter boat at one of the fishing charters to watch the fireworks.



Throw a block party

Don’t have anywhere to go? Bring the party to you by closing down your street and have some fun with the neighbors on your block.