Me again. I've only been to NYC during the spring (March) and many times at Thanksgiving. Can some of you share your insight into the weather, crowds, activities during July? Also, I'd love to take my sister-in-law and brother, who have never been to NYC, to a show. They've never done that either. Something witty that will keep their attention in case theater ends up not "being their thing." Thanks!!

Macy's Fireworks over the East River.

Crowds okay, not peak but not deserted.

Due to the fact that the 4th is on a Monday this year, it makes for a long weekend. Pick the show you want to see for the show and not the performer because the performer may take the holiday weekend off.

July 4th weather - hot. City mostly empty because lots of people who live in the city leave, so there are really only crowds the extremely tourist spots (and of course the for the fireworks). Lots of stuff to do, though, because the parks will be in full swing.

As for a show, Avenue Q probably fits what you were saying most, although younger people are more likely to enjoy it.

Weather warm to hot. This is on average the hottest month of the year. Crowds as mentioned over the holiday not terrible b/c many NYers leave town. Sightseeing venues will be crowded.

Activities, this is a time of outdoor concerts and plays in Central Park although maybe not on that weekend. Here's a page on what was going on this past year at that time. The Big Onion historic walking tour would be fun.

As to theater, I think Ave Q is a bit controversial so you'd have to tell us more about your sil and bro to recommend something. Do you think they'd like a musical or just comedy? There are a lot of things that will be opening b/w now and then. They might enjoy Wicked. Go to playbill and see what's on and what's coming.

Except for the crowds at the evening fireworks on July 4, the city will not be that crowded over the weekend.
As for weather, July is hot, but August is usually hotter (sorry, mclaurie!).
And, as others have said, we need to know more about what your group's tastes are before we can recommend any shows.

We are four "thirty-somethings." My husband and I enjoy musicals--usually the light and comical variety. Not sure what brother and sister-in-law will like--she is from the Phillipines and, although she's been here for 12 years or so, she may not "get" some of the more offbeat stuff. For example, I really thought about Spamalot if it's playing while we are there, but I'm not sure she would like it. What about Wicked? Someone care to give me a run down?

Wicked is the "back story" of the 2 witches from the Wizard of Oz. Would she get it?

Harvey Fierstein is currently in Fiddler on the Roof, a classic. Don't know if he'll stay that long but my friend thought it was terrific even after seeing it umpteen times.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will be opening in a month or so with John Lithgow. It's a musical version of a movie Michael Caine did about some scam artists in the South of France. Could be fun.