The best 4th of July events in NYC

Ladies and gentlemen, we're pleased to announce that, following last year's paired-down affair (duh), Macy's 4th of July Fireworks will officially make a comeback.

Here are the details: On Sunday, July 4, beginning at 9:25pm, over 65,000 shells will be launched off five different barges on the East River. The extravaganza will last 25 minutes and feature, according to Macy's itself, "dozens of colors and shapes, creating dramatic effects a mile across the river and from 1,000 feet in the air to the water's edge." New Yorkers will be able to catch the event live from areas split into "vaccinated" and "unvaccinated" sections. If you're not feeling up for that just yet, worry not! The happening will also be broadcast on NBC between 8-10pm and will also feature some super-exciting opening acts, including Black Pumas, Coldplay, OneRepublic and Reba McEntire. Although it's not yet clear whether the artists will actually be performing live from New York, we do know that Tori Kelly is scheduled to sing "You'll Never Walk Alone" from the musical Carousel and that the Broadway Inspirational Voices will treat us to their own version of "Lift Every Voice and Sing."  

After taking place at a private location with no fans in attendance last year, Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog-Eating Contest is coming back to Brooklyn this July and we couldn't be more excited about it.  Usually happening right outside Nathan's flagship store in Coney Island, on the corner of Surfer and Stillwell Avenues, this year's shindig—the 106th installment of the beloved event—will actually relocate a block away, at Maimonides Park. Organizers hope to return to the event's original location starting next year. This year, the event is completely free to attend but you're going to have to get your hands on a ticket first. Seats will also be given out on a first-come, first-served basis and local and federal safety guidelines will be followed. Doors will open at 10am and the women's competition will kick off at 11am, followed by the men at 12:30pm. To guarantee yourself entry, shoot an email to nathanshotdogeatingcontest2021@nathansfamous.com or visit MajorLeagueEating.com.

The Statue of Liberty's original plaster model from 1878, a nine-foot-tall bronze statue created by Auguste Bartholdi, will make the historic trip across the Atlantic Ocean from France in time for the Fourth of July. On July 1-4, it will take its place on Ellis Island across the way from the actual Statue of Liberty. This will be the first time in 135 years that the "sisters" will be together. This whirlwind trip is meant to celebrate the partnership between France and the U.S., organizers say. To follow the "little sister's" voyage, you can search the hashtag #ViveLaLiberty on social media or head to franceintheus.org/ViveLaLiberty.

Head to Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 2 to skate with a beautiful view of the city for the 4th of July.

New York City beaches are now open for swimming and sunbathing. A visit to one—if not all—of the best beaches NYC has to offer is needed when temperatures become hot and sticky. Whether you’re planning weekend getaways, a camping trip or just looking for ways to cool off or with friends, these beaches in New York are a quick subway, ferry or bus trip away. If you have a car and want to venture further out, we’ve also included off-the-beaten-track sandy shores that are less than two hours away. 

The Seaport District has a ton of festivities planned for the 4th of July. The Garden Bar opens the seasonal Sapphire Lounge on July 1, when from noon to 8pm, you can sip on seasonal cocktails. Then on July 3 and 4, Cobble & Co., the Seaport’s gastropub-style dining concept, will be offering a special all-American Burger & Beer Pairing package which includes the Cobble Burger and a Heineken, plus a package featuring Buffalo Chicken Wings, select signature burgers and ice-cold beer for $35.

You can also take a break in Seaport Square and relax in a pop-up hammock garden through July 5 and see Pier 17's lightband glow red, white and blue all weekend long.

There, Helene Henderson’s California inspired farm to-table restaurant Malibu Farm will be offering a special All-Day menu on July 3-4 that features Fourth of July classics like watermelon feta salad, bbq chicken sandwich, potato salad and banana splits.

Those dining at The Fulton will enjoy live jazz music on July 3-4 from The Milkman & Sons with Marcus Milius and the Garrett Manley Trio.

The Greens on The Rooftop at Pier 17 will also continue to offer al fresco dining at its 32 personal mini lawns, as well as themed food and beverage packages on July 4 such as the all American with marinated short ribs, and the choice of a bucket of canned Bacardi cocktails or beer/hard seltzer. Make a reservation here.

Many of New York City's cruise lines, touring vessels and party boats are open for business and ready (or getting ready) to take on passengers for the summer. But your excursion out on the water will still involve masks and social distancing. 

Cruises with Fourth of July trips include: Hornblower Cruises and Events, Empire Cruises, Statue Cruises, and Classic Harbor Line.

Acting like a kid again is never a bad idea, and these amusement parks near NYC are the perfect places to get your adrenaline pumping. Good ol’ Coney Island is right in your backyard with one of our fave Ferris wheels and the famous Cyclone wooden roller coaster, but it’s also worth venturing to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut for a fun day out. Whether you’re looking to cool off at a water park or scream your lungs out on a roller coaster, these amusement parks have something for every type of thrill seeker. These day trips from NYC take five hours or less, so start planning now—and get ready to hang on for dear life.