Staying Local? Don't Sweat It: 7 Incredibly Epic Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July in NYC

On any typical weekend in New York City, you'll find bars packed to capacity, people leaning out of windows, drinking on rooftops, and generally stirring up a ruckus.

Since Independence Day is coming this weekend, we expect this city's atmosphere will be no exception.

So if you're staying in town this holiday, you're probably asking yourself, "What should I do to celebrate all this goodness?"

Well, it's simple. Read on and find out 7 incredibly epic ways to celebrate the 4th of July in NYC.


1. Celebrate Independence at Monarch Rooftop (July 3rd - 71 West 35th Street)

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So you still don't know what you're doing this weekend? Looking for the best party in this city to celebrate the United States' Independence?

Well, you're in luck because we're hosting it on an incredible rooftop bar-- and it's absolutely free to get in. All you have to do is RSVP here. What are the other details, you might ask?

Here it is: on Friday July 3rd, we're partnering with Monarch and Privé Group to host the hottest party this city has on deck. So, if you don't have plans yet, don't fret. We got you covered.

Located at 71 West 35th Street, Monarch has an amazing indoor dance and lounge space that radiates glamour. They also have a stunning outdoor patio, and yeah, there's a bar out there too.

More good news? We want you to come party with us. This jam will begin at 10 p.m., we got guest DJ sets from Rodney Hazard and Franco Finelli on deck, and we're bumpin' it until 4 a.m.

Admission is free, but you'll need a reservation-- don't sweat it, like we said, it's free. Just sign-up and get your ticket emailed to you. You can simply show it at the door on your phone (or bring it printed out, if you're old school like that).

So come drink, sing the National Anthem if you want, and party for 'merica. Now make your reservation right here.


2. Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest (July 4th - Coney Island) 

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Love hot dogs? Love watching people shove as many hot dogs in their faces as possible?

Great, Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest is the Independence Weekend thing for you, then.

It started as a contest between friends to prove their patriotism, and it's evolved into a nationally-televised event.

Thousands of people swarm Coney Island on the Fourth of July every year to witness what is perhaps the most twisted "athletic" event in the world.

You can be one of them. So get to the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues at 12 p.m. to see if Joey Chestnut can snag his 9th straight title.


3. Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks (July 4th - various NYC locations) 

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Once again, Macy's is putting on their epic 4th of July Fireworks Show.

They'll be releasing the spectacular, colorful explosives from both the Brooklyn Bridge and from barges in the East River starting at 9 p.m.

The best places to watch the fireworks are any East Side rooftops with unblocked views of the River, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

These spots will be crowded, so bring pals and show up by at least 5 p.m. for a good spot and some pre-show hanging.


 4. Dassara July 4th Pig Roast and Seafood Boil (July 4th - 271 Smith Street in Brooklyn)

allupinmykitchen Giant Jonah crab at Dassara ramen Aqua boil, course 2! #dassara #jonahcrab #foodart #foodie #foodporn #thefeedfeed #thekitchn #aquaboil

Do you love eating? Yeah, us too.

Is completely satiating yourself with a lot of delicious food a really great way to celebrate America? Well, you tell us.

From 1 p.m to 6 p.m., there will be a pig roast and crab blowout at Dassara, which is one of the most delicious ramen restaurants in the five boroughs.

That's not all. There will be bumping music by Styles Upon Styles, and fresh made honeydew melon tea from A B Tea.

A plate of pig and sides is $12, and a plate of blue crab is $15.

If chowing down on amazing food for a relatively chill price sounds like where's it at to you like it does to us, get your tickets here.

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5. Might Get Weird (July 4th - 609 Dekalb Avenue - Brooklyn)

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Do you like when things get sort of weird? Then Might Get Weird, a party hosted by the Brooklyn based DJ collective, The Deep, is probably where you should be on July 4th.

Might Get Weird will be co-opting the backyard of the soul food restaurant Sugar Hill from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and will feature cheap drinks, blasting tunes, kiddie pools, and a BBQ.

Oh, and lots and lots and lots of day-drinking party people.

It costs $20 and you can get your tickets here.


6. Revolutionary New York Walking Tour (various NYC locations) 

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So the whole thing about this holiday is that it's celebrating America's independence from Britain after the Revolutionary War.

You know, the legal separation of the Thirteen Colonies occurred on July 2nd, and Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4th.

Luckily for you history buffs throughout NYC, Big Onion Walking Tours hosts an annual, traditional tour of significant NYC landmarks from the Revolutionary War.

These include the biggest Revolutionary War hotspots like Alexander Hamilton's grave and Fraunces Tavern where a British cannonball exploded through the roof.

So, if this holiday makes you nostalgic for the 1700s-- or if you want to feel connected to our nation's history-- this is the Fourth of July event for you.


 7. Coney Island Fireworks and Karaoke (July 3rd - Coney Island)

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Coney Island is just the place to be this summer. From its gorgeous beach and boardwalk, to Luna Park and the stunning B&B Carousel, we didn't think this city could get any better.

But, it can, and here's how.

Every Friday until August 21st, they'll be showing free fireworks between West 10th Street and West 15th Street.

This is the perfect opportunity for you to jet to Coney Island after work on Friday, enjoy a romantic ride on the B&B Carousel, and grab a seat on the beach or boardwalk to marvel at some fireworks.

So will this be your best 4th of July ever spent in New York City? All we can say is... probably. Just be sure to thank us come Monday.

If you enjoyed this, check out 32 Wonderful Things You Should Do in Queens This Summer.

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