South Street Seaport. 2019 fireworks. Photo credit: Jane Kratochvil
This year, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show will return to the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge. For its 49th annual show, Macy’s will launch fireworks from four barges positioned near the Brooklyn Bridge and South Street Seaport. Those celebrating closer to the west side of Manhattan can also enjoy Jersey City’s show over the Hudson River. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best ticketed Independence Day celebrations across the five boroughs, from prime waterfront views atop rooftops to front-row seats along the East River.
Observation decks
Edge at Hudson Yards
30 Hudson Yards
The highest outdoor sky deck in the five boroughs is hosting an unforgettable 4th of July celebration. Presented by Mastercard, the event at Edge offers panoramic views from the soaring observation deck, complete with a live DJ, open bar, and unlimited appetizers. Early bird tickets start at $400 and include exclusive access to both the indoor and outdoor viewing areas on the 100th and 101st floors. Guests 21+ can enjoy full open bar service throughout the evening.
For a next-level experience, guests can pay $650 to take on City Climb—an exhilarating ascent of the building’s exterior—just in time for sunset and the fireworks display. Learn more about the event here.
Top of the Rock
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Midtown
Watch the fireworks from 70 stories up at the iconic Top of the Rock. The observation deck offers sweeping skyline views, and this year’s Independence Day celebration adds live entertainment, kids’ activities, and festive food and drink. Admission includes access to all three observation levels, including the new open-air, 360-degree “Skylift” platform, plus one beverage, a gourmet hot dog, vanilla soft-serve, and a chocolate cookie. Tickets cost $179 for adults and $69 for children 12 and under.
Summit One Vanderbilt
45 East 42nd Street, Midtown
One of the city’s highest observation decks is hosting a Fourth of July party 1,100 feet above Manhattan. Summit One Vanderbilt is inviting guests to an evening of fun, food, and festivities on their panoramic observation deck, boasting unparalleled views of the fireworks over the East River. Attendees can enjoy a live band, interactive games, and unlimited access to all three Summit floors. Tickets cost $259 for adults and $149 for those aged 20 and under, including two drinks, one food selection, complimentary cotton candy and popcorn, and 3D fireworks glasses.
The Empire State Building
20 West 34th Street, Midtown
New York City’s most iconic skyscraper is once again hosting a thrilling Independence Day celebration atop its legendary observatory, with space for just 200 lucky guests. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., enjoy festive food and drinks, plus a live DJ set on the 80th floor. The menu features classic summer barbecue fare like mini burgers, pulled pork, and brisket, along with a wide assortment of salads, sides, desserts, and snacks like pretzels, popcorn, and snow cones. The celebration then moves to the open-air 86th-floor observatory, offering jaw-dropping 360-degree views and a front-row seat to the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks. Standard tickets cost $550 per person and can be purchased here.
One World Observatory
285 Fulton Street, Manhattan
Watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks from the tallest building in the United States. One World Observatory is opening its 100th floor from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., offering guests a chance to take in the dazzling display from the highest vantage point in the country, with sweeping views of the skyline and beyond. Admission includes one commemorative souvenir photo. Tickets for adults cost $69 and can be purchased here.
Riverside celebrations
Time Out Market New York
55 Water Street, Dumbo
Time Out Market in Dumbo is hosting a rooftop 4th of July celebration with unbeatable views of the fireworks over the East River and Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy food from top vendors like Bark Barbecue, Fornino, and Tanoreen, along with themed cocktails, live music, and a stacked DJ lineup featuring DJ Price is Right, Soul in the Horn, Natasha Diggs, L3NI, and special guest DJ Scratch. VIP tickets ($300) include rooftop access, an open bar, and a buffet. 5th floor access is available for $150. Tickets can be purchased here.
Tin Building
96 South Street, South Street Seaport
Celebrate the 4th with front-row views of the fireworks at the Seaport, hosted by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges at the Tin Building. The event invites guests of all ages to enjoy the show from a reserved section of the South Plaza, featuring an open bar and a curated selection of bites from the building’s celebrated culinary vendors. Tickets are $325 plus tax for adults, $100 plus tax for children aged 3–12, and free for kids under 2. Purchase them here.
South Street Seaport Museum
Pier 16, South Street Seaport
The South Street Seaport Museum is providing no shortage of red, white, and blue views this Independence Day, offering spectacular views of the fireworks display from a truly special vantage point on historic Pier 16. This family-friendly waterfront celebration offers two viewing zones—Red and Blue—both with incredible sightlines of the East River display. Guests in the Red Zone will enjoy a more exclusive vantage point at the front of the pier. All ticket holders can purchase food and refreshments from Cobble Fish, which will have food and drink stations across the pier. Learn more about the ticket options here.
