4th Of July NYC Fireworks And Parties

Independence Day: a time of celebration, grilling, music and an annual excuse to unleash our inner pyromania. Enjoy the holiday this Wednesday with these NYC celebrations, including beers, burgers, fireworks framing the Manhattan skyline and Nathan's famous hot dog-eating competition.

Pack a picnic and watch Macy's free 25-minute annual fireworks display. Post up anywhere you have an unobstructed view of the sky above the East River or head to one of the official viewing points.

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Nothing says patriotism like watching people scarf down hot dogs. Contestants will take over Coney Island and consume as many franks as possible during 10-minute rounds in the hopes of topping last year's record (72 in the men's competition, 41 in the women's) for the Mustard Belt and $10,000.

Photo: Nathan's Famous

This all-day bash, hosted by Long Island City Flea & Food, will include an all-Queens beer garden and enough barbecue that you might have to loosen your belt before browsing the market's usual flea vendors. Once it gets dark, settle in for one of the best views of the East River just as the Macy's fireworks display takes over the night.

Dance the night away aboard this East River cruise. Grab a cocktail from the open bar and take in the skyline while you groove to a live DJ. With a VIP ticket, you'll have access to a complimentary bottle of Champagne and reserved window seating where you can capture the perfect NYC panorama.

Take the holiday to new heights on top of the hotel at the newly opened rooftop lounge. The menu is as classic as it gets, with a cookout of burgers (veggie ones, too), hot dogs and corn on the cob.

For a classic experience, put on your best red, white and blue and head to Travis in Staten Island. Surround yourself with floats, marching bands and the village's colonial history as the Independence Day parade, now in its 108th year, passes by.

Spend the day watching some good ol' baseball as the Yankees take on the Atlanta Braves. Celebrating America's birthday with America's favorite pastime—and peanuts and Cracker Jacks? Sounds like a plan to us.