Weekend Picks

What to do this holiday weekend in Northern Westchester:

Fest and Fireworks Head to Kensico Dam for music by the Westchester Philharmonic and fireworks. Gates open at 5:00 pm and the concert starts at 8:oo pm, with fireworks after that. Friday. Kensico Dam Plaza

Independence Day Celebration Bring a picnic to enjoy a reading of the Declaration of Independence and patriotic music on the front lawn. Saturday. John Jay Homestead

Independence Day 1809 Festivities begin with the roar of the cannon and feature a parade through the manor along with its costumed residents, and patriotic speeches and songs. Military re-enactors invite everyone to experience camp life through hands-on activities. Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Van Cortlandt Manor

E.T. The Extraterestial The Spielberg classic, on the big screen. Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm. Jacob Burns Film Center

Old Fashioned Fourth Bring a picnic lunch for an afternoon of fun. Play old-fashioned games and try your hand at churning ice cream. Saturday 1 :00 to 3:00 pm. Muscoot Farm

Independence Day 1859 Plan for a full day of live entertainment including dramatic presentations, rousing speeches, period music, and traditional country dancing for everyone. Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Sunnyside

Storytime and Book Signing Join Susanna Pitzer for a reading of her childrens book, Not Afraid of Dogs. Saturday, 12:30 pm. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

Peekskill Fireworks Celebrate with colors over the Hudson at the Riverfront Green Park. Saturday, 9:30 pm. City of Peekskill

Pops, Patriots & Fireworks Celebrate July 4th with great American music and a spectacular fireworks display (for ticket holders only). Saturday, 8:00 pm. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

The Rhonda Denét Project Enjoy the electrifying chemistry as The Rhonda Denét Project performs. Saturday, 9:30 pm. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Jazz Brunch Enjoy the tasty brunch menu while the Tony Jefferson Duo performs jazz standards and classic tunes by artists such as Miles Davis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and others. Sunday, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Bean Runner Cafe

Pacifica Quartet 2009 Grammy Award winner and Musical America's 2009 ensemble of the year, The Pacifica Quartet is simply the hottest string quartet in the country. Sunday, 4:30 pm. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Historic Tree Trail Take a walking tour through a grove of historic trees with horticulturist Tolly Beck. Sunday, 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial