Fireworks Near Me: NYC July 4th 2025 Events

NEW YORK CITY — Independence Day falls on a Friday in 2025, kicking off a star-spangled three-day weekend packed with fireworks, festivals and other Fourth of July fun in and around New York City.

To help you fit it all in on your 4th of July calendar, Patch has put together a guide to what’s going on in New York City and the surrounding areas.

Macy's July 4 Fireworks in NYC: 2025

What: Run by Macy's, this is the main fireworks event in Manhattan, complete with 25 minutes of fireworks and a light show over the Brooklyn Bridge. The event is complete with a musical score created by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and James Poyser.

Where: The fireworks will be over the downtown portion of the East River, so anywhere along the East River is fair game. A particularly good spot to watch will be John V. Lindsay East River Park, FDR Dr, New York, NY, 10009.

The city will also be offering 100,000 free tickets for designated viewing areas in Brooklyn Bridge Park or Pier 16 and 17 at The Seaport. The free tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis online.

When: July 4, 9 p.m.

Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest 2025: Coney Island

What: Watch hot dog-eating legends in front of Nathan's Famous stuff their faces. It's a time-honored Brooklyn tradition!

Where: Outside of Nathan's Famous, 1310 Surf Ave, NY, 11224

When: July 4, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Watch Fireworks, Celebrate July 4 at EDGE: 2025

What: Watch the fireworks along the East River at the Edge, a sky-high nightclub with an indoor and outdoor sky-deck, in addition to a DJ, an open bar and unlimited appetizers.

Where: Edge, 30 Hudson Yards, New York, NY, 10001

When: July 4, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

South Street Seaport Museum Announces Red, White & Views: Fourth of July Fireworks

What: Enjoy one of New York City’s most iconic fireworks displays from a truly special vantage point — Seaport Museum's historic Pier 16. Bring your friends, family, and festive spirit for this backyard-style Independence Day celebration.

Where: Pier 16, Peck Slip NY, 10038

When: Starts at 6:30 p.m. on July 4

Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. In that document, the 13 original colonies declared their independence from Great Britain.

During the pivotal summer of 1776, the pre-Revolutionary celebrations honoring King George III’s birthday were replaced with mock funerals as a symbolic break from the crown.

It was an exciting time in Philadelphia — the Continental Congress voted to break from the crown and, two days later on July 4, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the original 13 colonies —New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland. Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia — to adopt the Declaration of Independence.

The first annual commemoration of the nation’s independence was in Philadelphia on July 4, 1777, while the Revolutionary War was ongoing. Fireworks have been part of Fourth of July festivities since the first celebration in Philadelphia.

Today, Americans celebrate with fireworks, parades, concerts, and family gatherings and barbecues. Celebrations, though, predate by centuries the designation of Independence Day as a federal holiday, which didn’t happen until 1941.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.