The Fourth of July is coming up and no one celebrates the patriotic holiday quite like New York City!
From fireworks lighting up the skyline to rooftop parties and festive cruises, NYC is pulling out all the stops.
Whether you’re feeling patriotic or just in it for the vibes, here are the best ways to celebrate Independence Day in the city.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The Macy’s Annual 4th of July Fireworks are returning this year for their 49th anniversary!
The spectacle returns to the East River this year after switching to the west side’s Hudson River in 2024, and will feature the country’s largest July 4th fireworks display with over 48,000 shells synced to an original curated musical score.
New Yorkers will be able to watch the 25 minute spectacular along the river via dedicated viewing areas, with free tickets set to be released in the coming weeks!
🎆 More information on this year’s show!
When: Friday, July 4, 8 pm
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
The annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island is back again this year to ring in a 2025 champion!
Stop by the famous corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues where World Champion Patrick Bertoletti will try to defend his title as a top-ranked hot dog eater!
This year’s events will take place on July 4th, 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!
Where: Corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island
New York Yankees vs New York Mets subway series
Treat yourself to America’s national past time and watch the two of MLB’s best teams square off against one another, the Yankees and Mets!
The famous “Subway Series” will happen at the Met’s Citi Field during July 4th weekend (Friday – Sunday, July 4 – 6), with a special Mets Block Party evening happening before Saturday’s game!
July 4th at Edge
NYC’s highest outdoor sky deck will serve as the perfect viewing point for the the city’s iconic fireworks display lights…which will spread across the entire NYC skyline.
The Edge’s annual July 4th celebration includes exclusive access to the indoor and outdoor viewing areas across levels 100 and 101, anopen bar and unlimited appetizers from 8 – 11 pm, a live DJ on the outdoor deck, and of course the once-in-a-lifetime firework views.
Tickets start at $400 and are on sale now.
🇺🇸 More information on July 4th at Edge!
Red, White & Views: Fourth of July Fireworks at South Street Seaport Museum
South Street Seaport Museum’s fireworks viewing event will kick off on July 4th at 6:30 pm, welcoming New Yorkers to Pier 16 to get an unparalleled view of the Macy’s Fireworks!
With two special viewing areas on the pier (Red and Blue), you can gain access to one of the best front row, waterfront views to the fireworks show.
Tickets are now available for $75–$95!
🎆 More information on the event
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.
The beach’s Friday Night Fireworks program happens from June 20th through Labor day, and they’ll be launching them on Friday, July 4th from the beach at West 12th Street!
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 July 4th cruises below:
- July 4th: Eternity Dinner Cruise
- July 4th Fireworks Cruise + BBQ Buffet on Grand Mariner
- July 4th Yacht Party Cruise in NYC!
- July 4th Fireworks Spectacular! at Clipper City
- New York 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise Pier 15
- New York 4th of July Signature Dinner Cruise Pier 61
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 rooftop parties to celebrate the holiday!
- July 4th Fireworks Party at San Antonios
- July 4th Independence Sunset Party at Starchild Rooftop
- July 4th Independence Day Party at Daintree Rooftop
- 4th of July Rooftop Party at Elsie Rooftop
- 4th of July Fireworks Party at 33 Hotel
- Gospël Tribe July 4th Party w/ Kaz James and more at Westlight
- Sky-High 4th of July at Manhatta
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.
Immersive experiences around NYC
Looking for something to do inside to beat the July 4th heat? Head to one of NYC’s popular immersive experiences, especially these awesome VR activations happening in NYC:
- Horizon of Khufu: A VR journey through Ancient Egypt, bring you back over 4,500 years through Egyptian history. Tickets here
- Tonight with the Impressionists: A VR experience through 1874 Paris, with a focus on the important period of impressionism art and a reconstruction of the first Impressionist exhibition in Paris. Tickets here
- Life Chronicles: A VR experience taking you on a 3.5 billion year journey through the Earth’s history. You’ll see all sorts of dinosaurs, ancient oceans, and more along the way…all curated by France’s Natural History Museum. Tickets here