Independence Day

My boyfriend's birthday is over July 4th weekend. I am looking for ideas of things to do or places to go to in NYC to celebrate that will make his birthday memorable. I want to stear clear of the traditional ways to celebrate - going out to dinner or getting together and going to a bar/club. Any help is appreciated!

Heather, Hoboken, NJ

The Fourth of July is all about the fireworks. If you feel like fighting the crowds, The Macy's Fireworks are happening on the 4th (details haven't been released yet). We learned last year, though, that you don't actually have to be sitting along the FDR drive to see them; some Manhattan rooftops offer a great view (or, alternately, one part of the Ask staff saw the fireworks from Jersey City last year... you may not even have to leave the safe confines of Hoboken!).

You could pop over to Coney Island for the annual hot dog eating contest and see if reigning champion Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi wins three years in a row. While there, you can go to the Astroland amusement park, where 4th of July festivities are planned for the whole weekend.

Other things to do in July:
-Shakespeare in the Park. This year's production is Much Ado About Nothing starring Kristen Johnston, Jimmy Smits, and Sam Waterston(!). Tickets are free, and you wait in line the morning of the show at the box office. (We suggest getting there early if you go on a weekend.)
-Also in Central Park, and also free, SummerStage presents the New York Pops doing a show called Hooray for Hollywood at 3pm on July 3rd. The Pops will perform music from movies.
-If you're in the mood for Latin music, check out Celebrate Brooklyn! On July 3rd, Bacilos, Cabas, and Radio Mundial are performing in Prospect Park as part of the Latin music series.

More events will likely be advertized as the weekend gets closer. Good luck and have fun!

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Erin O'Brien in Miscellaneous on May 27, 2004 11:12 AM

Comments [rss]

Barbara

Hey - someone clear this up for me. I thought I saw an item in a newspaper or magazine saying that the Macy's fireworks were originating at Battery Park this year INSTEAD of the East River in the mid-20's. Then I was told that they are on the East River. Are these two separate displays of fireworks and if not, where are they, Really!!

thanks.

gnome

kobayashi is going for his fourth title in a row at coney island this year.

higgins

I have a rooftop party every july 4th in Hoboken to watch the fireworks. So in your case (unless you want to join the crowd), consider some rooftop restaurant (is Nirvana back open??) or something on the east river. Make SURE you know where the fireworks are going to be, cuz Macy's moves 'em around every now and then.

Brian Van

My sincerest apologies, as I've edited something out of the above post that I meant to include... it's vitally important, Jen's comment reminded me...

That is, I'm not the only person in the world who knows about Battery Park. It gets insanely crowded there prior to fireworks time. It works best if you get there early and stand in the far southeast waterfront side of the park.

If you have access to a rooftop party, that's a highly preferrable option.

Jen

You may find it easier to make reservations at some swank restaurants in the city, since many people are out of town that weekend, just as long as you steer clear of touristy areas.

Brian Van

Battery Park is a good place to view the Macy's fireworks... and, as a bonus, you can see the fireworks from Jersey City there as well. It's more like an appetizer to the big entree, though.

Safety of Hoboken. *chuckle*

(apologies to Furey)