There is a lot going on this year’s Fourth of July weekend. Not only does it mark the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is also coming to the NY/NJ area. On top of that, pop star Taylor Swift is planning a two-day event at Madison Square Garden that many suspect could be her wedding…New York City is going to be packed! So plan smart and plan ahead.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, the city and its communities have organized a variety of events across New York City’s five boroughs. From free books giveaway to tours and fireworks, here’s what you need to know.
Manhattan
Fourth of July Fireworks
A Fourth of July celebration wouldn’t be complete without fireworks. Even if you haven’t got a ticket to watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show, you can still enjoy the spectacular display. There will be non-ticket public viewing areas available along the FDR Drive in Manhattan. Entrances are available Montgomery Street at Madison Street, Robert Wagner Place at Brooklyn Bridge off ramp, Robert Wagner Place at Brooklyn Bridge on ramp and Broad Street at Water Street.
Find out more about the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show.
Times Square Skywalk
The 360-degree viewing deck on the 19th-floor Times Square Skywalk offers a unique, river-to-river view of the Crossroads of the World, the Manhattan street grid and the city skyline against the backdrop of Times Square.
Location: Times Square Skywalk, 1475 Broadway in Manhattan
Date: July 4 to July 5 from noon to 7 p.m.
Admission: Sign up for limited free access.
Sail4th 250 Tall Ships
The largest maritime and aerial gathering in American history is coming to New York Harbor this weekend. Around 80 vessels will take part, including more than 40 tall ships with white sails and about 32 warships. Perhaps even the USS Nimitz, one of the Navy’s limited number of aircraft carriers, will be present. Nearly 200 military aircraft will fly overhead. Register now to save your spot to free viewing and touring these vessels up close.
Locations:
Staten Island
USS the Sullivans Homeport Pier
305 Front Street
Manhattan
South Street Seaport Pier 15, 17
89 South Street
Manhattan
Sail City Pier 86, 90
711 12th Avenue
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 1,3,5)
2 Furman Street
334 Furman Street
Date: July 3, 2026 to July 8, 2026 View specific shows, cruises and tours here.
Admissions: Free public ship tours are available July 5 to 7 from noon to 6 p.m. Reserve your ticket here. Tours at Pier 86 will need to be reserved through the Intrepid Museum.
Fraunces Tavern Museum
Did you know? The deaths of three presidents — John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe — all occurred on July 4. The Fraunces Tavern Museum, which preserves and interprets the history of the American Revolutionary era, will host a symposium on this coincidence as part of its events to commemorate the U.S. Semiquincentennial.
Location: Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl Street in Manhattan
Date: July 3, 2026 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Tickets: Entrance is free. RSVP here.
The museum will also open after hours and livestream the Times Square ball drop as it celebrates the country’s 250th birthday with games and activities.
Location: Fraunces Tavern Museum, 54 Pearl Street in Manhattan
Date: July 3, 2026 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Tickets: Entrance is $1. RSVP here.
New York Public Library
A special-edition library card featuring a commemorative design for the 250th anniversary of the United States is now available at every 92 New York Public Library (NYPL) branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Get yours online or in person.
Feeling like a homebody? The NYPL has compiled a list of reading recommendations for all ages, including children and teenagers. Explore Reading America: 250 Years, 250 Books to gain an understanding of American lives through a variety of perspectives.
Although tickets to view the Library’s copy of the handwritten Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson have all sold out, you can still visit the exhibit at the Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Celeste Bartos Forum, from July 1 to July 7, with limited walk-in access depending on capacity.
Rizzoli Bookstore
Before July 3 midnight, Rizzoli Bookstore is giving away a collection of books including Views of America, Hamilton, Lincoln, Reckoning, Return to the Sky, and Designing History: The Extraordinary Art & Style of the Obama White House. Simply sign up here, one entry per email address. Open to U.S. residents ages 18 and up only.
Brooklyn Fourth of July Events
Check out this full list of Brooklyn events and recommended viewing points if you want to see the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks in Manhattan.
Coney Island Fireworks
- Location: Watch anywhere on Brighton Beach, boardwalk, or in and around the Coney Island amusement parks.
- Date: Saturday, July 4 with fireworks starting at 9:45 p.m. from the beach near West 12th Street.
- Details: Click here for more information.
Free kids July 4th crafts
- Location: Rugby Library, Brooklyn Public Libraries Monday, July 6
- 4–5 p.m.
- Visit the Rugby library for a free crafts event for children ages 6–12. You will receive free crafts and a space to get creative with your children.
Queens
Trying to catch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks? The Long Island City Waterfront is a great view point with no tickets required.
Cunningham Park 4th of July Concert
- Location: Cunningham Park, downhill from the picnic area, 196-10 Union Turnpike
- Date: Saturday, July 4 from 3 to 6 p.m.
- Details: The concert is free. More details here.
Sail4th 250 East River Tall Ships Fleet Arrival
- Location: The waterfornts of Astoria Park and Long Island City
- Date: Friday, July 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.
- Details: Enjoy the arrival of 25 Class B tall ships that will sail down the East River from the Long Island Sound.
Staten Island
Independence Day Celebration at Historic Richmond Town
Location: Historic Richmond Town museum, 441 Clarke Avenue
Date: Saturday, July 4 starting at 11 a.m.
Details: Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 11. Enjoy historic demonstrations, costumed interpreters and 19th century live music.
Parade of Tall Ships Viewing Party
- Location: Alice Austen House museum, 2 Hylan Boulevard
- Date: Saturday, July 4 starting at 8:30 a.m.
- Details: Watch the tall ships on their way to Manhattan with music provided by The Marine Corp Band. This event is free. More details here.
