It is a patriotic week in Bay Ridge, where we celebrate America’s Independence twice!
But first, on Friday night, pedal your bike to McKinley Park (73rd Street between Seventh Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway) where you can take in a free screening of Steven Spielberg’s classic “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” Claim your spot on the lawn with a blanket or chairs, and then phone home and get your friends to join you before the 8:30 pm start time.
Your terrestrial alternative for Friday night is to dance down to the Brooklyn Firefly (7003 Third Ave. at Ovington Avenue) on Friday night for free swing tunes from Gadjo Zaz Trio, who will produce tunes from the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s from 8 pm to 10 pm.
On Saturday, bring the family to Shore Road Park (Shore Road at 83rd Street) for the Cornerstone Church’s eighth annual free summer celebration, beginning at 4 pm. The three-hour event will include free food, games, prizes, face-painting for kids, and an obstacle course.
After you have stuffed yourself with free summer treats, stroll over to the Fort Hamilton Army Base (enter at Fort Hamilton Parkway and 101st Street) for its free Independence Day celebration featuring live music, food, a market, and fireworks. The gates open at 4:30 pm, and the festivities will start an hour later and continue until 10 pm. Be sure to register in advance at www.hamil
And on Wednesday, the Fourth of July, celebrate America’s birthday again by downing the country’s most perfect food — the hot dog — at Lock Yard (9221 Fifth Ave. between 92nd and 94th streets), which serves the frankfurters six different ways. And bring some pals — for the day, if you buy a bucket of four beers, you can follow it up with two beers on the house. The special lasts from all day, from when the Yard opens at 11:30 am until whenever they decide to kick you out. Happy birthday, America!
