Closing Bell: What to Do in Brooklyn on the 4th of July

As always, the main event on July 4 is the Macy’s fireworks — which are back on the East River this year, for prime Brooklyn viewing. But there are other things to do in the borough on Independence Day, if you’re not headed to someone’s beach house. Here are 10, free unless otherwise noted:

Watch professional speed-eaters stuff themselves at the Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest in Coney Island. Will Joey “Jaws” Chestnut rack up his ninth straight title? Women’s event starts at 11 a.m., followed by men at 12:40, by Nathan’s on Stillwell Avenue.

Stick around Coney Island for the annual July 4 Beach Party held by Salsa Salsa Dance Studio, on the beach in front of the parachute drop. Music by DJ John John BK, starts at noon.

Watch the July 4th-themed alien-invasion flick “Independence Day,” which will be screening on a loop at Videology in Williamsburg. Free, 503 Bedford Avenue.

For kids: Make a plumed hat and then sign your name to a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence at the Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. $3 suggested donation, 2 to 5 p.m. While you’re at it, stop at the park Audubon Center between noon and 5 p.m. and learn how the bald eagle became America’s symbol of independence. Info on both events here. 

Visit the four-day International African Arts Festival in Commodore Barry Park, by the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The July 4th musical lineup features headliners Living Colour at 7:15 p.m., preceded by Norman Connors (5:30) and the George Gray Jazz Coalition (4 p.m.).

Attend the opening of the new pop-up park at the Domino Sugar site on the Williamsburg waterfront, which, as we covered earlier this week, features a mountain-biking track and an urban farmstead.

See the legendary “King of Latin Soul” Joe Bataan at Union Pool, as part of the free Saturday Summer Thunder series. DJ Turmix spins. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Bataan at 3:30, 484 Union Avenue.

Since nothing is more American than baseball, watch the Brooklyn Cyclones take on the Williamsport Crosscutters. Game starts at 6 p.m., tickets start at $10.

Nothing says freedom like “coed burlesque,” and if that’s what you’re after this July 4 you’ll find it at Wasabassco Presents: America F*ck Yeah 5, at the Bell House in Gowanus. Beer, barbecue and American-themed stripteases are promised. $20, 8 p.m., 149 7th Street.

The Macy’s fireworks aren’t the only ones in town — don’t forget that there will be bombs bursting in air in Coney Island as well. Off the beach by the Steeplechase Pier, 9:45 p.m.

Photo via Brooklyn Cyclones