CENTRAL PARK — Free concerts by the New York Philharmonic and fireworks shows are returning to Central Park this week.
The Philharmonic will play three classical pieces on the park's Great Lawn starting 8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Both concerts will close with 20 minutes of fireworks beginning at 10 p.m.
On Wednesday night, the orchestra will perform Rossini's overture to "La Gazza Ladra," Mozart's "Clarinet Concerto" and R. Strauss's "Ein Heldenleben."
Thursday night's program will include Beethoven's "Symphony No. 3, Eroica," his overture to "Fidelio," Wagner's "Tristan und Isolde: Prelude and Liebestod."
The Great Lawn, located mid-park between 79th and 86th streets, is open all day but it fills up fast, so the Central Park Conservancy advises visitors to show up early to nab a good spot.
The closest subway stops are the B and C trains at West 81st Street or West 86th Street, the 1 train at West 79th Street or West 86th Street, and the 4, 5, and 6 trains at East 86th Street.
Bring bug spray, sunscreen and an extra cover-up, organizers said, noting that picnic dinners are also encouraged.
Dogs are not allowed on the lawn, and booze is also prohibited, park officials said.
For more information, visit the Conservancy's website.
