Coney Island Fireworks
WHEN
Fri 3, approx 9pm
WHAT
From late June until Labor Day, there's a fireworks show on the Island every Friday night. Advantages to catching the spectacle a day early: You’re still free to watch the show in Manhattan on Saturday, and an authentic Nathan’s Famous hot dog (1310 Surf Ave at Stillwell Ave; 718-946-2202, nathansfamous.com) is only steps away.
BEST VIEWING SPOTS
• The boardwalk, between 10th and 12th Streets
• Atop Deno’s Wonder Wheel, Boardwalk at 12th Street (718-449-8836, wonderwheel.com)
WHAT TO DO AFTER
Head to boardwalk fixture Cha-Cha’s (1229 Boardwalk West, 718-946-1305) for frozen piña coladas and an enjoyably cheesy rock cover band. Trixie and Monkey’s Burlesque Circus (Coney Island's Sideshows by the Seashore, 1208 Surf Ave at 12th St; trixielittle.com, $15) promises an “all-encompassing barrage of boobies and bananas” starting at 10pm. Strap on a pair of skates at Lola Staar’s Dreamland Roller Rink (Historical Landmarked Childs Building, 3052 W 21st St at Boardwalk West) for a late-night glide, then circle back for more piña coladas at Cha-Cha’s, which is open until 4am. On July 4, check out the 93rd annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest .
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
WHEN
Sat 4, approx 9:20pm
WHAT
To commemorate Henry Hudson sailing into these parts 400 years ago, the annual extravaganza moves westward. Fireworks will be set off from six barges along the Hudson River between 24th and 50th Streets; the show will last about 26 minutes. The New York Pops will play an inspirational set, including “God Bless America” and "Proud Mary," which will be broadcast on NBC and 1010 WINS.
BEST VIEWING SPOTS
• The West Side Highway will be closed for spectators from 22nd to 59th Street starting at 4pm.
• Pier 54 (at 13th Street)
• Pier 84 (at 38th Street)
• Northbound lanes of 12th Avenue from 23rd to 59th Streets
• Dewitt Clinton Park at Eleventh Avenue between 52nd and 54th Streets
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Chelsea Brewing Company
Manhattan’s only waterfront microbrewery will offer a $150 open bar starting at 5pm, featuring a selection of its craft beers. The 24-foot ceilings and giant windows ensure you’ll be treated to an astronomic view of the fireworks—plus the Chelsea Piers Driving Range is just outside the door, and nothing’s more American than Big Bertha clubs. Pier 59, W 18th St at Eleventh Ave (212-336-6440, chelseabrewingco.com)
Hudson Terrace
Stuff your face for America—the magic words all you can eat and open bar justify the $125 price tag for the 7 to 10pm celebration, and the midtown location makes for some of the best seats on the island. 621 W 46th St between Eleventh and Twelfth Aves (212-315-9400, hudsonterracenyc.com)
Pier 66
The Frying Pan, a sunken Coast Guard ship turned bar, is one of the coolest (and thematically appropriate) vantage points to see the night’s aerial magic. While the barge itself will be closed to the public due to security concerns, the North River Historic Ship Society is throwing a private party on the roof of the attached Pier 66 from 7 to 10:30pm. The price is steep ($200), but it’s hard to get closer (or classier). Pier 66, Twelfth Ave at 26th St (212-989-6363, nrhss.org)
The Rusty Knot
Get things started around noon at this would-be dive bar, which features the Uncle Sam Special: 25¢ Busch beers served until 5pm. Think of it as an economic stimulus for your pockets and an alcoholic stimulus for your liver—though you may need to decamp to the street outside for the actual sparkle show.425 West St at 11th St (212-645-5668)—Zachary Feldman
WHAT TO DO AFTER
Get into the commemorative spirit at Landmark Tavern (626 Eleventh Ave at 46th St, 212-247-2562), an old-fashioned Irish saloon built in the late 1800s. At Holland Bar (532 Ninth Ave between 39th and 40th Sts, 212-502-4609), $3 beers will be served until 4am. Schmancy neighborhood fave HK Lounge (523 Ninth Ave at 39th St, 212-947-4208) is serving cheap post-fireworks fare until 1am. And what's more patriotic than the Hustler Club (641 W 51st St at Twelfth Ave, 212-247-2460)?
More options
Jones Beach Fireworks Spectacular
Jones Beach State Park, Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, L.I., 631-321-3510). Travel: LIRR to Freeport, then take JB62 bus to Jones Beach.
Sat 4 at 9:30pm
If you're up for a change of scenery, ride the LIRR out to Freeport, L.I. for this beachside fireworks extravaganza. The bad news: Lifeguards chase everyone out of the water by sunset. The good news: The boardwalk turns into a two-mile-long block party, complete with vendors and concession stands. Crowds arrive early, so plan accordingly.
Liberty State Park Fireworks
Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ (201-915-3403). Travel: PATH train to Exchange Pl, then take the light rail to Liberty State Park.
Sat 4 at 9:15pm
Not to be outdone by the relocation of Macy’s to the Hudson River (which displaced the New Jersey fireworks from their usual barges and onto land), Liberty State Park offers the longest fireworks display in the area, from 9:15 to 10:45pm. The park is huge and the views are gorgeous, so there’s plenty of diversion to be had once the exploding colors fade. A reason to arrive early: Starting at 2pm, there’s free live music courtesy of the R&B groups Blue Magic and Black Ivory.
