By: Stefanie DiMartino

It’s almost the 4th of July! And, it was certainly a very long year without typical holiday celebrations. Now, things are looking much brighter, especially here in NYC! So many of the events we know and love are back and will be better than ever! Here are my top picks for the best things to do for 4th of July in NYC this year! 

Top Things To Do for 4th of July in NYC

MACY’S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS

July 4th, 2021 | 8pm | Free!

It’s official – the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are back! This year is the 45th annual celebration!

“This year, we’re honoring America’s everyday heroes from communities across the country and the resilient spirit within all of us. It’s our way of looking ahead with renewed hope for a brighter tomorrow.”

There will be more than two miles of public viewing space for spectators to have a front-row view. The exact locations, entry points & security details will be available soon, so be sure to keep checking out the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks site. 

Note: Starting at 9:25pm, over 65,000 shells will be launched off five different barges on the East River. The fireworks show will last approximately 25 minutes.

New Yorkers can catch the event live from areas split into “vaccinated” and “unvaccinated” sections. 

If you do not want to attend in person, then you can watch the broadcast on NBC between 8pm and 10pm. After the East River fireworks show, Coney Island will have their own firework display, running from 10pm-10:15pm. These fireworks will be visible from the neighborhood’s famous boardwalk!

NATHAN’S HOT DOG EATING CONTEST

July 4th, 2021 | 10am | Free!

Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Hot dogs and eating have become synonymous with the 4th of July! This year, the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is back in Brooklyn at Maimonides Park. The event is free but you will need a ticket. Seats will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis with local and federal safety guidelines followed. 

Doors will open at 10am. The women’s competition begins at 11am, followed by the men’s competition at 12:30pm. 

For entry, email nathanshotdogeatingcontest2021@nathansfamous.com or reserve your seat below.

CLASSIC HARBOR LINE CRUISE

July 4th, 2021 Daytime Cruises | $58+

A cruise around Manhattan is the perfect way to enjoy NYC and celebrate Independence Day. Some cruises offered on July 4th include an “Around Manhattan Brunch Cruise, “ an “AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture Cruise,” and a “Day Sail to Statue of Liberty on Adirondack.” Classic Harbor Line is top-notch, so whichever cruise you decide on, you can’t go wrong!

July 4th, 2021 Evening Fireworks Cruises | $500+

There are some 4th of July evening cruises left that have availability. You can celebrate 4th of July Macy’s Fireworks on Schooner America 2.0. “This vessel was built as tribute to the original America, which was constructed in New York Harbor in the 1800s and won the international race that is now known as the America’s Cup. You can expect spectacular view of the fireworks from the water while sitting aboard her elegant deck as the Manhattan skyline lights up in celebration of the Fourth of July. Or, you can celebrate 4th of July Macy’s Fireworks on Schooner Adirondack. Experience a great view of the fireworks, the Statue of Liberty, and the New York City skyline!” – Classic Harbor Line

ONE WORLD OBSERVATORY

July 4th, 2021 | 8pm-12am | Age 21+ | $350+

One World Observatory, 117 West Street, New York, NY 10006

If you’re looking for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration, 100 stories above NYC, then visit One World Observatory! They are hosting a special one-of-a-kind 4th of July event that you don’t want to miss!

This noteworthy celebration is all-inclusive with a premium open bar and fun food stations. Some stations include an NYC Hot Dog Station, a Street Cart station, and a Fun Fair Station, along with passed canapés and passed sweets!

Note: Attendees must show proof of vaccination. Attendees must be age 21+. 

CONEY ISLAND

1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Nothing can get you into the holiday spirit quite like an amusement park! Coney Island is the perfect place to spend the day and celebrate the 4th of July. You can enjoy rides including the famous Coney Island Cyclone coaster, games, shopping, and dining. And then, to end the night, you can watch Coney Island’s own firework display, running from 10pm-10:15pm. These fireworks will be visible from the neighborhood’s famous boardwalk!

ROOFTOP BARS

Eating and drinking while taking in amazing views is a perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July in NYC. Some rooftops will even have views of the fireworks! 

230 FIFTH ROOFTOP: 230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001

At 230 Fifth Rooftop, you can enjoy a summer BBQ and evening fireworks! Table reservations, bottle service packages, and standing room tickets are all available for the festivities. You can also enjoy a 4th of July bottomless brunch starting at 11am.

THE GREENS ON THE ROOFTOP AT PIER 17: 89 South Street, New York, NY 10038

Celebrate Independence Day at The Greens! You can choose an early lunch, lunch, dinner, or late reservation on your own personal mini lawn (seating up to 8). Or, you can celebrate on one of The Greens’ outdoor patios. Indulge in “All-American” menu items & drink specials that are only available for the 4th of July!

THE PRESS LOUNGE: Ink 48 Hotel, 653 11th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10036

The Press Lounge offers unparalleled views of NYC, perfect for viewing fireworks! In addition to the views, you can enjoy cocktails and light bites. 

Note: There is an elegant casual dress code.

VISTA SKY LOUNGE: Four Points Sheraton LIC, 27-05 39th Avenue Top Floor, Long Island City, NY 11101

Surely, anything with food, family, and fireworks is going to be a good time! And Vista Sky Lounge is having a 4th of July rooftop party! Enjoy spectacular views and take in the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks while eating and drinking! Doors open at 6pm and the entry price is $125 per person. The fee includes a buffet and one glass of wine or beer. A cash bar will also be available.

For inquiries and reservations call 347-536-3640 or email AP@vistany.com

In conclusion, these are the best things to do in NYC for 4th of July. Have a fun and safe time celebrating America’s Independence!