Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Where To Party And Watch The Fireworks Up Close This 4th Of July
By
Nell Casey
Published Jun 29, 2012
Modified Jun 29, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Nell Casey
Published Jun 29, 2012
Modified Jun 29, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
This year's Macy's firework display promises to once again dazzle over the Hudson to ring in our 236th year of independence. But unless you live on the West Side in a towering high rise, are able to cross the river to New Jersey's neighboring shores, or willing to subject yourself to hours of standing on a crowded pier, you don't have much of a chance to experience the show in all its fiery glory. Luckily, a number of establishments are offering fireworks viewing specials for those with a few bucks to throw around. Here are our best bets to take in the show in style:
Gothamist approved Sky Room boasts the highest rooftop bar in the city, perfect for scanning the explosions in the sky. A $100 ticket buys you access to a 5 hour open bar and a "picnic" buffet replete with burgers, pigs in a blanket and other summer fare. There are 360 degree views all around so if you get bored watching the display you can take a break and admire the city's beautiful night views.
330 West 40th Street // (212) 380-1195 // Open Bar from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The swanky Hudson Terrace rooftop bar has an ideal location just north of the display near the West Side Highway. $135 buys you a 4-hour open bar plus a full summer BBQ buffet and a front row seat for all the fiery action. Tickets are available here.
621 West 46th Street // (212) 315-9400 // 6:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
The Circle Line has put together a pier party on their dock on the Hudson. There will be carnival games, a BBQ and beer and wine. Tickets are available on their website for $89 but unfortunately you pay for food/drink out of pocket.
Pier 81 and 83 at 42nd Street on the West Side Highway // 8pm to 11pm
(Jason Kuffer's Flickr)
A team of Brooklyn-based companies—including Brooklyn Roasting Company, NY Distilling Company and Brooklyn Brewery—have joined forces to sponsor a BK Boat Bash. Sip gin cocktails, cans of EIPA and single origin cold brews while you dine on sausages, watermelon and other summer treats. Tickets cost $100 and will definitely sell out fast so get yours now!
Greenpoint Launch at the end of India Street (West St.) // 7:30-10:45pm
And this just wouldn't be a 2012 party if food trucks weren't somehow involved! To that end, ARRIVAL: An All-Day Rooftop Beach Party promises an day-long America Fuck Yeah celebration with "a dozen of the city's most exciting food trucks" like Phil's Steaks, Souvlaki GR and Milk Truck and a dance party with music from Wyclef Jean, EC Twins and Lil John. You'll also get access in to "NYPD Frozen Zone"—sounds refreshing! GA tickets are $55 but the bar and aforementioned food trucks will cost you extra.
Waterfront @ Pier 92’s (52nd Street and 12th Avenue) // 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
You won't get the full waterfront view as you would as some other places, but the deal at the Dream Downtown is one of the best we've come across. For just $32 you'll be treated to a Lobster Boil that includes a 1 1/4lb lobster with Long Island Steamers, Andouille sausage, red bliss potato, sweet corn and cornbread prepared by Top Chef alum and Executive Chef Manuel Trevino. Not too shabby considering you'll still catch most of the action from their lovely 12th floor terrace! Email [email protected] for reservations.
355 West 16th Street // (212) 229-2559
Tagged
4th of july
dream downtown
fireworks
fourth of july
hudson river
independence day
macy's
sky room
Nell Casey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
The hottest way to show you're an authentic New Yorker is… riding a Citi Bike?
Thanks to Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Timothée Chalamet and more, the rideshare program is having a moment.
By
Lindsay Lee Wallace
Published Oct 8, 2026
Is NYC’s hottest attraction the free observation deck at 1 Centre Street?
If you're playing tourist in your own town, this is an in-demand option.
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
Is NYC’s hottest attraction the free observation deck at 1 Centre Street?
If you're playing tourist in your own town, this is an in-demand option.
By
James Ramsay
What happens when NYC kids take lessons in rock music? Really good bands.
By
Jayson Greene
Inside a photographer's journey to visit every neighborhood in New York City
By
Sonia Rao
Banned books and Winnie the Pooh: October in NYC libraries
By
Alec Hamilton
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .