Weekend Picks -- Manhattanhenge, High Line Fest, Pre-Bastille, and More

This weekend, we've got plenty of outdoor concerts and festivals plus a pub crawl to drink to Michael Jackson and that biannual light show by Mother Nature known as Manhattanhenge. Here are our picks for the weekenf of July 10-12, 2009:

• Midsummer Night Swing -- Learn to rumba on Friday night and then mambo Saturday night away at Midsummer Night Swing.



• Central Park SummerStage -- Check out free concerts in Central Park this weekend. On Saturday, enjoy a program featuring Puerto Rico's urban-alternative Grammy Winners, Calle 13. On Sunday, it's Family Day with kids' music from DJ Lance Rock and Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba! and a Sleeping Beauty puppet show.



• King of Pop Pub Crawl -- Raise a glass to the King of Pop on this Saturday pub crawl in memory of Michael Jackson. It starts at 11AM at Village Pourhouse and each bar will feature different drinks specials and a different Michael Jackson album for drinking music. Dress in tribute to Michael and prepare for a choreographed Thriller dance scene at the final pub crawl stop.



• High Line Street Festival -- On Sunday, there's a major party on the High Line. Check out New York City's newest and most unusual green space and enjoy musical entertainment, free lemonade, and a giant balloon sculpture. See photos of the High Line. And check out our listings of other street fairs and festivals in New York City this weekend.



• Bastille Day on 60th Street -- On Sunday, start celebrating Bastille Day (July 14th) early with a full day of French culture and entertainment at this outdoor festival on 60th Street between Fifth Avenue and Lexington Avenue. Sample French delicacies, dance in the streets, and enter to win a trip to Paris.



• Manhattanhenge -- Don't miss the biannual thrill of Manhattanhenge. On Sunday, the setting sun will perfectly align with the east-west streets of Manhattan and produce a spectacular light effect. For the best views, position yourself on the east side of 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, or 57th Street at around 8:20. See photos of Manhattanhenge on Flickr and check back here on Monday for pictures of Sunday's light show.



• The Amazing New York Race -- You don't have to leave New York City to run The Amazing Race. Join the race this Sunday and compete to finish road blocks and detours for valuable prizes. Read about my experience on The New York Amazing Race for a preview of what it's all about.