The best 4th of July events in NYC for 2025

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.

Hold on to your guts—Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest 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.

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 from Friday, June 20 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.

Get up close to all the fireworks action at Downtown Skyport’s Front Row Fireworks Party. Located at 6 East River Piers, this family-friendly event will feature live DJ performances and fun activities for all ages. Expect unobstructed waterfront views of the East River's dazzling display. 

Doors open at 7pm, and the event runs until 10:30pm after the fireworks end. Tickets start at $50, with food and drinks available for purchase.

Watermark—the 10,000-square-foot bar and restaurant in the Seaport—has gone tropical for summer. Colorful umbrellas, towering palm trees, and surf-inspired decorations have taken over the outdoor terrace, making the space feel more like Saint Lucia than the Seaport. Keep an eye out for the playful presence of flamingos for a photo opp. Twinkling overhead lights will keep the party going even after the sun sets. 

Plus, the venue is going all out for July 4. They're hosting a BBQ Beach Bash from 12-5pm with bottomless brunch, live DJs, grilled bites and tropical cocktails. Reservations can be made here.

Then, once the sun sets, they're hosting a Fireworks Viewing Party from 7-10pm. This ticketed event featuring reserved seating, live DJ, themed party décor, and access to the Pier 15 boardwalk. Tickets can be purchased here starting at $180/person.

The Seaport is going to have spectacular views of the fireworks this year, and that's why the South Street Seaport Museum is hosting Red, White & Views on Friday, July 4, 2025. It's billed as a festive, backyard-style Independence Day celebration for all ages. 

Access to Pier 16 along the East River begins at 6:30pm. Registration is required, and early-bird tickets start at $75.

Located along the East River in the Seaport, Industry Kitchen is hosting a festive Fourth of July celebration with panoramic views of the Macy’s Fireworks Show, a live DJ, July 4th swag, themed décor, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.

Tickets start at $163 for general admission, which gets you access to standing-room viewing platforms, a premium open bar until 9:30pm, a and buffet dinner from 7-9:30pm.

Or, there's a VIP Reserved Table option for $330–$660 for up to 6 guests. Entry begins at 6:30pm with express VIP check-in and communal reserved seating in a prime viewing area. Tickets includes table service, open bar, and buffet access until 9:30pm, plus festive décor and party swag.

Tickets can be found here.

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. 

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.