July 4 is coming up, and this year the United States is celebrating its 250th birthday. There’s no shortage of ways to observe the holiday, especially in New York City.
Here are a few events that you can add to your calendar to celebrate this milestone.
50th Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
Multiple viewing spots
8 p.m.
It wouldn’t be Independence Day in NYC without the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks! To celebrate both the 50th anniversary of the fireworks show and America’s 250th birthday, the fireworks show plans to be bigger than ever, and will expand to the lower East River in the Seaport District, the lower Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City, and the Brooklyn Bridge. You can also catch the show from home on NBC and Peacock.
Sail4th 250 Ship Parade
Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge
Starts at 9:30 a.m.
Free
Instead of a traditional street parade, New York City will host a ship parade spanning from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge along the Hudson River. 48 tall ships, representing 20 foreign nations, will sail past 50 U.S. and allied naval vessels in an International Parade of Sail.
Nathan’s Hot Dog-eating Contest
Coney Island, Brooklyn
Details TBD
The annual Nathan’s Hot Dog-eating contest is a time-honored Brooklyn classic July 4 event. Though the finer details are still TBD, the annual gorging of hotdogs takes place near the flagship Nathan’s location down at Coney Island, where competitors go head-to-head to see how fast they can ingest the most hotdogs. If you want to watch in person, you’ll have to get there early to get a good spot!
Catch the Sail 4th 250 Ship Parade on July 4!Photo courtesy of Sail 4th
Yankees Home Game
Yankee Stadium, 1 E 161st St, Bronx
1:35 p.m.
Ticket prices vary
For the Yankees fans out there, there’s a home game that you can attend that will prime you for a great July 4. The first 18,000 guests to the game will receive a Yankees 4th of July Cap, a red, white and blue ball cap that features the classic Yankees logo emblazoned with an America flag and 250th stitched into the side.
July 4th Fireworks after party – Silent Disco
Bohemian Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Ave., Queens
9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Tickets start at $25.16
Calling all silent disco fans! If you’re looking for a low-key way to party after the fireworks, head to Bohemian Beer Garden for a silent disco. Three live DJs will be spinning different tunes in headphones that you can dance all night to. Must be 21+ to attend.
THE BBQ NYC’s Hottest July 4th Cookout Experience
740 5th Ave., Brooklyn
4 – 11 p.m.
Free before 6 p.m., $20 after 6 p.m.
Looking for good food and great vibes? The BBQ is hosting a cookout that you won’t want to miss. Your ticket to the cookout includes food all night, sponsored by Bare Burger, and live music to enjoy.
116th Travis 4th of July Parade
Victory Blvd. and Glen Street, Staten Island
11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Free
Staten Island’s annual Travis 4th of July Parade will return this year, led by Grand Marshal Minority Leader David M. Carr, 50th Council District. There will be a ceremony at Independence Park at 12 p.m. honoring dignitaries and honored guests.
NYC Red, White, and Blue 4th of July Rooftop Party
Elsie Rooftop, 1412 Broadway, Manhattan
4 – 11 p.m.
Tickets start at $17.75
It’s rooftop season once again and Elsie Rooftop is ready to party this July 4! Enjoy cocktails, music and incredible views of the skyline while likely seeing the fireworks! Must be 21+.