By Stacey Leigh DiPillo

For Weekender

10 things to do in NYC this weekend.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_liberty2.jpg.optimal.jpg10 things to do in NYC this weekend.

Summer is in full swing and if you’re headed to the Big Apple this weekend, you have your choice of some amazing activities to fill your days. From behind the scenes look at the futuristic Panem to the nostalgic times of the 19th century, make sure you save some room for ice cream and cocktails!

May the odds be ever in your favor: The Hunger Games Exhibition is now open in Discovery Times Square. Featuring all aspects of Panem, including costumes, sets, and interactive behind the scenes exhibits, you’ll feel like you are right alongside Katniss in her journey. Discovery Times Square, 226 West 44th Street www.thehungergamesexhibition.com

Get Inked Up: Love tattoos? With or without the permanent statement, you can still enjoy the art of tattoos. Inked Magazine is hosting the New York Empire State Tattoo Expo July 10-12 at the New York Hilton in Midtown. This event features world famous tattoo artists, Burlesque performances and Coney Island Sideshow entertainers.

Bastille Day: Celebrate France’s independence on July 12th from noon to 5 p.m. Highlighting all things French from wine and cheese to can-can dancers, spend the day feeling as if you were in Paris. Lenox Hill at 60th street between 5th and Lexington Avenues. http://www.bastilledayny.com/index.shtml

Rooftop Bars: Visiting NYC wouldn’t be complete without taking in the gorgeous NYC views from a rooftop bar. Follow this link for your choice of the best rooftop bars for the summer of 2015 and enjoy the view as you sip unique cocktails created by NYC’s top mixologists. http://www.timeout.com/newyork/bars/rooftop-bars-in-nyc?package_page=35439

Vaudeville Garden Party: If you’ve ever felt like travelling back in time to the 19th century to see how they partied, this event is for you. On July 11th at 7pm head to the Greenwood Cemetery where you’ll experience period music, fire-eaters and other entertainment from the 19th century. http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-at-niblos-garden-tickets-17004119780?aff=ebritenyc15jul

4Knots Music Festival: For the 5th year in a row, this indie music festival is sponsored by the Village Voice, with performances from old and new indie rock bands. Located at Pier 84 in the Hudson River Park, from 1-10pm on Saturday, July 11th, you can spend the day eating, drinking and listening to great music while taking in the views of NYC. See the following link for tickets and lineup. http://microapp.villagevoice.com/4knots/2015/

The World Famous Brooklyn Ice Cream Takedown: I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! On July 12 head out to the Royal Palms from noon to 2 p.m. to taste all the best homemade and artisanal ice cream from big names like Ample Hills and Cool Haus. http://thetakedowns.com/

The Lincoln Center Festival: This festival has been going on for 20 years with performances from opera to puppetry to theatre to dance. Some highlights for this weekend include the National Ballet of China and Danny Elfman’s live concert from the films of Tim Burton. For tickets and more details, http://www.lincolncenterfestival.org/2015

The Latin Alternative Music Conference: Taking place in venues throughout the city, from July 7 -11 you are sure to find something you like. Musical acts performing Hip Hop, Electronica, Funk and more, this event will definitely have you dancing. http://www.latinalternative.com/

Broadway in Bryant Park: Performances by select Broadway shows on Thursdays from 12:30-1:30 p.m. are the best way to spend a summer afternoon. This week, July 9 head over to the lawn at Bryant Park to see “STOMP,” “Wicked,” “It Shoulda Been You” and “Fuerza Buerta.” http://www.bryantpark.org/plan-your-visit/broadway.html

Stacey Leigh is a creative and an educator living in Brookly, New York. You can email her at staceyleighdip@gmail.com