Check out our top picks for this year’s summer concerts in NYC, including info on free and outdoor shows
Fourth of July is on a Wednesday this year—kind of awkward, right? But the holiday's mid-week timing won't stop these concerts and parties from happening. If you're looking for something besides fireworks and burnt hot dogs this July 4, these events offer a range of alternatives (or in some cases, accompaniment) to the traditional fare. Spend your Independence Day listening to funk on a roof, dancing to hip-hop in Queens or throwing up the horns in a dark metal club.
RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of the 4th of July in NYC
Nancy Whang + Justin Strauss + Billy Caldwell
This rooftop space, located around the corner from Brooklyn’s Good Room, opens for the season with a special Fourth of July bash. LCD Soundsystem’s Nancy Whang spins disco, house and funk alongside Good Room regulars Justin Strauss and Billy Caldwell, with a full view of the East River pyrotechnics. Good Roof at Dobbin St, Greenpoint (goodroombk.com). 5–10pm; $15. Buy tickets.
Midsummer Night Swing
Lincoln Center’s outdoor danceathon invites the Mambo Legends Orchestra, a group that features former members of the Tito Puente Orchestra, for this holiday edition of the three-week series. Show off your fancy footwork, and make sure to come an hour early for a free dance class. Damrosch Park, Lincoln Center (lincolncenter.org). 7:30pm; $17–$25. Buy tickets.
Hot Country Live
Get the first look at this massive open-air concert venue, located on the roof of the South Street Seaport’s Pier 17 building, at this sneak-peek show. (It officially opens July 28.) Country-pop star Carrie Underwood and the twangy duo Dan + Shay christen the new digs. Rooftop at Pier 17, South Street Seaport (pier17ny.com). 6pm; $79.50. Buy tickets.
SummerZfest ’18
Hip-hop comes to Queens’ Knockdown Center for this afternoon BBQ party. Look out for DJ Esco—a lively presence best known for his work with Atlanta rapper Future, most recently on the mixtape Kolorblind—behind the decks. Knockdown Center, Maspeth (knockdown.center). 2–10pm; $20–$60. Buy tickets.
PopGun 4th of July Party
The multiroom Bushwick venue turns out its rooftop for this eight-hour Independence Day rager. Barbie Bertisch and Paul Raffaele, the music obsessives responsible for the fanzine Love Injection, are just two of the DJs spinning funk, soul and more all day. If you’re hungry, Holy Ground BBQ will be on hand to keep you going until the fireworks arrive (you can watch them from the roof). Elsewhere Rooftop, Bushwick (elsewherebrooklyn.com). 2–10pm; $10–$20. Buy tickets.
50 Star Fire Show
This all-day carnival promises food, drinks, rides for the kids— and did we mention Snoop Dogg is headlining? With the Doggfather on the mic, you’re in good hands. It’s a bit far from the East River, but no worries: The fine people of New Jersey have fireworks of their own. Exchange Place, Jersey City (freedomandfireworks.com). Noon–10pm; free.
Amenra + Sunrot
If this all seems a bit too sunny for you, the headbanger haven Saint Vitus has you covered. Sludgey post-metal outfit Amenra, which has a sold-out gig July 3, added this afternoon matinee to satisy your moodier Independence Day urges. (You’ll still have time to grill meat or some vegan dogs later.) Saint Vitus, Greenpoint (saintvitusbar.com). 4pm; $15. Buy tickets.