Rooftop parties
Somewhere Nowhere
112 West 25th Street, Chelsea
Chelsea’s two-level nightclub and open-air rooftop Somewhere Nowhere is hosting a sunset 4th of July party, with special rooftop pool activations planned throughout the summer. On its rooftop, the venue will host a special 4th of July edition of its Cenote Project event series, a one-of-a-kind celebration curated by co-owner Nathan Leong’s Forest Döwn Under Productions, featuring performances by Leong, Ambrxse, Milö, and Saxxdoc from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The venue’s 38th-floor lounge will serve as the prime viewing point for the fireworks show, with a stacked DJ lineup featuring Ayak, Cornette B2B Ford Scott, Truvian, MoöseIsLoöse, Ian Christopher, Nigel, and Soluna fueling the festivities. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary open vodka bar during the first hour of the party from 4 to 5 p.m., along with a curated selection of cocktails. Tickets start at $39.84 and can be purchased here.
Elsie Rooftop
1412 Broadway, Manhattan
Nestled 25 stories up, Elsie Rooftop is hosting a fun 4th of July celebration at its rooftop lounge. Guests can enjoy creative cocktails, high-energy live DJ sets, and prime views of the fireworks display. Tickets start at $15 for general admission and can be purchased here.
Harriet’s Rooftop
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn Heights
Celebrate Independence Day in style at Harriet’s Rooftop, the scenic lounge atop 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. With sweeping, unobstructed views of the fireworks above the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge, the rooftop offers one of the city’s best vantage points. Enjoy elevated cocktails, high-energy DJ sets, and an exciting atmosphere as the sky lights up overhead. General admission starts at $495.99 and can be purchased here.
Daintree Rooftop
25 West 38th Street, Manhattan
Take your Independence Day celebration to new heights at Midtown’s Daintree Rooftop, boasting unbeatable skyline views. While the views of the fireworks might be further in the distance, the venue still promises a fun party. Dance the night away on the indoor penthouse floor with live DJ sets, or soak up city views from the open-air terrace. General admission costs $20 and can be purchased here.
Nubeluz
The Ritz-Carlton New York, 25 West 28th Street, Nomad
Perched 50 stories above the Ritz-Carlton in NoMad, José Andrés’ Nubeluz—described as a “glittering jewel box” in the sky—is offering a one-of-a-kind view of the 4th of July fireworks. With 270-degree floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the East River, guests can enjoy an unforgettable evening complete with live entertainment, seasonal cocktails, and a full food menu. A $100 experience fee per guest applies to reservations made between 7:30 and 10 p.m. Reservations can be made here.
The 33 Hotel
33 Peck Slip, Manhattan
The Seaport’s 33 Hotel is hosting an exclusive 4th of July celebration from its spacious outdoor terraces. Guests can take in panoramic views of the fireworks above the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge while enjoying premium beverages, live music, and a lively atmosphere. Admission includes a three-hour open bar and passed appetizers. General admission tickets are $369 plus fees and can be purchased here.
Cruises
Circle Line 4th of July Cruise
Pier 83, West 42nd Street & West Side Highway, Manhattan
Set sail along Manhattan’s waterways on Circle Line’s 4th of July cruise, offering better-than-front-row views of the city’s fireworks display. Departing from Pier 83, the cruise glides past iconic landmarks and skyline scenery before anchoring in a prime viewing spot. Guests can enjoy an Independence Day buffet stacked with barbecue favorites, including hamburgers, ribs, hot dogs, and the fan-favorite mac and cheese bar. Admission also includes unlimited beer, wine, and soda, as well as Circle Line’s signature Firecracker cocktail. Tickets cost $289 and can be purchased here.
Grand Mariner Fireworks Cruise
Pier 36, 299 South Street, Manhattan
Celebrate the 4th on the water aboard the Grand Mariner with a festive barbecue buffet. The spacious vessel offers over five hours of scenic cruising past landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge, all set to a lively soundtrack from a live DJ. Guests can also treat themselves to an open bar fully stocked with ice-cold beer, wine, soda, and juice. General admission costs $250 and can be purchased here.
Eternity Dinner Cruise
Pier 36, Manhattan
The Eternity, a sprawling three-story cruise ship, is setting sail in festive style this Independence Day. Guests can enjoy an elevated buffet dinner featuring vegan, vegetarian, and barbecue favorites, alongside an open bar with themed cocktails, wine, beer, and unlimited soft drinks. The celebration spans multiple floors with live music and DJ sets, all culminating in a stunning top-deck view of the fireworks. Tickets cost $350 and can be purchased here.
Clipper City Tall Ship
Pier 17, 89 South Street, Manhattan
Embark on a voyage on the massive Clipper City Tall Ship, a historic schooner offering a 4.5-hour voyage through New York Harbor, culminating beneath the fireworks display. The evening features a live jazz quartet, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails for a laid-back, luxurious experience. Tickets cost $550 and can be purchased here.
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