4th of July in New York

Things to do on 4th of July Weekend in NYC,

Fireworks and all the fun of the fair
By Katie Sagal

Independence Day is one of the most important holidays of the year for Americans. Celebrate the Fourth of July with a summer trip to NYC and get in some sightseeing while soaking up the festive atmosphere.

One of the best days on the summer calendar is Independence Day. If you want to have a really special 4th of July, head to the Big Apple and take advantage of the many attractions that the city is famous for. From firework shows to carnival rides, there's no end of fun things to do in New York in July.

Check out some of these New York 4th of July weekend ideas including:

  • Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island
  • Luna Park at Coney Island
  • Macy's 4th of July fireworks
  • NYC Harbor Cruise
  • and more...

Save on 4th of July activities with Go City®

Regular admission to a number of these New York attractions is available with Go City® New York All-Inclusive and Explorer passes. Choose as you go from dozens of attractions & activities. 

Please note: Some special 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed.

💰 >>  See how you can save up to 50% on New York attractions 

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Macy's 4th of July fireworks show

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Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show is an annual event that takes place in New York City. Each year, millions of people line the Hudson River to watch the spectacular display of fireworks and celebrate Independence Day with friends and family. Macy's will be launching more than 75,000 shells from seven barges located between 24th Street and 40th Street along the Hudson River. The show is expected to last for 25 minutes and will feature a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, effects, and other surprises!

The Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show has been around since 1958 when it first began as part of the city’s celebration of its 350th anniversary. Over time it has become one of America’s most beloved holiday traditions with over 3 million viewers each year!

As you can imagine, there are plenty of activities taking place throughout Manhattan before the start of the show including live music performances on four different stages set up along 12th Avenue near 34th Street. Be sure to get there early if you want to secure your spot amongst all the festivities.

Insider tip: Pack a picnic, beverages, a football, and some games to play with friends, and get there early to score a good spot. 

Getting In: The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are free to watch.

Fireworks on the 4th and other times of the year

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The Fourth of July is a special day for many Americans and there's no better way to celebrate the holiday than with beautiful firework displays in New York City. On this day, NYC puts on an incredible show that lights up the night sky over iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Brooklyn Bridge. Visitors can expect to see dazzling colors and patterns as they take in some of America's most beloved fireworks shows.

Many locations also have food vendors selling delicious treats such as Nathan’s Hot Dogs or classic carnival games where you can win prizes.

But New Yorkers enjoy watching spectacular fireworks shows at other times throughout the year too. Some of these displays happen around major holidays like Halloween or Christmas while others are put on by world-renowned organizations like Disney or Universal Studios.

No matter when these events take place, they always bring joy to spectators from near and far who come together to experience something truly magical. Whether it be colorful bursts lighting up Central Park during summertime festivities or a winter wonderland illuminated by twinkling lights - NYC firework shows never fail to amaze!

The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

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There's no better way to celebrate Independence Day than visiting one of the most iconic symbols of American freedom. Visit both Liberty Island and Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close and explore the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. These activities are likely to be extremely popular during the holiday season. Be sure to make any reservations for pedestal tickets far in advance. 

Getting In: Statue of Liberty Ferry tickets are available as an option on all Go City® New York passes.

Coney Island

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Fourth of July celebrations are even more special at Luna Park on Coney Island. On this day, thousands of people come together to celebrate the holiday with fun rides, delicious food, and plenty of entertainment. The park has been open since 1903 and is one of the oldest amusement parks in the United States.

Visitors can enjoy classic roller coasters like The Cyclone and Thunderbolt rollercoasters, carnival games where guests can win prizes from stuffed animals to unique souvenirs. The fun is topped off with the fireworks at midnight above Brooklyn’s iconic beachfront area and the Atlantic Ocean.

Don't forget to visit Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, one of the oldest and most beloved places to eat at Luna Park. It first opened in 1916 and has become a tradition for people looking for a bite to eat during their 4th of July celebrations. While it serves up classic hot dogs with all the fixings, it also offers a variety of other tasty items like fries, burgers, and more.

The iconic restaurant also has roots that extend beyond just its location at Luna Park on Coney Island - in 1972 they began hosting the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest where competitive eaters from around the world come together to battle it out for the coveted championship title.

Getting In: The fireworks are free to watch. Luna Park tickets are available as an option on all Go City® New York passes.

Enjoy New York on two wheels

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A great way to see the city — from big-ticket attractions to hidden gems — is to hop aboard your very own bicycle. You'll get a local perspective of the city and be able to tailor your explorations to suit your interests. So, grab a bike rental, strap on a helmet, consult a map, and start exploring the city like a true New Yorker.

NYC has expanded its bike lanes in many parts of the city, so getting around on two wheels is easy in many areas. Many New York attractions are bike accessible, so make sure you hang onto the lock that comes with your rental. Then, stashing your bike during a visit to a museum or restaurant will be stress-free.

Getting In: New York City bike rentals are available as an option on all Go City® New York passes.

New York SummerStage

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This popular free NYC event is beloved by locals and visitors alike -- those who know about it, that is. Taking place in Central Park, SummerStage offers a wide variety of music and dance performances. On the weekends around the 4th of July, you'll see performances that run the gamut from contemporary Jamaican to house music to soul and more.

Keep in mind that although most events are free, some do require tickets. If you want to explore the park after enjoying a bit of these free performances, consider a guided walking tour, which will highlight the most important landmarks and sites of this iconic urban park. 

Getting In: SummerStage events are free to attend. Central Park Walking Tour tickets are available as an option on all Go City® New York passes.

Annual Freedom Fest @ South Street Seaport

This musical event is the perfect way to immerse yourself in local NYC happenings. Featuring an expert DJ, a full summer barbecue buffet, and an open bar (!) Freedom Fest is the place to party this 4th of July. Keep in mind that it's a bit pricey, so you may want to consider this event if you have a hefty budget.

This event kicks off an entire season of music in the Seaport District, so if you're visiting later in the month, be sure to check out their schedule as well. If you want to explore the area more at another time, a must-see attraction in this neighborhood is the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Take a guided tour across the bridge to get some fresh air and exercise to complement all that partying.

Getting In: Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Tour tickets are available as an option on all Go City® New York passes.

The Freedom Fest is separately ticketed.

NYC Cruises

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For those looking to celebrate the Fourth of July in a unique way, why not take a cruise around New York City? NYC cruises during this holiday weekend offer visitors an incredible opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective.

There's a 4th of July cruise for everyone in NYC. From luxury yachts with open-air decks for sightseeing and dancing under the stars to more intimate dinner cruises featuring delicious food and drinks, all overlooking some of Manhattan's most iconic landmarks.

Getting In: Landmarks Cruise tickets are available as an option on all Go City® New York passes.

America's favorite summer pastime: baseball!

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What better way to celebrate our nation's birthday than with an afternoon enjoying America's favorite summer sport? Though the Yankees don't typically play on the 4th itself, they do have scheduled games throughout June and July.

Love baseball, but simply don't have time for a game? Take a guided tour of Yankee Stadium to see this the many facets of this historic arena -- including Derek Jeter's retired number. 

Getting In: Yankee Stadium Tour tickets are available as an option on all Go City® New York passes.

New York Yankees ball games are separately ticketed.

Happy Fourth of July!

There you go - plenty of fun ideas for things to do in New York in July to help you plan your 4th of July weekend itinerary. We really hope you consider adding a few of these popular options to your upcoming plans. 

From Empire State heights to Broadway lights, see it all with Go City®

Discover our full line-up of New York attractions including The Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, the Statue of Liberty, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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