The (Long) Weekend: 7.2-7.5

Debating whether or not to skip town for the long weekend? Well, if you haven't made up your mind yet, here's what's going on in Brooklyn which might just sway to you head to your friend's rooftop for the fireworks viewing. And, because it's a long weekend for most of you, we're doing an extended version.

Thursday, July 2

Boats: See Prospect Park after the lights go down in a Twilight Tour, including a boat ride on the lake and possibly a glimpse at the bats that live amongst us. The tour starts at 6:30 at the Audubon Center (located at the Boathouse is located just inside the Lincoln Road/Ocean Ave. entrance), and costs $30 a person (cash only).

Celebrate Brooklyn: If boats and bats aren't your thing, hang out at the Bandshell in Prospect Park instead, where a Latin Music series will get underway as part of the Celebrate Brooklyn! festival. Puerto Rican pop star Obie Bermúdez, headlines this triple bill, which also includes Yerba Buena singer Cucu Diamantes and the activist hip-hop outfit Rebel Diaz. Gates open at 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. show. It's free. The Bandshell is located at Prospect Park West and 9th Street.

Friday, July 3

Festival: The Afro-Punk Festival takes over downtown Brooklyn, with music, film and BMX contests happening throughout the weekend. Tonight at 9:30 p.m, BAMcinématek hosts a screening of "Favela Rising," which tells the true story of Anderson Sá who, after his brother was killed by corrupt police officials, formed AfroReggae, a band and social movement dedicated to using music to combat the spread of violence among Rio de Janeiro’s youth. For a comprehensive look at what's happening at BAM (30 Lafayette Ave.) and a nearby skate park specially built for the festival, go here.

Music: Like it loud? Head to the Woodsist/Captured Tracks festival, also produced by Todd P, at 979 Broadway Backyard, where Crystal Stilts headline tonight's show, and Thee Oh See take to the stage tomorrow along with Vivian Girls, among others. Tickets are $15 each day (click here to buy for July 3 or July 4), or $25 for both. The event is rain or shine, and starts 3 p.m. July 3 and 1 p.m. July 4.

Saturday, July 4

Art: Head to the MonsterBASH at Open Source in Park Slope, where there will be an opening reception of Kylin O'Brien's work (giant monster paintings made with the help of neighborhood children), as well as a BBQ, crafts and music. It happens from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the gallery (251 17th street between Fifth and Sixth avenues).

Games: The Gowanus's newest space, Littlefield (622 Degraw St), hosts a scavenger hunt and BBQ in the neighborhood. Sign your team up at hey@littlefieldnyc.com, and get ready for the hunt. It all starts at 2 p.m. In addition to the game, there will also be BBQ, DJs and free booze.

Bocce: More games can be played at Union Hall (702 Union St.), as the Park Slope spot hosts a 4th of July Bocce Smackdown at 1 p.m., with burgers and hot dogs during the single-elimination tournament. After seeing the fireworks, come back for a karaoke jam, with no cover and drink specials, at 11 p.m.

Sunday, July 5

Outdoors: The latest DJ Sunday Best! at the BKLYN Yard (388-400 Carroll St.) features German-based DJ Losoul, in addition to resident DJs Eamon Harkin, Doug Singer and Justin Carter. Eat huaraches, drink sangria, and dance off those July 4th hot dogs and burgers. From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $10m, $8 before 4 p.m. or with an rsvp.

Music: Hear the latest from Brooklyn-based classical indie act Fire in July, led by cello songstress Jody Redhage, with a CD release prevew party at Barbes (376 9th St.) in Park Slope, starting at 7 p.m.