It’s time again to “ooo” and “ahhh” your way through the weekend. That’s right, 4th of July is right around the corner and we’ve got tons of ideas on how you can celebrate! From yacht cruises to watching fireworks, there’s so many incredible ways to get patriotic and celebrate the birth of the U.S. Here are 15 great ways to spend fourth of July in NYC.
1. Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The Macy’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks are returning this year for their 48th anniversary. With dedicated viewing areas, the night will feature special new effects in 30 different shapes and colors. Over 48,000 shells and effects from barges on the Hudson River, returning to the West Side for the first time since 2013. Watch the 25 minute spectacular as patriotic music rings in the background! Read more about the show here.
When: Thursday, July 4, 8 pm
2. Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
The annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island is back again this year to ring in a 2024 champion! Stop by the famous corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues where World Champion Joey Chestnut will try to defend his title as a top-ranked hot dog eater! This year’s events will take place on July 4, with the woman’s contest happening at 10:45 am and the main competition at noon. The event is free and first come-first serve! Learn more about the event here.
3. July 4th at EDGE
NYC’s highest sky deck will serve as the perfect viewing point for the the city’s iconic fireworks display lights…which will light up the Hudson River for the first time since 2013. Its West Side location makes it the perfect vantage spot, and their July 4th experience includes private access to Edge’s 100-stories-high indoor and outdoor viewing areas, open bar with unlimited appetizers from 8 – 10 pm, and a live DJ set from 7.30 – 11 pm. Tickets can be purchased here!
4. Hit the beach
This year’s 4th of July forecast is looking pretty lovely! Grab your beach towels, flip flops and soak in the Independence Day sun! From Rockaway Beach to the Jersey Shore, there’s no shortage of beach havens close to NYC. It’s the perfect place to take a short day trip too if you want to escape the muggy streets of the city.
5. Fourth of July Celebration at The William Vale
Westlight, the rooftop bar atop Williamsburg’s The William Vale is hosting a rooftop party once again in collaboration with Gospël Tribe. On both July 3rd and 4th, they’ll be hosting two epic nights of live DJ sets featuring Carlita, Amémé, Rome, and DeRoos on the 23rd floor rooftop decks, while Monobase and Milo spin up electronic and house beats on the 22nd floor open air floor over golden sunset views. Plus, James Beard award-winning Chef Andrew Carmellini will be serving up summer cocktails like the “Spicy Sunset” and “Frozen Piña Colada” all night long! Learn more about the events and how to grab your tickets here.
6. Coney Island Fireworks
If you’re in Coney Island for the holiday (perhaps after the Hot Dog Eating Contest), stick around and watch the Coney Island Fireworks, which will happen at 9:45 pm at Steeplechase Park. They are also hosting their weekly Friday Night Fireworks all summer long as well!
7. Fourth of July in the Sky at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Experience fireworks across NYC this year from an iconic vantage point at the iconic SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. SUMMIT is hosting an exclusive Fourth of July Celebration providing guests with two premium drinks, panoramic views, and access to sky boxes. With 30,375 square-feet of mirrors across three viewing levels and festive music, SUMMIT will offer guests a boundless immersion experience this 4th of July. Tickets are limited so get yours before it’s too late! You can purchase a ticket here.
When: Thursday, July 4
8. July 4th rooftop parties
Grab 360 degree views of fireworks and dance the night away at one of NYC’s rooftop bars. Check out some standout bars below that are throwing special July 4th parties to celebrate the holiday!
- 4th of July Rooftop Party at Elsie Rooftop
- 4th of July Fireworks Party at Virgin Hotels NYC
- 4th of July Party at Nubeluz
- Fourth of July Fireworks & Soirée at Gansevoort Rooftop
- Sky-High 4th of July at Manhatta
9. July 4th cruises
Whether it’s to dine, party, or simply enjoy the views, there are so many cruising options to consider this holiday weekend! You get to be up close and personal with the fireworks…all while taking in the gorgeous skyline and beautiful July weather. Check out some of our favorite cruises happening this weekend below:
- July 4th Fireworks Spectacular! at Clipper City
- Premier July 4th Brunch Cruise
- July 4th Fireworks Cruise NYC Aboard the Manhattan I
- New York 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise Pier 15
- New York 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise Pier 61
10. Sip on frozen red, white, and blue cocktails at Loreley Beer Garden
Stop by Loreley Beer Garden to enjoy their festive Frosé, White & Blue frozen delight. The tri-color frozen cocktail comes served with festive rubber duckies for the holiday, and is being served July 3 – 7. Plus, there are happy hour specials happening on select margaritas, bottles of wine, beer, and cocktails starting at 5 pm on weekdays and 12 pm Friday-Sunday.
Where: 7 Rivington St
11. Baseball, fireworks & treats
Treat yourself to America’s national past time and watch the Yankees take on the Reds on July 3 & 4 and the Boston Red Sox during July 4th weekend. The first fireworks night at Yankee Stadium of the season will take place on July 3, as the Yankees celebrate Independence Day a day early with a postgame fireworks display.
12. Picnics in the park
Get your hotdogs and hamburgers ready, because this weekend is the ultimate time to have an Independence Day picnic. Especially in one of NYC’s lovely waterfront parks, it can be the perfect place to have a patriotic gathering. Check out our favorite picnic spots in NYC and start planning yours now!
13. Visit this whimsical Bubble Planet
This unique ‘Bubble Planet’ experience has popped into cities like L.A. and Denver and is now opening just in time for the 4th of July weekend at the American Dream Mall, just under an hour from Midtown. The limited-time experience is filled to the brim with every kind of bubble imaginable and features everything from VR technology to 10 whimsical-themed rooms. Grab your tickets!