Fireworks over Manhattan, 4th of July from Wikimedia
This is a banner year for New York since it marks the re-opening of the Statue of Liberty’s interior and crown and the 400th Anniversary of Henry Hudson’s discovery sail up the Hudson River. As always, there will be plenty of fireworks and concerts around New York’s waterways. Plus, the fourth of July falls on a weekend this year, which means there should be a festive spirit in the air and plenty of pre and post-fireworks fun.
Fireworks viewing in the NYC boroughs
In honor of the 400th anniversary of the Hudson River discovery, Macy’s will be launching the nation’s largest fireworks display from the Hudson River this year, instead of the East River. It is also the only fireworks display throughout New York City on the 4th of July, though there are others on different days.
Usually, it is possible to see the 40,000 shells exploding at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute (8 times more than last year's show) that make up the Macy’s Fireworks Display from viewing points in all the boroughs. But because the fireworks are being launched from the Hudson River instead of the East River this year, Manhattan and New Jersey are the only viable shore viewing locales, though it might be possible to catch a glimpse from the lower Bronx and upper Staten Island. There are also plenty of cruises that offer an even more up-close view.
Pedestrian viewing locations include 26th-30th, 34th, 40th-44th, 47th-52nd and 54th-57th streets. The West Side Highway will be closed to vehicular traffic from 22nd-59th Street starting at 4 p.m. Of course, any rooftop in the city, especially those on the West Side, will make for a great vantage point, as well.
Cruising for a viewing: Fourth of July fireworks ship schedules
Water Taxi
The South Street Seaport location is offering snack in a box with an amazing view and beer and wine cash bar. From the South Street Seaport, Cruise 6:30 - 10 p.m. $100.
World Yacht
A semi-luxury outing with an all-inclusive 5 course sit-down dinner cruise with open premium bar, dancing and a view of the fireworks.Jackets required dinner dress code. Boarding 6 p.m., Cruise 7-11 p.m., $325.
Spirit of New Jersey
Two different dinner cruises, one for the 21 and over crowd with the standard dinner cruise fare, open bar, and live music and another which is specifically for families including dinner. Both departing from Chelsea Piers. Boarding 5 p.m., Cruise 6 - 11 p.m. $225.90 per person for 21 and over, $149.90 per person for family cruise. (+tax, fee and gratuity).
Circle Line
No set dinner, but a la carte food items and drinks, along witih DJ entertainment are offered. Boarding at 5:30pm. Sails from 7-11 p.m. $75.
Also offering a private rooftop party from pier 83 at 42nd St., $70.
Circle Line Downtown
The same offerings as the Circle Line 42nd St.: A la carte food items and drinks, along witih DJ entertainment. From South Street Seaport Pier 16 Boarding at 6 p.m., Cruise 6:30-11:30 p.m. Tickets $165 for adults and $120 for children
Fourth of July events on the shores, by the water
Great July Fourth Festival
An international food, art and craft street fair with everything from inexpensive trinkets to hand-made art and sculpture that runs along Water Street, very convenient to the ferry and other downtown events and sights.
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Water St. between State and Fulton Sts. Free
Historic Ship Day Festival
Hudson River Park's Pier 63 hosts vintage vessels including the lightship Frying Pan and the fireboat John J. Harvey. The Festival also features food, music, dancing, characters and arts and crafts.
11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Hudson River Park, West Side Hwy at 23rd St.. Free
Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
Twenty contestants from around the world will try to beat current champ Joey Chestnut, which will take at leat 54 hot dogs in 12 minutes. 11 a.m. arrivals begin, 12 p.m. contest begins. Nathan's Famous, 1310 Surf Ave., Coney Island
"And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air... " make for a true spectacular.
Happy Independence Day!
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