This is what’s driving us bonkers in NYC right now and making us (almost) want to move
We live in a walk-and-talk kind of town—I get it. When I’m on my morning commute or running between meetings, you can bet your ass I’m using that precious time to “catch up on calls,” which is code for “calling my mother.” However, I see more and more people roaming the streets while FaceTiming. This behavior is unacceptable.
RECOMMENDED: See more New York rants
Listen, I can understand that the occasional tourist would want to share their trip to the Best City on Earth through the lens of their iPhone for someone back home. But this is not what’s happening here. These distracted lollygaggers are always discussing some meaningless nonsense (personally, my conversations are witty, informative and brief) with some groggy pal in a disheveled bed right here in the tristate area.
While I get the allure of a face-to-face convo, these FaceTimers are pinballing into pedestrians and completely ignoring the flow of traffic. Must I get bumped around so that you can whisper sweet nothings to your boyfriend in Yonkers?
Let’s bring back the days when New Yorkers just obnoxiously shouted into their phones with a robust disregard for others. At least then they would see where they were going.
A beloved New York City tradition since 1976, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are back for 2025 with a dazzling show on Friday, July 4.
The show returns to the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River for 2025. Specifically, the show will launch from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the lower East River in the Seaport District.
Here's where to watch.
The iconic Macy’s 4th of July fireworks are back in Brooklyn this year, launching from the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River in the Seaport District. Looking for a place to catch the stunning display? The best seat in the house will be at Time Out Market New York.
This year, experience an unforgettable Independence Day at Time Out Market New York. Already primed with views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the fifth-floor rooftop will give you an up-close look at the spectacular fireworks display, alongside unlimited food, live music, and drinks to turn the party. Tickets include an open bar (on select items) plus an open buffet with food from all of our fifth-floor favorites, plus DJs keeping the energy up all night.
Tickets are priced at $300 and the event runs from 7 to 11pm. General admission tickets are $150 and give you rooftop access but no open bar or buffet. Buy yours here.
Hold on to your guts—Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 2024 is upon us! During the competition—which is now more than 100 years old—Frankfurter-eating legends race the clock and chow down on as many Nathan’s Famous dogs and buns they can swallow in ten minutes.
The race of legends goes down on Independence Day (Friday, July 4), typically from 11am to 1pm. Watch the glorious event at Nathan’s Flagship restaurant (1310 Surf Ave.) on the corner of Stillwell Ave at Coney Island, Brooklyn.
Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the western hemisphere, is throwing an exclusive 4th of July Celebration that’ll offer unparalleled views of the fireworks from 8–11pm. Tickets will give you private access to Edge’s indoor and outdoor viewing areas with its thrilling glass floor, angled glass walls and skyline steps. Plus, you’ll get access to an open bar and unlimited appetizers. A DJ will provide the soundtrack as you watch dazzling fireworks displays from New York City and New Jersey. Tickets start at $400/person.
Or, if you're really adventurous, you can opt for a sunset City Climb offer starting at $650. This ticket includes exclusive access to Edge’s Fourth of July celebration, along with the premium thrill of scaling the building just in time for sunset. This special City Climb experience begins at 7:30pm, followed by entry to the main event, with festivities continuing through the evening.
This Independence Day, enjoy the fireworks from 70 stories above the city at the iconic Top of the Rock. On Friday, July 4 from 6pm to 11:45pm, enjoy access to all three levels of Top of the Rock, which will feature festive food and drinks, live DJ entertainment, and kid-friendly activities like coloring books and face painting. (Yes, kiddos are welcome!)
Included in your ticket is one beverage (cocktail, wine, beer, or non-alcoholic); a New York-style hot dog (vegetarian option available); ice cream with red, white and blue sprinkles; a warm sea salt-topped chocolate chip cookie; and, of course, some pretty spectacular views.
Celebrate Independence Day with some seriously stunning views of the iconic Macy's Fireworks show and the New York City skyline aboard a festive July 4th cruise. The Cornucopia Majesty, Lucille, and Cloud 9 Yachts will all be hitting the NYC waterways with live music, premium open bars, dinner buffets, and, of course, a front row spot for the best Fourth of July fireworks display in the city from the boats' top decks.
Each boat party differs in terms of offerings, pricings and docking locations, so be sure to check out July4th.com to compare and contrast each cruise and find out which patriotic voyage is the best one for you. While you're on the site, also check out rooftop party ideas if you prefer to stay on land.
Somewhere Nowhere, the two-level indoor nightlife venue and open-air rooftop pool in midtown, will host a special edition of its newest event series Cenote Project in celebration of July 4. Curated by Somewhere Nowhere co-owner Nathan Leong’s Forest Döwn Under Productions, who will perform alongside Ambrxse, Milö and Saxxdoc (Live), the sunset party will take over the 38th floor lounge and 39th floor rooftop with fresh beats, BBQ summer bites, and firework viewings.
In addition to prime viewing, the venue will offer a complimentary open vodka bar for the first hour of festivities (from 4pm to 5pm) in addition to a menu of curated cocktails. Cheers to that.
To commemorate 20 years of Atlantic Termial, the downtown mall plaza is putting on a slew of brand-new weekly programs — all free and open to the public! The new series “Terminal 20: Summer on Track” welcomes all to join in. Here's what's on tap:
— Wellness Wednesdays with Diva Dance now through August 20. Be sure to register for this one in advance, as space is limited.
— Summer Sunset Salsa Series on Thursdays, turning the plaza into an open-air dance floor with lessons for all levels through August 21.
— Summer Saturdays on July 12 and September 13 for families looking to give kids time to explore water play, crafts, games, and even giveaways. RSVPs are recommended.
For full event details and registration links, visit the Atlantic Terminal website.
New York has entered its De Niro era—again. But this time, it's not just on screen. It’s around you.
Now open at Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology in Lower Manhattan, De Niro, New York is a first-of-its-kind immersive film installation that reimagines the legendary actor’s career through 360-degree projection, spatial audio and mind-bending scale. The 20-minute experience is part of Summer Nights at Mercer Labs with Tribeca, running Thursday through Sunday evenings through July 13.
Tickets are $70 and include a drink and a souvenir. (Guests under 21 will receive a non-alcoholic beverage.)
Don’t bother with Orlando. Coney Island is its very own magical kingdom, setting off free, sensational fireworks every Friday night all summer long. Grab a frank and get yourself a comfortable spot on the boardwalk to celebrate the end of the work-week every week.
Friday Night Fireworks run every Friday now through Labor Day. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45pm and typically launch from the beach at West 12th Street, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the iconic boardwalk and amusement parks.
Discover Time Out original video
