PC: Adrian Kinloch
Looking to celebrate the 4th of July in New York City? Check out our recommendations for the best events and places to see fireworks this year!
CONEY ISLAND JULY 4TH BEACH PARTY
9AM - 10PM // Coney Island Boardwalk
PC: Luna Park
Visit Brooklyn’s landmark beach and boardwalk for a full day of July 4th festivities! The party kicks off with Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest at 10AM (details below) and will showcase live musical performances throughout the day. The party ends with a fireworks show at 9:30 PM
Our favorite viewing spots: The Steeplechase Plaza and the Boardwalk.
NATHAN’S FAMOUS HOT DOG EATING CONTEST
10AM - 2PM // Nathans at 1310 Surf Ave
PC: Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
A NYC 4th of July list wouldn’t be complete without America’s biggest hot dog eating contest! Now in its 101st year, Nathan’s Contest is a world famous New York tradition. To secure a good spot, attendees should arrive at least an hour early.
Pre-show festivities begin promptly at 10AM, followed by the women’s eating contest at 11AM, and the men’s eating contest at 12:30PM.
LIC FLEA: JULY 4TH PARTY
12PM - 10:30PM // 4-25 46th Ave
PC: LIC FLEA
Head over to Long Island City for an all-day 4th of July flea and food market celebration, featuring the Queens Beer and Wine Garden. Guests can day-drink while feasting on delicious wood-smoked BBQ and end their nights with spectacular views of Macy’s Firework Show.
4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS CRUISE: HORNBLOWER HYBRID
6PM // 78 South Street
PC: Scott Barrow
Avoid crowds and enjoy the best fireworks seats in the city by cruising on the East River during the show. “Boats are one of my favorite places to see the fireworks,” Mirador’s agent, Christine McAndrews shares. Guests will also be treated to an open bar and classic American BBQ like pork sliders, chicken breasts, and buttery corn on the cob.
MIDSUMMER NIGHT SWING
6PM // Lincoln Center
PC: NY Latin Culture
Calling all jazz lovers and dancers! For just $17, you can join the liveliest July 4th dance party at the Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center and groove to your favorite Louis Armstrong hits. Take a free dance class before the event to practice your footwork!
REVOLUTIONARY NEW YORK WALKING TOUR
Time varies // Broadway & Murray Street
PC: NYC Tourist
For history fanatics, the guided American Revolution themed tour through lower Manhattan is the ideal July 4th celebration. Led by experts, the tour stops at Alexander Hamilton’s grave, Fraunces Tavern, and more historically significant spots. Tours last two and a half hours and are given three times a day at 10AM, 12PM, and 1PM. Tickets are $23.
40TH ANNIVERSARY: MACY’S JULY 4TH FIREWORKS
9:25PM // East River
PC: Anthony Quintano
We saved the best for last! Macy’s annual fireworks show has become a New York City tradition and the most highly anticipated 4th of July event, meaning if you want a good view you must arrive early or hustle to lesser-known but equally great viewing spots.
This year the show will be on the East River. As usual, Macy’s will set up several viewing spots in Manhattan, which fill up quickly, arrive by 5PM to secure a spot. The following viewing spots are listed below:
FDR Drive and 42nd Street
FDR Drive and 34th Street (ADA/special needs viewing area)
Center Boulevard from 48th Avenue to 49th Avenue (ADA/special needs viewing area)
FDR Drive and 23rd Street
16th Street and Avenue C (ADA/special needs viewing area)
FDR Drive and Houston Street
Pearl Street and Frankfort Street
Vietnam Memorial Park (ADA/special needs viewing area)
Broad Street ground level
Old Slip upper level
Furman Street and Old Fulton Street (ADA/special needs viewing area)
Source: New York City Patch
If you’re unable to secure a spot in Macy’s designated viewing areas, Mirador agent, Michael Minarik suggests Brooklyn Heights Promenade, noting that he has experienced the best view of fireworks there. Other excellent viewing spots include Berry Park, South Street Seaport, and East River State Park. If you’re trying to escape the crowds completely, then your best bet is to hop on over to a friend’s rooftop.
Happy 4th!
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