4th of July is nearly upon us and if you haven’t secured the perfect viewing spot for a night of amazing fireworks, let me help you get sorted ASAP! If you’re looking for a list of free and paid events, including the best rooftop spots for the 4th of July in New York and New Jersey, you’ve come to the right place!
Before we go any further, what is the 4th of July? The 4th of July is America’s Independence Day and is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America.
While the holiday is typically safe and public venues have law enforcement to keep the peace, make sure to also employ our safety tips to ensure you have a fun and safe day.
Table of Contents
The Best Events for the 4th of July in New York
The Best Paid Events for the 4th of July in New York
NYC Fourth of July Harbor Lights Party Boat Cruise 2024
Experience the ultimate July 4th celebration on the Harbor Lights Yacht! Enjoy breathtaking views of NYC while indulging in a delicious dinner buffet and drinks from our extensive menu. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. Get your tickets now for the NYC Fourth of July Harbor Lights Party Boat Cruise 2024 in NYC!
Highlights
🚢 Exciting Harbor Lights Yacht experience!
🍽️ Delicious Dinner Buffet with a variety of options
🍹 Amazing Drink Menu with top spirits, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages
🎉 Celebrate with a Celebration Sheet Cake and coffee/tea for dessert
General Info
📅 Date: 4 July
🕒 Time: 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
⏳ Duration: 4 hours
📍 Location: Skyport Marina
👤 Age requirement: all ages are welcome
🪪 All guests must present a photo ID to gain admission
SUMMIT’s NYC Fourth of July Party – Adults 21+ $350.00
Celebrate a sparkling Independence Day where the views of the cityscape and fireworks display are just as magnificent as what’s happening inside. Enjoy live music, festive food and beverages, and games while being immersed in the city lights reflected by 30,725 square feet of mirrors. Feel the thrill of standing on glass-bottomed ledges 1,100 feet above Madison Avenue. End the evening with a fun cocktail on the outdoor terrace overlooking the city and discover why there’s no better place to celebrate the 4th of July than SUMMIT.
Enjoy an evening of fun, food, and festivities with panoramic views of the spectacular fireworks over the Hudson River.
Included with each ticket:
- Free roam access across all three SUMMIT floors between 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Panoramic views of the Hudson River fireworks *
- Two premium drinks
- One choice of: hot dog, pulled pork sandwich, smoked mushroom
- One bag of cotton candy
- Festive live band performances
- Fun games
- Red, blue, and silver balloons in Affinity
- Illuminating sunset over Manhattan *
- Fireworks display on the Unity screen
JULY 4TH AT EDGE – Adults 21+ $400
Celebrate the 4th of July 1,100 feet in the sky at Edge, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. This year, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are returning to the Hudson River, making Edge the best place to view the fireworks in New York City!
TICKETS ($400) INCLUDE:
- Admission to Edge where you’ll be able to enjoy the fireworks from the indoor and outdoor sky decks.
- Open bar from 8PM to 10PM (21+ only).
- Unlimited appetizers served from 8PM to 10PM.
- DJ set from 7.30PM to 11PM.
WHAT TO KNOW:
- Entry will be between 7.30PM and 8PM at the Edge entrance on Level 4 of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.
- Event will end at 11PM.
- Tickets have specific entry times. Please make sure you arrive in your allocated time.
- Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.
- Children 5 & under can attend for free (no ticket required).
4th of July Fireworks Cruise onboard the Atlantic Star – Adults 21+ $175.00
Celebrate Independence Day in ultimate style aboard the Atlantic Star Yacht! Set sail on the iconic Hudson River for a spectacular July 4th all-inclusive experience under the stars, complete with front-row seats to the dazzling Macy’s Fireworks display.
Highlights
🍹 3:45 Hours of Premium Open Bar*: Savor unlimited drinks as you toast to freedom. Premium.
🍜 2-Hour Buffet: Indulge in a variety of delicious dishes throughout the evening.
🎆 Breathtaking views of Macy’s NYC Fireworks Show: Marvel at the New York City skyline and the breathtaking fireworks from the best vantage point while the cruise sails towards the 48th Annual Macy’s Fireworks Show on the Hudson River.
🎶 Live DJs: Dance the night away to the hottest tracks spun by top DJs
👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly Cruise: Guests under the age of 21 MUST be accompanied by an adult, and their open bar will be limited to non-alcoholic drinks.
General Info
📅 Date: various dates available (select during purchase)
🕒 Time: Boarding: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Departure: 7:00 p.m. sharp | Return: 10:45 p.m.
