Heads up! We’re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check before heading out.
The best 4th of July events in NYC
Here are the top 4th of July events in NYC for making the most of America's Independence this year
It’s America’s big day, and although things are a little different this year, it doesn't mean you can't have a good time. Head to one of Gotham’s best beaches, grab your sunscreen and your sunnies and prepare for some fun in the sun. After gorging on red, white and blue treats and drinks, settle in for the night to watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks or sail around NYC.
RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of the 4th of July in NYC
Best 4th of July events
1. The Macy's 4th of July fireworks
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks is happening on four nights to celebrate the Fourth of July, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The shows, which will be five minutes each, will take place Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, June 29 - July 1, across the five boroughs. The time and location of each show won't be released until the night of so as to avoid making crowds in any one place, the mayor announced. "It will be brief bursts, brief but mighty," he said about the shows. "This is not like what you're seeing with the illegal fireworks, you'll know this is a very professional, beautiful show."
Macy's says thousands of shells will be fired into the sky, up to 1,000 feet, per minute at each borough's selected locations.
The finale will take place on the Fourth of July, from 8 to 10pm, from the Empire State Building. You can tune into NBC to watch the show that will include tape from the previous nights.
2. Nathan’s hot dog eating contest
Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest will live on. The Coney Island spectacle typically attracts more than 20,000 people watching competitive eaters downing hot dogs during the 10-minute contest with an even larger audience tuning in on national television. While the championship will live on despite the current crisis, there will be one missing component: an audience. ESPN will air the showdown live on July Fourth beginning at noon ET, but the location will be kept a secret to ward off crowds. In past years, people would start lining up at 8 a.m. along Stillwell and Surf Avenues for a prime seat, but organizers wanted to make sure this year’s event would take place in a more controlled environment with social distancing and health risks in mind.
3. Go swimming at a NYC beach
We'll finally be able to swim at New York City beaches, just in time for the Fourth of July.
The opening comes just as temperatures are reaching the high 80s and low 90s this week and New Yorkers are eager to celebrate the Fourth.
"The lifeguards are ready to go, training is being completed...it will be a great day for New York City and another part of our comeback and a great opportunity for people to stay cool," Mayor Bill de Blasio said. "It will be wonderful to be able to go back in the water ... and we are able to do it because this city got healthier and healthier over the past few weeks."
So, while beaches will be fully open to swimming, there will still be rules to follow: Beach-goers should only visit with members of their immediate household; They must keep six feet from people while swimming and on beaches and boardwalks; they have to keep beach blankets and chairs separate; and wear a mask whn they can't distance themselves.
4. Go on a 4th of July cruise around NYC
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.
See great things to do on rooftops
Cool things to do on NYC rooftops
Discover open-air spots where you can rock out, catch a flick, find your center, get dirty, and drink like an adult