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. Catch the annual Macy’s Fireworks Show
The Macy’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks are returning this year for their 47th 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 East River will light up the sky at 9:25 p.m. Watch the 25 minute spectacular as patriotic music rings in the background! Read more about the show here.
When: Tuesday, July 4, 9:25 pm
2. Take in fireworks from 1,100 feet up at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Experience the Macy’s Fireworks Show this year from a new 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: Monday, July 4
3. Sip on frozen red, white, and blue cocktails at Loreley Beer Garden
Stop by Loreley Beer Garden’s Margarita Beach Club pop-up (launching June 28) to enjoy their festive Frosé, White & Blue frozen delight. The tri-color frozen cocktail comes served with festive rubber duckies for the holiday, and pairs perfectly with their newly transformed beachy outdoor space. 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
4. Enjoy a 4-course brunch cruise
How do bottomless mimosas sound this Fourth of July? Well, this luxurious cruise is serving up just that alongside a patriotic 3-course feast. With menu highlights including Scrambled Eggs, Penne alla Vodka, Chocolate Mousse, and plenty more, you’re sure to enjoy a lovely day on the water. Once done dining, step outside to take in the fresh air and astonishing views as you pass by the Statue of Liberty and other NYC landmarks. What more could you want?! Snag your tickets here!
When: Monday, July 4, 12 pm – 2 pm
5. Check out the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
The annual hot dog eating contest in Coney Island is back again this year to ring in a 2023 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!
6. Dance the night away at Somewhere Nowhere
Get your dancing shoes ready and show up to Somewhere Nowhere on July 4 for their Indepen-Dance Day Party! Starting at 3 pm, NYC DJs Rick Wonder and Michael Simpson will be spinning hits all night long, all while you enjoy delicious cocktails, all-American BBQ, and a rooftop view of the Macy’s Fireworks Display!
7. Jam out at The Day Party at The Brooklyn Boardwalk
Join grammy-nominated artist Kehlani for a special Fourth of July performance, an absolute must-hit event of the summer! Alongside some incredible DJs, this unforgettable night set at the infamous Coney Island Art Walls is hosted by The Day Party. Plus, there’s also a July 30th show happening as well featuring performances from Ashanti, Ja Rule and more!
Alongside the music there will be pop-ups, food vendors, installations, access to the Coney Island Fireworks Show, and more! Learn more here.
Where: 3050 Stillwell Ave
8. Sip cocktails at a July 4th Rooftop Party
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!
- Venue House Presents Fourth of July Experience Featuring Sparrow & Barbossa (The Williamsburg Hotel)
- Red, White, and Blue 4th of July Rooftop Party (Elsie Rooftop)
- Independence Day Celebration (Highwater Rooftop)
- July 4th Rooftop Fireworks & BBQ Cookout (Roof at Park South)
- GOSPËL Tribe 4th of July celebration (Westlight)
- Bollywood Bhangra Party (230 Fifth Rooftop)
- July 4th Rooftop Cookout at ART SoHo (Arlo SoHo)
- July 4th Independence Day Party (Daintree Rooftop)
- July 4th Independence Day Party (Sentry Rooftop)
9. 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.
10. Splash around at an NYC pool party
Nothing gives full summer vibes than hanging out at a chic summer pool party! Especially for July 4th, there will be swimming, fireworks, live DJs, drinks, and so much more. Check out the hottest pool parties below and grab your tickets now:
- Venue House & The Summer Club Present The July 4th Pool Party (The Summer Club)
- Hot 97 BLK America Pool Party with 3-Hour Open Bar (11 Second Ave, Central Islip, NY)
- 4th of July Pool Party (The Cool Club at Virgin Hotels NYC)
11. Cruise NYC waters and enjoy the views
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:
- 4th of July Fireworks Yacht Cruise
- July 4th Yacht Party Cruise in NYC!
- Fourth of July Buffet Brunch Cruise
- Premier July 4th Brunch Cruise NYC
12. Scale the outside of a skyscraper to watch the fireworks from the sky
Adventure seekers will have the once in a lifetime chance to view the fireworks spectacle from a completely unobstructed perspective as they traverse City Climb, the highest open-air building ascent in the world. Climbers have the opportunity to scale the outside of a skyscraper more than 1,200 feet above the ground to be within the skyline as the celebration lights up the sky. Learn more here!
When: Monday, July 4, between 7 – 8 pm
13. Hit the ballpark for baseball, fireworks & treats
Treat yourself to America’s national past time and watch the Yankees take on the Orioles on July 3 & 4. The first-ever fireworks night at Yankee Stadium will take place on July 3, as the Yankees celebrate Independence Day a day early with a postgame fireworks display. Sponsored by Baby Ruth, this celebration comes in collaboration with the launch of their brand new Baby Ruth Milkshake (creamy chocolate ice cream, chocolate sprinkles, caramel drizzle, whipped cream and topped with a Baby Ruth bar) that just debuted in the stadium.
14. Go roller skating at Flipper’s Roller Rink
Rockefeller Center’s iconic rink has been turned into Flipper’s Roller Rink once again this summer, and it’s the perfect activity to do this July 4th Weekend! Not only are they offering 20% discounts (code: FLIPPERSJULY4) from June 30-July 4, but they’re also hosting special events leading up to the weekend. Admission starts at only $18 for adults!
Where: 600 5th Ave
15. Set up a festive picnic
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!