The 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 before tickets for the best bits are gone! 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
Amazing Events for the 4th of July in New York City
The Best Paid Events for the 4th of July in New York
NYC Fourth of July Harbor Lights Party Boat Cruise From $159
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.
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
| • BOARDING: | Jul 04, 2025 @ 6:30 PM EST |
| • DEPARTING: | Jul 04, 2025 @ 7:30 PM EST |
| • RETURNING: | Jul 04, 2025 @ 10:30 PM EST |
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 (from $400) INCLUDE:
- Exclusive access to Edge’s indoor and outdoor sky decks across levels 100 and 101
- Access to a 2-hour open bar (21+ only)
- Unlimited gourmet appetizers
- DJ set from 7.30 PM to 11 PM.
WHAT TO KNOW:
- Entry will be between 7.30 PM and 8 PM at the Edge entrance on Level 4 of The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards.
- The event will end at 11 PM.
- 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).
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
Celebrate the 4th of July in the Seaport
This year, the Fourth of July Fireworks return to the East River, and there’s no better place to experience them than right here in the Seaport. Whether you’re looking for a festive one-night-only dining experience or a family-friendly way to take in the show, the neighborhood has you covered.
The ultimate Independence Day celebration is right here in the neighborhood.
Tin Building
Enjoy a cocktail-style celebration with signature bites from Jean-Georges concepts, a premium open bar, and exclusive access to a south-facing fireworks viewing area.
July 4, 2025 | 6:30–10:00 PM
Limited early bird tickets available.
Ages 13+: $325 early bird | $400 general
Ages 3–12: $100 early bird | $150 general
(All guests, including infants, need a ticket.)
Carne Mare
Celebrate by feasting on a full raw bar, carving station, chophouse snacks and other surprises, plus an open bar all night long. Enjoy exclusive access to a dedicated viewing area on Pier 17, offering front-row seats to the fireworks over the East River.
$325 per ticket. Ticket includes:
- Full raw bar, carving station, chophouse snacks and other surprises
- Open bar all night
- Exclusive access to a dedicated fireworks viewing area
- Views of the barges just south of the bridge
- All food, drinks, tax, and gratuity
Seaport Museum
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a dazzling evening on the waterfront, where you’ll enjoy one of New York City’s most iconic fireworks displays from a truly special vantage point.
- Early-Bird Tickets $95
- Starting at 6:30pm
- Ticket Options:
- Red Viewing Zone: Red ticket holders have access to a more exclusive watch area at the face of Pier 16, offering an optimal view of fireworks launched from both the Brooklyn Bridge and the barges.
- Blue Viewing Zone: Blue ticket holders have an incredible view of the fireworks launched from the barges along the river, but may have a limited view of the bridge.
Location
Seaport Square
89 South Street, between Piers 16 & 17
The Best Free Events for the 4th of July in New York
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The 49th edition of the “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks” will fire from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the Lower East River in the Seaport District, providing miles of prime public viewing.
There will also be live performances by:
- Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz, Ava Max, Keke Palmer, and Trisha Yearwood Will Perform
Best Places to Watch Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks (Brooklyn Bridge Area)
- Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 1): Unobstructed views with skyline and bridge backdrop.
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade: Elevated, direct sightline to East River and launch sites.
- Pebble Beach (near Empire Stores): Less crowded, great sightlines under Manhattan Bridge.
- South Street Seaport: Wide river views directly across from fireworks barges.
- Gantry Plaza State Park (LIC): Cross-river views from Queens waterfront.
- Anywhere along the Brooklyn waterfront in Red Hook, Sunset Park, or Bay Ridge.
- On a boat in the East River.
Best Rooftop Bars with Brooklyn Bridge Views
The Roof at Pier 17 (Seaport District): Large open-air rooftop with direct views across from DUMBO.
Harriet’s Rooftop (1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge): Luxe vibes, sunset views, top cocktails.
Time Out Market Rooftop (DUMBO): Open-air terrace with bridge-front views and casual drinks.
Bar Blondeau (Wythe Hotel): Elegant rooftop with distant bridge views, oysters, and wine.
Westlight (The William Vale): Panoramic skyline views from the 22nd floor in Williamsburg.
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.
Friday Night Fireworks run from Friday, June 20, through Labor Day. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:45 pm and typically launch from the beach at West 12th Street, providing a breathtaking backdrop to the iconic boardwalk and amusement parks.
Independence Day Celebration at the New-York Historical Society
Celebrate with us at our Dining in Transit exhibition and enjoy tasty summer treats on the go! Try your hand at hand-cranking ice cream the old-fashioned way and sample historic recipes from a Pullman Company chef.
Did you know potato chips originated in Saratoga Springs? Learn about George Crum, the Indigenous and African American chef who popularized them, and taste the original Saratoga Chips!
Don’t miss the July 4th Sing-Along in the Barbara K. Lipman Children’s History Library at 11:30, 12:30, or 1:30—with instruments, games, and songs for all ages.
Bonus treats:
Grab hot dogs and soft-serve specials at Café 77!
Kids 17 and under get in free
Write a birthday message to the U.S. on the 1st floor
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
- 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.
Fun 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
115th Annual Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Friday, July 4, 2025
“Please join us for our annual flag raising ceremony in Wilsey Square at 9 am, followed by a parade beginning at 10 am. Evening Entertainment with live music, food trucks, beer garden, and fireworks finale begins at 6 pm!”
Theme: The Road to Independence
As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, this year’s Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration honors the pivotal events that led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. From the Boston Tea Party and the Continental Congresses to Paul Revere’s midnight ride and George Washington’s appointment as commander-in-chief, these defining moments shaped the country’s path to freedom from British rule.
The Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration Committee looks forward to welcoming the community and making this year’s event a meaningful and memorable tribute.
Organized by a non-profit, all-volunteer group, the celebration is made possible through generous sponsorships, private donations, and fireworks ticket sales. RSVP HERE
- 2025 Evening Entertainment and Fireworks hosted by the Ridgewood Fourth of July Committee
- Friday, July 4, 2025
- Pre-sale tickets are on sale until 3 p.m. on July 4th.
- Children under 5 years old – FREE
- Gates open at 6 p.m.
- All patrons and belongings are subject to security checks
- No dogs allowed
- No refunds or exchanges on any ticket sales
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
Stay tuned for more information on this wonderful family event.
Exchange Place Path Plaza, 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Where to Watch the Macy’s 4th July Fireworks in Hoboken
- Pier A Park
- Maxwell Place Park
- Stevens Park
- Elysian Park
4 Days of the 4th of July Events in Paramus, New Jersey
Jul 3 Frank “Dutch” Cleenput 4th of July Annual Softball Game
- 7:00 PM 8:00 PM
- Borough of Paramus (map)
Time and Location still to be announced. View Event →
Jul 6 Food Trucks Festival
- 5:00 PM 8:00 PM
- Borough of Paramus (map)
Coordinating with the Paramus Fire Department. Located at the Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex. Vendors to be announced.
Jul 6 Fireworks Display
- 8:00 PM 10:00 PM
- Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex (map)
Location and information to be announced shortly.
