Bastille Day, Human-Tree Figures and Going Backstage with Harry Potter

1. Get a Crash Course in Bastille Day

This French holiday commemorates the 1789 storming of the Bastille—a prison that symbolized Louis the 16th's absolute and arbitrary power. It also marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the move toward democracy.

2. Drink like the French

brings in Bastille Day with a traditional afternoon meal ($30.00/$45.00 for two) complete with mini croissants, salad, cheeses, Madeline cookies and tea. For supper, continue the celebration at with a a $55 five-course tasting menu, which includes wine and live music.

3. Hear Some Really Terrible Music

Take a break from those standard, euphonic summer concerts to hear the sounds of two “Really Terrible” music crews. The Really Terrible Orchestra of Westchester and The Really Terrible Dixieland Jazz Band hit the stage at the from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. tonight.

4. Harry Potter Opens and Sells Out

It took a decade, but the last book in the Harry Potter series hits the big screen tonight. But, if you’re like us, and didn’t buy tickets in advance, you’ll have to wait until the opening hoopla passes since tickets have already sold out. To tide you over until then, check out Lilburn Patch's look into the movie.

5. Check Out Tree Figures

Rather than just use the trees in his Vermont Backyard for shade, artist Joseph Wheelwright decided to craft haunting, that reach as high as 27 feet. Check out these natural sculptures at the Katonah Museum.