4th of July in New York City

No other city in America celebrates the nation’s Independence Day quite like New York City. All of New York joins in the festivities with potlucks, picnics, parties and of course fireworks across the city. Here the options for how to celebrate go well beyond the typical barbeque. We have a round up of a few ways to enjoy Independence Day in the Big Apple.

This is the firework show to bring down the house. The East River has 5 barges set to launch a barrage of fireworks for a 25 minute public show on Monday, July 4. The fireworks will span a mile of river water in different colors and shapes. Grab the kids or your significant other and head down to the East River to take in fireworks that explode into shapes such as Little Snakes, smiling faces, and Whistling Jellyfish among others.

The Macy’s website for the 4th of July Fireworks has a map of some of the best areas to view the epic display. Ray Chew will guide an orchestra through a rousing rendition of patriotic songs while the fireworks display lights up the sky. Other musical performances will also take place with musicians such as the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, Kenny Lattimore and 5 Seconds of Summer. For more information see the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks website.

9:25 pm

Various Locations in Midtown on the East River

What could be more American than… a hotdog eating contest?! Nathan’s Hotdog Eating Contest is ready to celebrate the Fourth of July with a classic, over 100 year old tradition of hotdog eating on Coney Island! Watch brave souls shovel in as many hotdogs as they can, competing against each other and the clock! Watch world champion Joey Chestnut of Indianapolis battle to retain his title. The prize and the glory? A $40,000 check and a big trophy and a mustard belt decorated with gemstones. Can’t make it to Coney Island? You can always catch the action on ESPN! The festivities start early:

10am: Pre-show festivities with musical and dance performances

11am: Women’s Contest

12:30pm: Men’s Contest

Nathan’s

1310 Surf Ave

Coney Island, NY

If you’re looking for a 4th of July beach vibe in Manhattan, Watermark’s Beach Bash speaks your language. They’re offering all the best beach amenities and a line up of DJ’s at Pier 15. You can chill with friends either under the summer sun or the evening stars. Watermark has palm trees and cabanas set up along the East River. The menu is also classic beach: hotdogs, chicken tacos, lobster rolls, and cocktails. The beach has two sessions; one can book from noon to 5pm or from 6pm to midnight. Tickets start at $20.

Watermark

Pier 15, 78 South St

New York, NY 10038

Manhatta restaurant is a self-described love letter to New York, and on July 4, it’s putting on a party for America. 60 floors high and with sweeping views, Manhatta is mixing elegance with homestyle barbecue favorites and bubbly. Plus the restaurant boasts guaranteed breath-taking views of the firework show from the floor to ceiling windows. Expect DJ entertainment and an open bar with five specialty cocktails and beer and wine. Tickets are $250.

The Bar at Manhatta

28 Liberty St, 60th Floor

New York, NY 10005

A cruise in Manhattan is always a visual feast and more so on July 4th as the array of fireworks burst overhead. This Fourth of July, hop on a dinner cruise with Liberty Belle where you can enjoy an open bar, dinner and of course, the fireworks without the crowds. DJs promise plenty of tunes to keep you dancing into the night! Tickets are $290.

5:30 PM

Pier 36 NYC

299 South St,

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.