The 4th of July is always an exciting time in New York City, filled with concerts, BBQs, and, of course, fireworks. This year will be more festive than ever as we also commemorate America’s 250th birthday! Scroll down to find the best family-friendly events taking place across the five boroughs and make memories that will last long after this Semiquincentennial celebration.
Psst… Check Out Sail4th 250 in NYC: Celebrate America250 With Tall Ships, Fleet Week & Fireworks
Manhattan
Harbor Hooray!
Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 West 83rd St., Upper West Side
July 1 – 5, Daily, 10 am – 5 pm
Ages 8 and younger
Included with $18 admission
Celebrate NYC’s waterfront with art projects inspired by ships, signals, and seaside adventure. Explore how boats move, communicate, and celebrate on the water. This event coincides with the Sail4th 250 and America’s 250th birthday celebrations!
Concert on the Steps with the Young People’s Chorus of New York City
New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 Fifth Ave., Midtown
Wednesday, July 1, 8 – 8:30 pm
All ages
Free
As The New York Public Library joins the country in marking 250 years since the founding of the United States, you are invited to join a special concert on the steps of the iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street by The Young People’s Chorus of New York City.
Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday at the Intrepid Museum
Intrepid Museum, Pier 86 at W 46th St. and 12th Ave., Hell’s Kitchen
Friday, July 3, 10 am – 6 pm; Saturday – Monday, July 4 – 6, 10 am – 7 pm; Tuesday, July 7, 10 am – 3 pm
All ages
Included with admission: $28-$38
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at the Intrepid Museum! Throughout the weekend, enjoy musical performances and explore a variety of military displays, activities, and demonstrations from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Naval Research, and more.
250th Anniversary Celebration
Riverbank State Park, 679 Riverside Drive, Hamilton Heights
Saturday, July 4, 7 am – 10 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an all day party! All of the complexes will be joining the fun, from concerts on the main stage, lessons at the pool and rink, athletic contests, face painting, carnival games and more!
Summer Social: July 4th!
The New York Historical, 170 Central Park West, Upper West Side
Saturday, July 4, noon – 2:30 pm
All ages
Included with admission: $6 – $24
It’s the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America and the museum is marking the day with artmaking, games, live music, singing, and dancing. Reflect on 250 years of history and get ready to take on the next 250!
50th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
See Macy’s website for viewing areas
Saturday, July 4, 8 – 10 pm
All ages
Free
This year, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® will mark its 50th anniversary with a milestone pyrotechnic display, captivating millions. Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will expand to both the lower East River in the Seaport District, the lower Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City, and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge creating a shared experience that connects more communities than ever. The nation’s largest 4th of July celebration will ignite the skies of New York and New Jersey with a kaleidoscope of color and sound. The landmark show celebrates 50 years of patriotic spectacle for Macy’s and marks the nation’s 250th birthday.
Family Program: Let Liberty Rise!
The Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place, Battery Park City
Saturday, July 11, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Ages 3 – 10
Free
Advanced registration required
Listen to a reading of Let Liberty Rise! by Chana Stiefel, the inspiring true story of how kids raised funds to help construct the Statue of Liberty. After the story, kids can create their own Lady Liberty–inspired crowns to take home.
Bronx
U.S. 250th Series: Independence Day Totes
Morrisania Library, 610 East 169th St., Morrisania
Wednesday, July 1, 3:30 – 4:30 pm
Ages 3 – 12
Free
In this creative workshop, kids will become textile designers as they craft their very own Independence Day Tote Bag. Explore the history of the American flag, the meaning behind our national colors, and how we celebrate freedom through community and art.
Brooklyn
Wheel Fun Rentals Patriotic LED Bike Ride
Wheel Fun Rentals at Bensonhurst Park, 9000 Bay Parkway, Bensonhurst
Fridays – Sundays, 8 – 10 pm through Sept. 7
All ages
$29 – $39
Wheel Fun Rentals is lighting up summer nights in patriotic style as it celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with special Red, White & Blue LED Illuminated Surrey Night Rides. On July 4th, guests can make the holiday even more memorable by riding to waterfront viewing areas for spectacular fireworks displays. Riders can enjoy the festive atmosphere along the waterfront bike path with views across New York Harbor.
Coney Island 4th of July Fireworks
Coney Island Beach, West 16th St., Coney Island
Saturday, July 4, 9:45 pm
All ages
Free
See the skies light up with patriotic fireworks spectacular over Coney Island!
Sail 4th 250 Tall Ships at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Furman St., Brooklyn Heights
July 5 – 7, Sunday – Tuesday, noon – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Register in advance
America welcomes the tall ships of the world to the Port of New York and New Jersey for a universal celebration of America’s 250th anniversary! Sail4th 250 brings several to dock at Brooklyn Bridge Park, open for tours most days.
Queens
All-American Magic Show
Queens Center, 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst
Friday, July 3, noon – 2 pm
All ages
Free
Get ready for an afternoon of family-friendly fun at Queens Center’s All-American Magic Show celebrating America’s 250th Birthday! This exciting event features mind-blowing magic shows, live music, balloon artists, face painters, giveaways and interactive entertainment for all ages.
Staten Island
Wheel Fun Rentals Patriotic LED Bike Ride
Wheel Fun Rentals FDR Boardwalk at Sand Lake, 300 Father Capodanno Blvd., Arrochar
Fridays – Sundays, 8 – 10 pm through Sept. 7
All ages
$29 – $39
Wheel Fun Rentals is lighting up summer nights in patriotic style as it celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with special Red, White & Blue LED Illuminated Surrey Night Rides. On July 4th, guests can make the holiday even more memorable by riding to waterfront viewing areas for spectacular fireworks displays. On Staten Island, guests can pedal along the FDR Boardwalk, where the waterfront provides a scenic setting to take in the evening’s Independence Day celebrations and fireworks over the harbor.
Huck Finn July 4th Fishing Tournament and Costume Contest
Willowbrook Pond Park, One Eton Place, Willowbrook
Saturday, July 4, 8 – 11:30 am
All ages
Free
The Zimmer Club’s Annual Huck Finn Fishing Tournament & Costume Contest at the Willowbrook Pond Park – near the carousel: Fishing is open to all children between the ages of 5 and 14. Participants will receive a free bamboo fishing pole to keep and use in the contest, and all bait and tackle will be supplied. The Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, and Becky Thatcher Costume Contest (ages 5-14) is also free and will begin at 11 am.
Independence Day Celebration At Historic Richmond Town
Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Richmondtown
Saturday, July 4, 11 am – 4 pm
All ages
$5 – $10
Celebrate America 250 and our nation’s independence with old fashioned family fun! Visit Historic Richmond Town’s Independence Day Celebration for a day of special programming and events. Meet costumed interpreters and founding fathers and mothers, sign your name to a copy of the Declaration of Independence, enjoy demonstrations of 19th century fireworks, food, patriotic music, and more.
116th Travis 4th of July Parade
Parade begins on Victory Blvd. and Glen St., Travis
Saturday, July 4, 11:30 am – 2 pm
All ages
Free
Celebrate 250 Years of Independence at this beloved Staten Island parade.
America250: Staten Island Philharmonic Concert: Happy Birthday America
Conference House, 7455 Hylan Blvd., Tottenville
Sunday, July 5, 4 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
As part of the Conference House’s America250 series, this festive concert celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary and founding legacy. Celebrate the nation’s founding weekend with the Staten Island Philharmonic in a festive Independence Day concert featuring patriotic favorites, American classics, and celebratory orchestral works.
Psst… Check Out Jones Beach Air Show Returns for July 4 Weekend With Blue Angels
