4th of July events and attractions in New York City

Heading to New York next month and wanting to know where all the action will be? The good news is NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organisation, has just announced a line-up of events and attractions that make the 4th of July weekend in New York City irresistible.

Every Independence Day, all eyes are on the City thanks to classic events watched around the world, including Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and the annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks—this year launching from the Brooklyn Bridge.

Check out these key events and attractions to explore for a complete NYC 4th of July experience.

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show

The nation’s largest Independence Day celebration lights up the New York City skyline for the 43rd time this year from the East River, making a triumphant return to the Brooklyn Bridge to present this unparalleled display of light, sound and colour. This year's musical score honours classic American cinema featuring compositions from films like Star Wars, Superman and E.T., with Oscar- and Grammy Award–winning artist Jennifer Hudson performing the most beloved song from The Wizard of Oz, “Over the Rainbow,” as the centrepiece of the show. The fireworks can be seen from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River at or below the Brooklyn Bridge. For a complete guide to viewing locations for this show and others throughout the City.

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

The world’s most iconic hot dog stand kicks off New York City’s 4th of July festivities with its traditional hot dog eating contest at the Nathan’s Coney Island flagship. Preshow festivities will begin at 10am with a variety of music and dance performances before the women’s competition begins at 10:45am and the men try to take the Mustard Belt from 11-time champion Joey Chestnut at noon. For a complete 4th of July experience, fans should head down the boardwalk to Luna Park and the Brooklyn Cyclones game complete with a post-game fireworks show.

Empire Outlets July 4th Block Party

New York City’s first and only outlet shopping destination is celebrating the holiday with a three-day block party on the North Shore of Staten Island. The festivities include live music from featured bands, DJs and roaming street performers, an extensive food truck village, pop-up beer garden, family-friendly programming (face painting, sand-castle building, tie-dye workshop, sidewalk chalk art, outdoor movie screening) and a harbourside fireworks display.

4th of July at the Seaport District

The Seaport District offers some of the best views of the Macy’s fireworks show, and the neighbourhood is celebrating in style. The outdoor Garden Bar will feature DJs from noon–9pm as the neighbouring 10 Corso Como Restaurant & Café hosts an all-day Aperitivo Hour featuring traditional Italian bites and cocktails. Maker’s Mark, Pepsi, Big Gay Ice Cream, by CHLOE and others will host patriotic pop-up activations as well.

One World Observatory

The 1,776-foot-tall tower (which pays homage to the Declaration of Independence) is the ideal location to celebrate the holiday: 100 stories up with 360-degree views of the New York City skyline and all the fireworks displays that will go off throughout the night. The observatory is specially opened until 11pm on the 4th to allow guests to enjoy the display from some of the best viewpoints in the City with cocktails and all-American food served.

Statue of Liberty Museum and Monument

The brand-new Statue of Liberty Museum, opened in mid-May, enables visitors to learn more about the patriotic landmark’s history and inception than ever before. With an interactive theatre, curated audio and visual lessons, original sketches and the original torch, this Fourth of July guests have access to the most information about the American landmark in the statue’s nearly 150-year history. Transportation to the museum is by way of Statue Cruises and admission to the museum is free.

Looking to go further afield? Check out this New York down to orlando self drive itinerary.

Scott Podmore

Award-winning writer, editor, photographer, videographer and owner of October Grey Media. Specialising in travel and lifestyle content and a full member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers. Has contributed regular content for the NewsCorp stable of newspapers and magazines, TravelTalk mag, The Departure Lounge and many more publications in Australia and internationally. Follow on Twitter & instragram #scottpodmore

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