July 4 Festivities In Manhattan: Beach Fest, Fireworks & More

NEW YORK CITY — This Fourth of July weekend, not everyone may find it easy to feel so patriotic — but whether you want to celebrate America or just chill out, there's an activity for you in Manhattan.

Here's a quick roundup of a few of the most notable events happening in and around the borough this year.

Seaport Beach Fest

Every afternoon from Friday through Monday, head on down to South Street Seaport for "sand," "sun" and "sounds," as the neighborhood is transformed into a "beach oasis," organizers say.

Beachgoers can grab drinks from a pop-up bar, find snacks at one of several food trucks, take in musical performances from a main stage, and then dig their toes into the sand.

Find a full lineup of performers at the Seaport's website. The beach fest runs from 4-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and 1-8 p.m. Monday.

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

The city's headline event, of course, is the 46th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show.

Shot out of five barges stationed along the East River near Midtown, the fireworks can be seen along much of Manhattan's East Side — including the FDR Drive, which will be blocked off to allow for viewing. To watch from the FDR, enter via one of three official access points along First Avenue: at East 23rd, 34th, and 42nd streets.

Outside of Manhattan, great views is also available at the other official watch sites at Gantry Plaza State Park, Newtown Barge Park, Transmitter Park and Marha P. Johnson State Park.

At 8 p.m., ahead of the fireworks at the East River, Macy’s will put on a music-filled show directed by Ray Chew that includes The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, a rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” by Grammy-nominated R&B singer Kenny Lattimore and additional performances by 5 Seconds of Summer and Tony-award winning star Joaquina Kalukango.

Other musical guests include Pitbull, Brett Eldredge, Carly Pearce and the casts of “Freestyle Love Supreme” and “Moulin Rouge!” Performances will be stream on Peacock and broadcast on NBC.
“Macy’s Fireworks will once again spark joy and captivate millions as together the nation joins in celebration,” Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, said in a statement.

“Five barges positioned on the East River will launch a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes and sounds, celebrating America’s diverse musical legacy, featuring a selection of genres that have inspired global culture.”

4th of July Celebration at Edge

If watching the fireworks from the FDR isn't daring enough for you, here's another option: the 4th of July celebration at the Edge, the 1,100-foot-high observation deck at Hudson Yards.

A ticket ($250) for Monday's event will give you access to the deck from between 7-8 p.m. until midnight, plus two glasses of champagne (or a non-alcoholic drink), a "gourmet corn dog" and unlimited popcorn.

A live DJ will be bumping music in the background as visitors take in the lit-up skyline and get a chance to walk atop the Edge's vertigo-inducing glass floor.

Another ticket ($185) will gain you entry to an even more exclusive, and gravity-defying, activity — watching the fireworks while scaling the skyscraper from the comfort of a harness, through the Edge's "City Climb" activity. (Billed as the "highest open-air building ascent in the world.")