📍 Location: Boarding at Pier 78 at Hudson River Park, 455 12th Ave, New York, NY 10018
👤 Age requirement: 21+ with valid ID:
Description
Experience an unforgettable July 4th Yacht Cruise on the Atlantic Star! Enjoy a night of luxury and entertainment with a full premium open bar, savoring unlimited drinks as you toast to freedom. Indulge in a variety of delicious dishes from a 2-hour buffet throughout the evening. Marvel at the New York City skyline and the breathtaking fireworks from the best vantage point.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a festive gathering with friends, the Atlantic Star Yacht Cruise promises an extraordinary celebration. Don’t miss out, get your tickets now for the July 4th Macy’s Fireworks Cruise Aboard Atlantic Star in NYC!
Limited spots are available! Tickets are selling fast! Don’t miss out on the most anticipated event of the summer. Secure your spot today and make this Independence Day one to remember.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Boarding times are from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM SHARP. If you miss the boarding, you will miss the cruise!
- Guests under the age of 21 MUST be accompanied by an adult, and their open bar will be limited to non-alcoholic drinks.
- *For guests under the age of 21 open-bar is limited to non-alcoholic drinks
- To consume alcohol, guests MUST be age 21 and up and present a valid form of government-issued photo ID!
July 4th Dinner Cruise with Live Music and Open Bar – $449.00
Celebrate Independence Day in ultimate style with Macy’s Firework Cruise! Set sail for an unforgettable evening featuring a 6-course gourmet dinner, a premium open bar, and live entertainment that will keep you dancing all night long. As the night unfolds, enjoy front-row seats to the dazzling Macy’s Fireworks display, all while surrounded by the stunning views of New York City’s skyline. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to make your July 4th celebration truly spectacular. Secure your tickets now for an evening of luxury and entertainment!
Highlights
🍻 Premium open bar with beer, wine, top-shelf liquor, and themed cocktails
🍽️ Indulge in a specialty Independence Day buffet with unlimited soda, juice, coffee, hot tea, and water
🎆 With a perfect positioning on the Hudson River for Macy’s fireworks
🎶 Dance to live entertainment throughout the night with live band performances & DJ entertainment
General Info
📅 Date: July 4
🕒 Time: Boarding: 6:00 p.m. | Departure: 6:30 p.m.
⏳ Duration: 4 hours
📍 Location: Pier 36 NYC
The Best Free Events for the 4th of July in New York
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The fireworks will launch from the Hudson River for the first time in 10 years. For the past nine years, the fireworks launched out of the East River, meaning Brooklyn and Queens had front-row seats to the spectacle. This time around, Jersey gets to watch the spectacular fireworks. 10,000 tickets were given out for free and are no longer available if you want to stand and watch the fireworks and live performances, see below for where t
There will also be live performances by:
- Amber Mark
- Brandy Clark
- Lainey Wilson
- Luis Fonsi
- Mickey Guyton
- The War and Treaty
Where to Watch the Macy’s Fireworks in Manhattan
- Please note: West Side Highway entry points are managed by NYPD
- Christopher St. & Washington St.
- W. 11th St & Washington St.
- W. 12th St. & Washington St.
- W. 29th St. & 11th Ave.
- W. 40th St. & 11th Ave.
- W. 41st St. & 11th Ave.
Pier 57 for the Macy’s July 4th Fireworks on the Hudson River
For the first time in 10 years, Macy’s July 4th Fireworks is on the Hudson River. Come view this spectacular show at Pier 57’s Rooftop Park on the West Side for an evening to remember. Enjoy striking views of the Hudson River & lower Manhattan, bites and drinks from the Market 57 food hall, and music from DJ Viper.
Event Start Time: 4:30PM
Event End Time: 10:30 PM (End of Fireworks)
To enter the event at Pier 57, you will need to present your ticket and a photo ID. The only entry point for Pier 57 will be on 15th Street and 10th Avenue. There will be no other entry points. Entry starts at 4:30 PM and ends at 7:30 PM. Entry before and after this time is not permitted. See the map below for more details.
Please note the rules and regulations below.
- *No outside food and beverage permitted*
- *No coolers permitted*
- *No backpacks, no umbrellas, no packaging, no chairs permitted*
- *No re-entry*
- *Only service dogs permitted*
- *Must enter by 7:30 PM*
Coney Island July 4 Fireworks and Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest
The annual 4th of July event at Coney Island starts in the afternoon indulging in Coney Island’s classic attractions. From attempting to win plushes as game stands, to the amusement park rides, to the famous boardwalk. The fireworks start at 9:30 pm and it makes for a magical backdrop over the Atlantic Ocean (romantic too!)
Don’t miss the chance to either be grossed out or fascinated by Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest earlier in the day for a true Coney Island 4th of July experience. This celebration is perfect for families and anyone looking to combine beach fun with patriotic festivities. The Coney Island July 4 Fireworks Spectacular will be on Thursday, July 4 at 9:30 pm at the Coney Island Pier at Boardwalk and West 15th Street.
