4th Of July In NYC: Fireworks, Hot Dog Eating Contests And More

NEW YORK CITY — Fourth of July weekend in New York City means beach parties, hot dog extravaganzas and of course Macy's fireworks display. For those loyal New Yorkers not fleeing the city — or the heat — Patch has rounded up some of the top ways to celebrate the patriotic holiday.

For more July 4th guides and resources, check out our guide to keeping canines contented as fireworks blare and relish this roundup of the city's best hot dogs.

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks

The 46th anniversary of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks in the East River will start approximately at 9:25 p.m. Monday.

Onlookers will be able to see the night sky light up in Queens at Gantry Plaza State Park at the Hunter Point section of Long Island City, as well as Newtown Barge Park, Transmitter Park and Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Brooklyn and East 42nd, East 34th and East 23rd streets (entry checkpoints at 1st Avenue) all on FDR Drive in Manhattan.

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.”

Seaport Beach Fest

The Seaport Beach Fest has launched right in time for the Fourth of July. From Friday, July 1 to Monday, July 4 there will be live music, pop-ups, food and more at Seaport Square between Piers 16 and 17.

The Seaport Beach Fest will transform Lower Manhattan into an oasis, according to Ellie Chamberland, vice president of marketing at the Seaport for The Howard Hughes Corporation, which is the organizer for the event.

"At the Seaport, we create unique experiences that bring New Yorkers together at this iconic waterfront destination," Chamberland said in a statement. "This was the inspiration behind the Seaport Beach Fest, bringing the beach to the city for a weekend of live entertainment and culinary experiences for a memorable holiday weekend."

Speaking of food, guests will be able to enjoy snacks and tropical cocktails at the Makitiki concept bar on 19 Fulton St. as the Seaport puts up the sculpture work of artist John Gowdy, a retired New Jersey firefighter.

Visitors will be able to enjoy al fresco dining at The Fulton, Carne Mare, Malibu Farm and Momofuku Ssäm Bar restaurants, listen to live music, check out 360-views at The Rooftop or sail along the East River at Pier 17.

Nathan's Famous Fourth Of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest

All the Independence Day fun to come won’t be in Lower Manhattan, because for the first time since the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest will return to the chain’s flagship store in Brooklyn at the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday.

At Coney Island, Nathan’s Famous hot dog chain expects 16 men and 13 women from as far as Australia to the United Kingdom to 16 states throughout the U.S., including several from all over the Empire State, to compete at its international contests, which is located at 1310 Surf Ave. The men and women contest each offer a $20,000 cash prize.

"We are extremely excited for Nathan’s Famous July 4 Hot Dog Eating Contest to return to our iconic Coney Island flagship after two years," Phil McCann, vice president of marketing of Nathan's Famous told Patch via email.

"The American holiday tradition typically attracts an audience of 35,000 people to the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues. All are welcome to join the festivities and watch top-ranked eaters from around the world compete."