Fourth of July events: The best things to do on America's birthday
All the Fourth of July events in NYC—from fireworks to fairs and barbecues—that will make your Independence Day one worth celebrating
Fri Jun 8 2012
Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks
- Critics choice
- Free
For this mother of all pyrotechnic displays, Macy's will explode more than 40,000 fireworks choreographed to a 25-minute patriotic score. Stake out a nice spot along the Hudson to watch, and bring your own picnic basket with beverages to toast our country's birthday.
- Hudson River
- Thu Jul 4
Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
- Critics choice
- Free
One or two dogs are enough for you? That’s fine. You and an estimated 40,000 others can watch the professionals gorge on dozens more in the granddaddy of all pig-out contests. Last year’s winner and the defending champ, Joey Chestnut, holds the official world record with 68 dogs in ten minutes. Be glad it’s not you up on the podium.
- Coney Island
- Thu Jul 4
Tenth Annual Nighttime Walking Tour of Revolutionary War New York
- Price band: 1/4
- Critics choice
There are few better places to truly gain an appreciation of our war for independence than lower Manhattan. In the wee hours, you'll retrace the steps of prominent Revolutionary War figures, greeting dawn's early light at Trinity Church. The tour starts at Fraunces Tavern Museum, most famous as the spot where George Washington gave his farewell address to his officers in the Continental Army.
- Fraunces Tavern Museum 54 Pearl St, at Broad St
- Wed Jul 10
July 4th Pier Party
- Price band: 3/4
- Critics choice
The Fourth of July is a night to celebrate, so do it up right at the Pier Party hosted by Circle Line. You won't be sailing around Manhattan, instead, you'll spend the night on Pier 83 at the Hudson River, dancing, drinking and eating—all leading up to the big Macy's Fireworks show, which will display nearly directly overhead.
- Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83, W 42nd St , at the Hudson River
- Wed Jul 10
Rooftop Beach Party
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Soak up some sun at this all-day rooftop celebration, which boasts a killer view of the July 4th fireworks and rap artist Lil Jon as the headlining act, plus Wyclef Jean performing a DJ set. Take a break from boogying to plunder food-truck vendors such as Phil’s Steaks, Souvlaki GR, Valducci’s Original Pizza and the Crepes Truck. Still hungry? Dig into BBQ goodies from Virgil’s Real Barbecue and watch the sun set over the Hudson.
- Pier 92 Hudson River, at 52nd St
- Wed Jul 4 - Thu Jul 5
July 4th Fireworks Cruise
- Price band: 3/4
Why stand elbow-to-elbow along Eleventh Avenue to see the fireworks when you could be sailing along the Hudson. Hop aboard this annual Circle Line Cruise where a dance party and live DJ compete with the NY skyline for your attention, until the big moment when the pyrotechnics go off, when you'll have a front-row view from the water. Be sure to board on time, the cruise sets sail at 7pm sharp.
- Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises Pier 83, W 42nd St , at the Hudson River
- Wed Jul 10
Deep Space: Mission #1
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Deep Space is on the move—not to the cosmos, but to Brooklyn's Dekalb Market, for an Independence Day throwdown. The day-into-night soiree sees main man François K (featuring Nublu's Ilhan Ersahin live on the sax) joined by the veteran artist-of-many-genres King Britt, postdubstep maven FaltyDL and dub poet Infinity, with a few surprises surely in store at this all-ages event.
- Dekalb Market 138 Willoughby St, at Flatbush Ave Ext
- Wed Jul 10
New York Philharmonic Summertime Classics
- Price band: 2/4
The charismatic Bramwell Tovey conducts "A New York Fourth," featuring Canadian soprano Tracy Dahl singing feel-good classics by Gershwin and Bernstein. Get ready to glitter and be gay.
- Avery Fisher Hall (at Lincoln Center) 132 W 65th St, at Broadway
- Tue Jul 3 - Thu Jul 5
Arrival Fourth of July with Wyclef Jean + Lil Jon and more
- Price band: 3/4
- Critics choice
Eclectic Haitian MC and former Fugee Wyclef Jean teams up with crunk standard bearer Lil Jon and others for a daylong Independence Day bash. Your pricey ticket gets you a rooftop view of the fireworks.
- The Waterfront @ Pier 92 711 12th Ave, at 55th St
- Wed Jul 10
Phish
- Price band: 3/4
To the dismay of the haters, the preeminent post–Grateful Dead jam band is back in action—in a major way. The band will bring its hordes of fans out to Long Island for a two-night stint at Nikon.
- Nikon at Jones Beach Theater Jones Beach
- Tue Jul 3 - Wed Jul 4
The Liberty Belle Spectacular
- Price band: 2/4
- Critics choice
Four of Gotham's top retro-minded posses—Dances of Vice, the Salon, Wit's End and Champagne Riot—team up for a vintage-style Independence Day blowout on the Empire Hotel's rooftop. The affair features saucy performances from Angie Pontani, Gal Friday, Jezebel Express, the Maine Attraction, Medianoche and the Minsky Sisters, while musical delights come courtesy of Gelber and Manning and their Star-Spangled Orchestra, Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. and the Moonlighters. Dandy Wellington serves as the MC, and Adam Lee and Sage Sato spin the platters that matter.
- Empire Hotel Rooftop 44 W 63rd St, between Broadway and Columbus Ave
- Until Thu Jul 5
Stars and Stripes Forever Concert
- Critics choice
- Free
Celebrate Fourth of July weekend with this free outdoor concert by the Community Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. Conductor Ray Wheeler will lead a selection of rousing patriotic tunes.
- Kingsborough Community College 2001 Oriental Blvd, at MacKenzie St
- Until Sat Jul 7
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