NEW YORK CITY — Fireworks, hot dogs and a lot of summer fun.
Whether you're a fan of the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks display, or you'd rather hit the grill or relax on the beach, DNAinfo's got you covered this Independence Day.
► Fireworks
• Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show will return to the East River this year. It gets started at 9:25 p.m. with fireworks being shot off from four barges on the water between 37th and 23rd streets and one below the Brooklyn Bridge near South Street Seaport.
• Roosevelt Island is celebrating the 4th with live music and food from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Bring your blankets and chairs to get a phenomenal island view of the fireworks over the East River. The event is free but space is limited so reserve your spot online on June 27.
• If you want to get your fireworks kick earlier, The Bronx kicks off the Independence Day celebrations early every year with its "New York Salutes America" celebration at Orchard Beach a few days before July 4th.
• Brooklynites may consider watching this year's fireworks from Brooklyn Bridge Park, which draws crowds during the spectacle each year. Use the park's entrances at Old Fulton and Furman streets, Joralemon and Furman streets, or Old Dock and Furman streets.
• Anyone who wants to secure a good view can buy tickets for the Heliport at 499 E 34th St. The event welcomes all ages and doors open at 6 p.m. regardless of weather.
► Barbecuing
• If you're a grill master, there are plenty of parks where you can legally barbeque within city limits. Just be sure to follow the rules laid out by the Parks Department.
► Swim & Surf
• If being a beach bum is your idea of a perfect Independence Day DNAinfo rounded up the city's public beaches.
Coney Island and the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest have become synonymous with the Fourth of July, kicking off the celebrations well before the first fireworks.
• If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Coney Island for the Fourth, Rockaway Beach might be your best shot. Here's a handy guide to where to eat, drink and shop.
• And don't forget that city pools are in full swing during the heat of the summer.
► Things to Do
Manhattan
Revolutionary New York Walking Tour
Where: Gated City Hall entrance, intersection of Broadway and Murray Street, downtown
When: July 4, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Walk around Downtown Manhattan with an enthusiastic history buff and learn about New York City's role in the Revolutionary War, and how it was once the country's original capitol. Seniors and full-time students get a discount, for more information and to book tickets, go here.
Where: Across Manhattan
When: July 4 to July 17, all day
The French supported the U.S. during the Revolutionary War, so it's only fitting that French Restaurant Week will be held between the Fourth of July and Bastille Day on July 17. Find participating businesses on the French Restaurant Week website.
Where: 123 E. 23rd St. near Madison Square Park
When: July 4, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Let laughter ring all day long at the People's Improv Theater. Listen to 12 straight hours of comedy, eat grilled food and smile your way through the Fourth of July. Get tickets here.
Where: Penthouse at Rivington, 107 Rivington St., Lower East Side
When: July 4, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Get a panoramic scene of the fireworks and the skyline while enjoying a buffet and an open bar. It's a classy affair so dress up. Tickets sell for $150 here.
Queens
Where: Luis Armstrong House Museum, 34-57 107th St., Corona
When: July 4, 2 p.m.
Listen to Gotham Kings featuring Alphonso Horne. Rice and beans, cake, and sweet tea will be served. Buy tickets for the 4th here.
Where: Citi Field Stadium, 123-01 Roosevelt Ave., Corona
When: July 4, 4 p.m.
Cheer on the Mets as they face the Marlins. For more tickets and information on how to get to the stadium, go here.
Where: Waterfront 5th Street and 46th Avenue, Long Island City
When: July 4, 12 to 10:30 p.m.
The LIC Night Market will be hosting a special night market along the waterfront for Queens patrons who want a great view of the fireworks along with a place to hang out before. There will be vendors, plenty of food, and beer from local Queens breweries on sale at the location. For more info, check out the Facebook event page.
Brooklyn Grange/Queens Flagship Party
Where: 37-18 Northern Blvd., Long Island City
When: July 4, 7 to 10 p.m.
Watch the fireworks, listen to music, and sip some local brews in Long Island City for a great view of the East River. Tickets run $70 and include drinks and a typical BBQ meal. The website warns visitors to be sure of the location before going, tickets are non-refundable and a Queens ticket won't get anyone into the Brooklyn location.
Brooklyn
Where: Pier 8, Emmons Ave., Sheepshead Bay
When: July 4, 4 to 11:30 p.m.
Get super close to the fireworks and sight see around Manhattan and Brooklyn for the Fourth. Tickets for the cruise are $125 and include a hot food buffet, cash bar and live DJ for dancing.
The Annual Hot Dog Eating Championship
Where: 1310 Surf Ave., Coney Island
When: July 4, 10 a.m.
As Nathan's Famous celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, commemorate the occasion by witnessing its most famous, gluttonous event. The 2016 hot dog eating contest, that turned guys like Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi into household names, is back at the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in the neighborhood this holiday weekend.
Independence Day in Prospect Park
Where: Lefferts Historic House, Flatbush Avenue near Empire Boulevard, Prospect Park
When: July 4, 1 to 4 p.m.
Kids will learn how to make a plumed hat to wear while signing a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence at the historic Lefferts House, an 18th-century Dutch farm house preserved inside the park. Afterwards, enjoy a ride on Prospect Park's 1912 carousel, located within walking distance from the farm house.
Bronx
Where: Co-op City Little League Field
When: July 3, 9 p.m.
Despite the Macy's fireworks being visible to many areas on NYC, the festivities can't always be seen from much of The Bronx. Residents of Co-op City have come together to make their own fireworks display for U.S. independence.
Staten Island
Where: 4108 Victory Blvd., Travis
When: July 4, 12 p.m.
This is Staten Island's very own Fourth of July Parade. Their website boasts that they will carry on their parade regardless of weather. It'll be a friendly showcase of Staten Island performers and patriotism. It's a great option for those who live towards the southern end Staten Island.
Philharmonic Concert and Fireworks
Where: Alice Austen House, 2 Hylan Blvd., Shore Acres
When: July 4, 6 to 10 p.m.
The historic Alice Austen House will host a Staten Island Philharmonic concert and a series of fireworks afterwards. For more information on the Alice Austen House and how to get there, visit their website.
