12 Fourth of July Events and Specials in New York, New Jersey
By Olivia Withers ••
The Fourth of July is here and what better way to celebrate than with food, drinks, family and fireworks? Check out these twelve events happening in the tri-state area, where you can find all of the above and more.
New York
The Dutch in Soho is hosting its annual Fourth of July all-day luau. There will be special luau-only menu items, including fresh tuna poke and macadamia mai tais to sip on. The restaurant's holiday hours are 11 a.m. through 9 p.m.
Midnights in Brooklyn is hosting a Fourth of July barbecue. They are featuring homemade jello shots and other food and drink specials. Their event is running from 1 p.m. unt. Additionally, they will have games and be sure to grab a seat on the rooftop to see the fireworks.
Syndicated in Bushwick is fittingly showing the movie Independence Day on the Fourth of July. Tickets are priced at $4 and showtimes are at 6:20 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. They are featuring food and drink specials for the 4th that can be easily ordered from your seat.
The Heights at the Arlo Nomad hotel is having a rooftop Fourth of July party. Tickets are priced at $70 which includes unlimited BBQ food as well as beer, wine and frose. They are offering an afternoon session from 2-5pm as well as an evening session from 6-9pm. NBC New York's Lauren Scala, gave her review of the Heights here.
If you want to be on the water this holiday, head to the Brooklyn Barge’s Fourth of July party. Ticket prices start at $50 for standing room, which includes two drink tickets, and go up to $250 dollars, which includes dinner, drinks and a place to sit.
The William Vale Hotel in Brooklyn is hosting a party on the Fourth of July at its green space near the waterfront. Tickets cost a fitting $17.76. Burgers, fries, drinks and ice cream will be available for purchase from their food truck, Mister Dips.
Dominique Ansel Kitchen is offering up a special Fourth of July treat. From July 1-4, you can get a slice of watermelon filled with watermelon soft serve ice cream and topped with chocolate watermelon “seeds” for $10. This is sure to be an Instagram-worthy dessert.
If you’re in the mood for a picnic this holiday weekend, order a basket for $50 from Walter’s in Brooklyn. The picnic basket will feed two and have fried chicken, salads, root beer and brownies. The best thing about this picnic lunch is that all of the proceeds go to Hunger Free America.
On July 2, Atlantic Social in Brooklyn is hosting a pig roast. Tickets are $25 for all you can eat and an additional $15 to make the event all you can drink. The event starts at noon.
New Jersey
Long Branch's 27th annual Oceanfest will take place Tuesday, July 4. The family-friendly event will run from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., according to the event's Facebook page. The day will feature musical performances, food vendors and be capped off with a fireworks display.
There will be a kite flying competition outside of the Ocean City Music Pier this Fourth of July with entertainment and fireworks to follow. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Annual Jersey City Fireworks and Freedom festival will be held in Exchange Place, a downtown section of Jersey City. The event has food trucks, games, live music and a beer garden. Be sure to bring chairs or a blanket for the fireworks display.
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Bryant Park's summer film series runs a free movie in the park every Monday through Aug. 21. This year's lineup features King Kong, Dirty Dancing and All That Jazz, just to name a few. Vendors are also on site serving up delicious snacks. The lawn opens at 5 p.m. and films begin at sunset.nWhile the Bryant Park film series is one of the more popular outdoor movie events in the city, it isn't the only gig in town. The city also screens free movies all summer long at parks across the city. You can check out the full schedule here.
Lauren Scala
You don't need to leave the concrete jungle to visit a winery. Rooftop Reds bills itself as "the world's first rooftop vineyard," and it's right in Brooklyn. It's located at the Brooklyn Navy Yard at features over 150 grapevines, a tasting room, picnic tables, hammocks and outdoor games. You can find out more about Rooftop Reds here.
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Enjoy a meal with a view this summer by hopping on an awesome New York City boat ride. NBC New York's Lauren Scala suggests either the Classic Harbor Line or Manhattan by Sail. Both boats offer themed food cruises and offer a break from the more touristy attractions.nTake a look at more water activities in NYC here.
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The Manhattan Park Pool on Roosevelt Island is back for the summer with a new, playful design. You can check out the pool for $35 during the week or $50 on the weekends. The pool is open through Labor Day. More details here.
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SummerStage is a must for live music fans in NYC. The annual series brings a diverse mix of artists and genres to parks and communities across the city at no cost. You can check out the SummerStage schedule here. For a look at more free summer concerts, check out this list.
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Yes, Rosé happy hour is a thing. Bar Fiori at Langham Place has introduced Rosé Fridays, which will run every Friday through the end of August. The bar will be serving up rosé wines, rosé sangria and more at a discounted price. You can also get your hands on this Rhubarb Sorbetta Rosé if you're looking to cool down on a hot day.
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The Coney Island Cyclone is celebrating its 90th birthday this year, so what better time to take a ride on the iconic roller coaster?
The only thing better than a cool drink on a hot day is a cool drink with an amazing view of New York City. Here's a look at some of the newest rooftop bars in town. nMore great places to get drinks with a view here.
Dr. Beach
Can't take a vacation this summer? What about a staycation? There are plenty of nearby destinations to head to if you need a break from the busy city life. Take a look at 10 New York weekend getaways here.
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If you're feeling outdoorsy, there are plenty of places to go kayaking for free in New York City. There are options in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. But if you're looking for an even more relaxing setting, you should check out Kayak Staten Island, which is right near the beach.
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It's probably safe to assume that you've heard of Brooklyn Brewery, but did you know there are dozens of breweries across New York City? Find one near you here.
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The Jazz Age Lawn Party is back this summer for the 12th year in a row. The 1920s-themed party is held on Governors Island and has become a summer tradition. It is held two weekends each summer. The first weekend was in early June and the second will be Aug. 26-27. Interested in getting dressed up, listening to live jazz and sipping on classic cocktails? You can buy tickets here.
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Dekalb Market Hall has officially opened in Brooklyn and it's touting itself as "a new era in Brooklyn's history as a culinary center." The hall features 40 food vendors, including the iconic Katz's Delicatessen. You can check out a full list of vendors here.
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Stargazing on the High Line is the perfect summer date idea. Every Tuesday through October, the park allows visitors to take a closer look at the stars through high-powered telescopes. The stargazing is free and starts at dusk.
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The city offers up plenty of free outdoor fitness classes throughout the summer, including yoga, Zumba, PIYO and a variety of dance classes. Check out the full schedule here.
New York Live
Good news, foodies. There are plenty of food festivals taking place in NYC this summer, so pack your appetite and your camera. Find a list of various local food events here.
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You don't have to pay a dime to take in some beautiful art work in NYC this summer. NYC Parks brings installations and exhibits to many of the city's parks for New Yorkers to enjoy. Put on your walking shoes and check out a full list of the exhibits here.
