New York 4th of July Fireworks & Parade 2025

No other holiday is more American than the 4th of July. The parade, fireworks, classic barbeques, and stars and stripes everywhere—patriotism is in the air on this day in NYC.

Travis 4th of July Parade (July 4, 2024)

If you want to take part in a parade with the atmosphere of a small town, head to Travis on Staten Island. This free, family-friendly event begins with a ceremony at noon at Independence Park, followed by a parade step-off at 12:30 pm from Showplace Entertainment Center. From Showplace Center, the triangular parade route is West on Victory Boulevard to Glen Street to Cannon Avenue and south on Victory Boulevard to 141 East Service Road. 

Lower Manhattan Independence Day Parade (July 4, 2024)

It has been a tradition in Lower Manhattan to celebrate Independence Day since the early days of the Revolution, especially after the British military evacuated. However, this and other Lower Manhattan historical traditions gradually faded into relative obscurity and finally ceased by the mid-1970s. The parade was resumed in 2015 by the Lower Manhattan Historical Association and its friends to revive patriotic traditions. In 2024, parade festivities will start with the Flag Raising Ceremony at 10 am, followed by the parade.

Afterward, attendees can visit the Fraunces Tavern Museum from 2 pm to 5 pm. There will also be an 'It Happened Here' program at 2 pm highlighting the newly installed Lafayette exhibit. The museum will display original copies of the Declaration of Independence, including newspapers printed on July 18. All celebration events will take place from 10 am to 4 pm in Castle Clinton, New York.

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks (July 4, 2024)

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks is the most impressive pyrotechnic event in the country. More than 60,000 fireworks are launched for 30 minutes, making sure you get the best experience of this patriotic holiday. The show starts at around 9 pm. In 2024, the fireworks will be launched from barges along the Hudson River. Among the best viewing locations in Manhattan, between West 14th and West 34th Streets, and across the Hudson River in Hoboken or Weehawken, New Jersey. If you are lucky to find a spot in a waterfront park, it can actually get especially romantic, so bring a blanket and a picnic basket to enjoy the night out.

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (July, 2024)

New York offers more than parades and fireworks. Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is an old city tradition, annually attended by more than 40,000 spectators. The contest takes place on the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island. Participants have ten minutes to consume as many hot dogs as they can. In previous years, winners were able to consume from 45 to 76 delicious hot dogs! After a day full of fun, spectators can see amazing fireworks at the Riegelmann Boardwalk right on Coney Island Beach. The 15-minute pyrotechnic display starts at 10 pm.

The Independence Day Barbecue (July 4, 2024)

Also,​ you can always take a walk in the park and watch American families having barbeque picnics or have your own. The Independence Day barbecue has a long history. Right after the Revolution, the celebrations included public dinners that later turned into open-air barbeques, open to everybody. The meals are often made of produce donated by the local farmers. Toasts to liberty and democratic ideas are an integral part of such barbeques. More about Independence Day BBQ.