Fireworks won’t be the only thing popping off around New York City this Independence Day.
Yes, there are plenty of places to watch the Macy’s display, which is back after last year’s decision to host a number of smaller shows around the city to encourage social distancing.
But there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Fourth of July — and Hot Vax Summer — beyond the classic pyrotechnics.
From baseball to block parties, roller coasters to concerts, here’s how to make the most out of Independence Day in New York.
Watch the Macy’s Fireworks
The East River will be host to the 45th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, in an extravaganza that welcomes back the good times in New York City.
The show begins at 8 p.m. on NBC and offers a star-studded lineup of Coldplay, Reba McEntire, One Republic and Black Pumas, plus a unique salute to America through the military and some of Broadway’s most gifted musicians.
Hosts Renée Elise Goldsberry and Ryan Eggold will be live out of Hunter’s Point waterfront in Long Island City for the show — the exact same location where Coldplay pre-taped their performance.
Other recently announced guests will include Blake Shelton, the Jonas Brothers and Marshmello.
For those looking for some of the best free viewing spots aside from the Queens waterfront, you can’t go wrong with Brooklyn’s WNYC Transmitter Park or Bushwick Inlet Park plus Manhattan’s Stuyvesant Cove Park — along with the rest of the East River Esplanade north of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Soak in the view at Hudson Yards
Explore one of the city’s hottest observation decks — both indoors and out — during an all-ages private party at the Edge in Hudson Yards.
Watch the Macy’s display from a swanky glass perch. If pop music isn’t your thing, no problem — this party’s soundtrack is provided by a string quartet, featuring MET Orchestra members Sarah Vonsattel, Garrett Fischbach, Shmuel Katz and Julia Bruskin.
A ticket includes three complimentary beverages (including Champagne), unlimited popcorn and a personalized photo book.
$250; tickets available online; festivities begin at 7 p.m. and conclude at midnight. Entrance located on Hudson Yards’ public square & gardens directly across from the Vessel; EdgeNYC.com
Gaze and graze at the Freedom Tower
It’s hard not to feel patriotic in the Freedom Tower.
Take in the awe-inspiring glow of fireworks adjacent to the city’s skyline — from the 102nd floor, starting at 8 p.m. to midnight during this 21-and-over event.
It features an open bar, with hot dog carts and street food stations, along with other fun and delectable culinary delights — including truffle mac ‘n’ cheese and cheesecake lollipops — in an all-inclusive deal.
$350; tickets available online; runs from 8 to 11 p.m.; all attendees must show proof of vaccination. ASPIRE at One World Observatory (Floor 102); OneWorldObservatory.com
Get your groove on in Greenpoint
Party during the day, then watch an alien invasion come nightfall on the Brooklyn waterfront. What could be better?
The Greenpoint Terminal Market will be hosting an assortment of vendors, carnival rides and bands for a 21-and-up bumpin’ block party on and around the grounds of Skyline Drive-In this Sunday.
The epic rain-or-shine festivities will feature headliners Goldfish, Phantoms and Devault.
At sundown, the outdoor movie theater will be showing “Independence Day” — and the firework extravaganza’s conclusion will synchronize with the film.
Although it’s normally a drive-in, this special showing will be chair or blankets only (no cars) as the NYPD will have surrounding streets closed for the fireworks.
Block party tickets start at $45 for the rain-or-shine event beginning at 1 p.m. Movie tickets start at $25 for the sole 7 p.m. showing; Greenpoint Terminal Market will run from noon to 10 p.m. 1 Oak St., Brooklyn; SkylineDriveInNYC.com
Dance and sing on the Hudson
If you’ve been musically inspired by the film “In the Heights,” then get ready for your own chance to show off some moves with the George Washington Bridge in sight.
Part of New York state’s Summer On the Hudson music series, a no-cost afternoon concert will happen at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in Harlem.
It features modern day Latin band Sonido Costeño followed by the locally renowned cover group, FDR Drive Band until the day’s end on the gorgeous Hudson River. It’s B.Y.O.C. (bring your own chair).
Free; Sonido Costeño plays from 1:30 to 3 p.m., followed by FDR Drive Band until 5 p.m.; Stage located at West 145th Street and Riverside Drive
Explore new rides and familiar bites at Coney Island
Grab your ketchup and mustard, the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest is back!
Following last year’s closed contest with no audience, Brooklyn’s famous culinary competition returns to spectators this Independence Day.
Once again, enjoy the great American tradition of watching Joey Chestnut and other competitive eaters chow down and vie for a world record at the original Nathan’s at Coney Island on Fourth of July morning.
Also, a new suspended roller coaster called Phoenix will be opening next door at Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park — for thrill seekers who can keep their hot dogs down.
Admission to hot dog eating contest free with ticket; main event at noon; Maimonides Park, Coney Island. Free admission to Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, $40 for 50 credits (about five to six adult rides); hours vary depending on weather. 1025 Boardwalk, Coney Island; 718-372-2592, DenosWonderWheel.com
Chill out on Roosevelt Island
Four Freedoms Park at Roosevelt Island’s southernmost tip will again serve as host to a sold-out evening of breathtaking views of the skyline — and sparkling fireworks — this Independence Day. Those without tickets can also head to the nearby lawn on Cornell Tech’s campus, starting at noon on the Fourth of July, for a fun-filled day on the island with food trucks onsite.
Free; The Four Freedoms Park watch party begins at 6 p.m. There will be no seating so it is advised to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Re-entry is not allowed and no admissions will be made after 9 p.m.
Travel back to 1776 on Staten Island
If you’re looking for something cool to do with kids before the fireworks on Sunday, consider a quick trip to Staten Island.
Just reopened after the pandemic, this “living history village” of Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island returns once again, offering hand-churned ice cream, a patriotic pinwheel parade, a scientific behind-the-scenes showing of how fireworks actually work, and an inspirational reading of the Declaration of Independence.
For those taking public transportation, the Oakwood Heights Staten Island rail station is the closest stop.
$10; tickets available online; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island; 718-351-1611, HistoricRichmondTown.org
Cheer a Subway Series in the Bronx
If you can look past the Yankees’ recent struggles, head to the South Bronx for a Subway Series showdown between the bombers and the New York Mets.
Slug down a few cold ones ahead of the game at the unique ballpark bars who could use the support after a paltry pandemic season, such as the Bronx Drafthouse with 30 beers on draft, the Dugout — located steps from the stadium and boasts a Taco Bell order window inside — or Yankee Tavern, the oldest sports bar in the Bronx, once frequented by greats Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth.
Tickets start at $30; Sunday’s first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Yankee Stadium in the concluding game of this best of three interleague match-up; 1 E. 161st St., the Bronx; 718-293-4300, MLB.com
Introduce yourself to Lady Liberty — and her little sister
If you’re like many New Yorkers, you might never have seen the Statue of Liberty up close.
And what better day to change that than the Fourth of July? Lady Liberty’s “little sister,” a 10-foot bronze replica statue, will also be displayed nearby on Ellis Island from July 1 through July 6.
Both of these iconic gifts from France will be free to see (minus the cost of a necessary ferry ticket).
Learn more on the history of both siblings inside Liberty Island’s newly opened 26,000-square-foot Statue of Liberty Museum for free as well, which is currently operating at limited capacity.
Tickets start at $23 online. Ferries run to Liberty Island and Ellis Island from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with last boats from Ellis Island to Battery Park or Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ at 6:30 p.m. Last boats from Liberty Island for both destinations are at 6:15 p.m.
