the {new york} life: 4th of July Fireworks
Whether you choose to head out East to the Hamptons, or stay in the city, there are so many things to do this holiday weekend! One of my favorite activities to do over 4th of July weekend is watch fireworks with my friends and family, so I’ve put together a list of the best places to see them, from Manhattan to Eastern Long Island- the {new york} life has your 4th plans covered!
According to one of my favorite Hamptons event resources, 27 East, the best bet for fireworks is the Stars Over Montauk Fireworks Display. Hosted by The Montauk Chamber of Commerce, this annual event features a fireworks show by the famous Grucci Fireworks. The show is set for July 4th at 9:00 p.m. and will be held at Umbrella Beach, located just west of town, but are visible from any town beach. This fabulous show should run about 25 minutes. The Montauk Chamber has sponsored this show for over 16 years, and it is not to be missed!
According to Hamptons.com, the party will continue on Saturday July 5th! The Sag Harbor Yacht Club will hold the “John A. Ward Independence Day Fireworks” celebration on Saturday, July 5th at about 9:30 p.m. The best spot to view will be from Marine Park, Haven’s Beach, or Sag Harbor’s Long Wharf. Make sure to arrive early as they are expecting about 20,000 spectators for the Grucci show!
Of course, if you can’t make it out East this weekend, never fear! You can always watch the Macy’s Fireworks Spectacular! For the first time in 5 years, Macy’s is holding their fireworks display on the East River. According to the Macy’s website, these are the best places to see it!
- Manhattan’s FDR Drive between the Manhattan Bridge and Montgomery Street – enter at Montgomery Street or South Streets
- The Manhattan entry ramp to the Brooklyn Bridge – enter from St. James Place/Pearl Street to Wagner Place and you’ll find viewing both north and south of the bridge
- Broad Street and Old Slip at Water Street – viewing between the Heliport and the south side of the Brooklyn Bridge
- Piers 1 to 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park – enter at Old Fulton and Furman Streets or Atlantic Avenue and Furman Street. Many attractions in the park are closing early including the Pier 2 Pop-Up Pool, Jane’s Carousel, the Squibb Park and Bridge, and the playgrounds so if you had visions of playing until showtime, that’s not going to happen. The NYPD will also be checking all bags, and backpacks and chairs are not allowed.
- The Brooklyn Heights Promenade – enter at Columbia Heights and Pineapple Street, Montague Street and Pierrepont Place, or Remsen Street and Montague Terrace
And in case you’re looking for a rooftop to celebrate the fourth on, here’s a list of some hot spots, according to curbed.
Novotel New York Hotel
This independence day celebration package costs $460 per person, but it offers a boatload of fun. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. with a BBQ lunch on the terrace of Novotel New York Hotel right above Broadway and Times Square. Soon after guests are taken on a tour of Downtown Manhattan on their way to the Hudson River Pier. Once there, guests can board a yacht and cruise along NY Harbor and sail by the skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. All the while there will be dancing, drinking, and dining.
What’s better than spending the Fourth of July poolside? Spending it poolside on a SoHo rooftop with views of the Macy’s fireworks, of course. You’ll also be sipping hand-crafted cocktails and snacking on burgers, Kobe franks in a blanket, charcuterie and cheese plates and dancing to a live DJ. This all goes down at Jimmy at the James New York at 5 p.m. at 15 Thompson St., Manhattan
Planning to stay in and host a BBQ or fun summer party? Check out this fabulous recipe from Jennifer Gilbert, founder of Save The Date!
Paloma Punch
Makes about 16 cups
- 4 cups tequila, chilled
- 4 cups ruby red grapefruit juice, chilled
- 2 cups lime juice, chilled
- 2 cups Campari, chilled
- 1 cup orange liqueur
- 1 ½ cups agave nectar
- 2 cups club soda or sparking water, chilled
- 1 pint sliced strawberries or whole raspberries for garnish
Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl, then garnish with berries. Serve over ice. And be sure to head over to Save The Date for all your party needs!
No matter what your plans are for this holiday weekend, it’s important to have a good time with family and friends and celebrate our independence! Wishing all of my readers and safe and happy 4th of July!
Claudia Saez-Fromm
