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If you’re not venturing out of Gotham this holiday weekend, commemorate Independence Day at one of the many fiestas on the island—or skip across the river for an outer-borough soiree. Get groovy at a folk concert, go cruising on the harbor, or catch a glimpse of those flashy fireworks over the Manhattan skyline. Browse the events!
FREE Coney Island Fireworks
Thu 3 at 9:30pm. Deno’s Wonder Wheel, Boardwalk at W 12th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn (718-449-8836, wonderwheel.com). This year, Brooklynites get a head start on Independence Day: The fireworks go off Thursday night. Beachcombing kiddies can head to Coney Island USA (1208 Surf Ave at W 12th St) for sleight-of-hand and strange stunts from Albert Cadabra and Gal Friday before the dazzling light show begins. All ages.
Independence Day Celebration
Fri 4 11am–5pm. Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave at St. Patricks Pl, Staten Island (718-351-1611, historicrichmondtown.com). Travel: From the Staten Island Ferry, take the S74 bus to Richmond Rd and St. Patricks Pl. $5, children $3.50, under 5 free. Take a step back in time to experience the leisure of a vintage Fourth . After kids get crafty at the pinwheel-making station, families can set off Victorian paper fireworks—colorful parchment designs that twist and fly through the air—and nosh on freshly churned ice cream. All ages.
FREE Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest
Fri 4 at noon. Nathan’s Famous, 1310 Surf Ave at Stillwell Ave, Coney Island, Brooklyn (718-946-2202, nathansfamous.com). Subway: D, F, N, Q to Coney Island–Stillwell Ave. Every year since 1916, competitors have gathered outside Nathan’s Famous to scarf down as many hot dogs—buns and all—as their stomachs will allow in 12 minutes. Last year, after a six-year winning streak, Takeru “the Tsunami” Kobayashi was defeated by bottomless pit Joey Chestnut, who consumed a record-setting 66 hot dogs in front of nearly 50,000 people. Today, the drama escalates as the two compete again for the coveted Mustard Yellow Belt. Take the whole family to witness this enduring event, but be warned—afterward, at least for a while, you may have to add hot dogs to the list of foods your picky kids refuse to eat. All ages.
