This year's Fourth of July marks the 235th anniversary of when American stripped down to her birthday suit, traded the powdered wig for a Yankees cap and said "peace out" to Mother England. Time to celebrate! But if your Fourth of July plans are still a (fire)work in progress, check out what's poppin' in The Big Apple this year.
Fireworks!
Starting at approximately 9 p.m., Manhattan's West Side will be hosting The 35th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show, featuring upwards of 40,000 fireworks set to a 25-minute score of American standards and today's top 40 (we're hoping for a Star Spangled/Rihanna mashup epic enough to give F. Scott Key a little post-mortem booty shake). For the best views, scurry over to 12th Ave. below 59th St...or hop over to Jersey. (Or, if you're rich, spend $125 and watch the 'works from the Empire State Building Observatory). If you prefer to stick to the wonderful world of American conveniences (air conditioning, anyone?), tune into NBC at 9 p.m. and spend the evening watching the explosions with Nick Lachey, Brad Paisley and Beyonce.
Music!
If you're trying to express your American given rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of dance-iness, get down with this year's concert roundup. Like things a bit more indie? Shea Stadium is hosting Summerjam III with Extreme Animals, Sightings, Liturgy, Black Ribbons, and more. And other BK hotspots Zebulon, Brooklyn Bowl, and Barbes will also be bumpin'. But your music fix may be better served on the third of July, when Panda Bear plays The Music Hall of Williamsburg, Tinsel Teeth rock out at Death By Audio, The Hairs do a free show at The South Street Seaport Fulton Market and The Feelies play their last Maxwell's show.
Dancing!
Celebrate the height of Americana at The Liberty Belle Spectacular at the Empire Hotel. Think rockabilly, DJs and pin-up girls with cocktails in hand, and top it all off with some good ol' fashioned burlesque. How America is that?
Eating!
Nothing spells U.S.A. like B.B.Q., so get ‘er done at the Rare View Rooftop Cookout, where patrons can enjoy food and drink specials under the glow of the fireworks. With two locations at two different times, this Independence Day party fits any schedule; the Rare View Chelsea location gets going at 2 p.m., while the Lexington location opens for business at 5 p.m. Blaue Gans in Tribeca is hosting their annual "Pig Out" all-you-can-eat buffet, where for $35 you can enjoy a roasted pig with all the fixins. Bark Hot Dogs' location at Pier 6, at Brooklyn Bridge Park, is planning on opening their arms, and more importantly, their roof for a firework viewing in Brooklyn. If you're looking to ditch the 'que for a little bubbly, celebrate on the terrace at Morrell Wine Bar & Café, which is offering 2-for-1 flutes of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne from 8 p.m. until midnight.
Cruisin'!
To cure the land-locked blues, experience the fireworks by sea on a Manhattan booze cruise. Take your pick: there's the 4th of July Independence Cruise, The July 4th Fireworks Cruise, the New York Independence Day Firework's Dinner Cruise, or the Queen of Hearts Dance Party on the Hudson. Almost all of these offer a variation on an open/cash bar, dinner, a DJ and, of course, the best view of the fireworks.
Other!
Some additional Fourth of July events include the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, The Macy's Viewing Party on the Intrepid, a private party on Pier 81, an open bar party at Hudson Terrace, and a picnic party at The Sky Room Times Square. But let's be real, people: New York City and rooftop parties go together like, well, stars and stripes. So call that One-Guy-With-The-Roof-Garden, sit back and enjoy the show.
What other people are saying...
Ijola - June 29, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Looks like a somebody (ME!!!!) is going to have fun this weekend! : -)
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