4th of July Weekend at Seaport’s Beach Fest
For four days and nights over the holiday weekend, you can kick back with friends and family in a giant sandbox on Seaport Square, grooving to live DJ sets and music performances, including Walshy Fire, Kitty Cash, Jubilee, Empress Of, and many more! Head to the beach this July Fourth Weekend—right here downtown, at Beach Fest. For four days and nights over the holiday weekend, you can kick back with friends and family in a giant sandbox on Seaport Square, enjoying bites and beverages from your favorite local eateries and food trucks.
Refresh with drinks from Heineken and Maker’s Mark, and groove to daily DJ sets and live music performances. Even the kids can get down to their favorite tunes, with the Seaport Kids x Music Fest from 11am–1pm on Saturday, July 6. RSVP HERE.
RSVP is not required. All seating is first come, first served.
Thursday, July 4 – Sunday, July 7
- July 4: 12 pm – 10:00 pm
- July 5: 12 pm – 10 pm
- July 6: 11 am – 10 pm
- July 7: 12 pm – 8 pm
Location
Seaport Square
89 South Street, between Piers 16 & 17
THURSDAY, JULY 4
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- 12 pm – 2 pm: All Night Boogie Band
- 3 pm – 5 pm: Leon Majcen
- 5:30 pm – 6 pm: Brooklyn United
- 6 pm – 7:30 pm: Kitty Ca$h
- 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm: Walshy Fire
FRIDAY, JULY 5
12:00 PM – 10:00PM
- 12 pm – 1 pm: Mylez Gittens
- 1 pm – 2 pm: Aaron Burnett
- 3 pm – 4 pm: Goodnight
- 4 pm – 5 pm: Psymon Spine
- 5 pm – 6 pm: NIGELTHREETIMES
- 6 pm -7 pm: Swami Sound
- 7 pm – 8:30 pm: Jubilee
- 8:30 pm – 10 pm: Empress Of
SATURDAY, JULY 6
11:00AM – 10:00PM
- 11am – 1pm – Seaport Kids x Music Fest with DJ Mr Marc & Baba Yah
- 2pm – 4pm: Stoop Kids Brass Band
- 5pm – 6pm: DJ OOO Child + YunieMo
- 6pm – 8:30pm: Black Noi$e B2B Sushi Ceej B2B Westside Ty
- 8:30pm – 10pm: Kirou Kirou
SUNDAY, JULY 7
12:00 PM – 8:00PM
- 12pm – 2pm: Ben Ferrell Quintet
- 3pm-5pm: Yellowtechnica (Live)
- 5pm-7pm: Takuya Nakamura
- 7pm -8pm: Duendita
Independence Day Celebration at the New-York Historical Society
Celebrate Independence Day at the New York Historical Society with humble street food and posh ice cream flavors that would have been familiar to New Yorkers of 1776! Meet historical interpreters to learn the fascinating stories of vendors who sold their wares in the streets and chef Hercules Posey, an enslaved cook of George Washington who self-emancipated in 1796. After sampling foods of the Revolutionary Era, continue making family memories together with games, crafts, a dress-up photo booth, and more! REGISTER HERE.
Location:
The New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
- Thursday, July 4, 11 am – 2 pm
- Free with Museum admission; free admission for ages 17 and younger
- Ages: All
Admission is free for children who are 17 and younger and is also included in the price of admission to the museum, which is $24 for adults. Activities run from 11 am until 5 pm.
The Best Events for the 4th of July in New Jersey
The Best Paid Events for the 4th of July in New Jersey
4th of July on the Rooftop AT Exchange Place – $90/Hour
Standard Tables, Cabanas/Red Couches, and VIP section are available for a per-person price.
Reservations are per 90-minute increments. Guests may request additional time on tables after 90 minutes at a $75 minimum per person per hour required.
Cancellations up to 24 hours prior | $75 no-show fee
When: July 4th, 2024 | 4pm-12am
RSVP with Tymeka Holmes at (551) 256-7850 or tymeka.holmes@concordhotels.com
The Best Free Events for the 4th of July in New Jersey
Jersey City’s 4th of July Celebration at the Exchange Place Path Plaza
The day-long celebration starts at noon with food vendors, family activities, and much more hosted by Jersey City Night Market along the Hudson River waterfront. The Fourth of July celebration in Jersey City will feature a free concert headlined by Grammy winner Wyclef Jean at 8 p.m., preceded by a free performance from Fat Joe at 7 p.m. Funk Flex will return to DJ on July 4th event again this year, taking the stage at 6 p.m. The night will conclude with the legendary Fireworks by Grucci set to light up the sky over the Hudson River beginning at 9:25 p.m.
Exchange Place Path Plaza, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
The evening will be capped by a spectacular fireworks display by the world-famous Fireworks by Grucci. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 pm and be viewable along the Hudson River Walkway, parts of the Heights, and the north portion of Liberty State Park.
Where to Watch the Macy’s 4th July Fireworks in Hoboken
- Pier A Park
- Maxwell Place Park
- Stevens Park
- Elysian Park
