SEEING STARS
From luxe rooftop parties to free city parks, there’s a variety of vantage spots for fireworks viewing
ON Tuesday, at around 9:25 p.m. the wait will be over. The Macy’s 4th of July fireworks will begin and 60,000 fireworks and effects will decorate the sky over the East River.
Outside of the official viewing platform, there are many options to join in the festivities.
Watch the fireworks outside in a park, party it up in a bar, or if you can take the sticker shock of the price, hire your own private rooftop terrace. Check ahead for availability and any changes to the schedule.
PARTY
Hotel 50 Bowery’s rooftop bar The Crown boasts amazing views of the city and has various party packages for groups. The price includes bottles of spirits, magnums of champagne, platters of food, custom sunglasses and an outdoor fireworks view. The most expensive option serves up to 50 people on a private terrace.
7 p.m. From $1,750 to $12,000. 50 Bowery. 646-6308057; TheCrownNYC.com
El Parador Cafe, New York’s oldest Mexican restaurant, is located on 34th Street between First and Second avenues, just a block from the East River fireworks, and is offering a special Cuatro de Julio (4th of July) frozen red, white, and blue margarita for $7. An à la carte menu will also be available all day. Noon. 325 E. 34th St. 212-6796812; ElParadorCafe.com The Heights is New York native and business whiz Chef Dale Talde’s new rooftop haunt at the top of the Arlo NoMad Hotel. While there, be sure to check out the dramatic cantilevered glass-floored overhang. The ticketed three-hour afternoon and evening parties include wine, hot dogs and pretzels. 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. $70.11 E. 31st St. 212-951-1141; TheHeightsArloNoMad.com
The Kitano Hotel New York’s private rooftop wraparound terrace has unobstructed views of the East River and is available for private viewing parties. A DJ, open bar, and traditional BBQ spread with steak, shrimp and grilled vegetables is included. Noon. From: $9,000. 66 Park Avenue. 212-885-7000; kitano.com
Mr. Purple, the 15th-floor rooftop restaurant in the Hotel Indigo Lower East Side, opens onto a large terrace bar with a 360-degree city view. Its 4th of July pay-asyou-go “backyard barbecue” includes cocktail specials and traditional grilled fare. Table reservations are strongly recommended.
4 p.m. 180 Orchard St. 212-237-1776; HotelIndigoLowerEastSide.com
The Rooftop at the McCarren Hotel and Pool in Williamsburg has a ticketed fireworks party with a DJ and 4th of July-themed cocktails like the Stars and Stripes (Prosecco with blueberries, rimmed with red edible stars). Nosh on pulled pork sliders and grilled shrimp burgers. 7 p.m. From $85. 160 N. 12th St. 718218-7500; McCarrenHotel.com
Penthouse808 at the Ravel Hotel is hosting a 4th of July barbecue on its two topmost floors. Both rooftops have unobstructed views above the East River where the fire- works will launch. The menu is appropriately barbecue-themed, and there are several packages including standing room only general admission, afternoon open bar and table bottle service. Noon. Packages from $50 to $1,500. 808 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City. 718-289-6118; Penthouse808Rooftop.com The William Vale in Brooklyn has two hangout options: its rooftop bar, Westview, and Vale Park, the hotel’s public green space. The party on Vale Park is a ticketed event featuring the hotel’s Mister Dips — an Airstream trailer food truck that will be serving burgers, fries and soft-serve ice cream on a pay-as-you-go basis. 7 p.m. $17.76. 111 N. 12th St., Brooklyn. 718-631-8400; TheWilliamVale.com
PARKS
WNYC Transmitter Park now has a 300-foot pier that extends into the East River offering a great view, plus it boasts a plush lawn. Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn Grand Ferry Park and the East River State Park are both prime Williamsburg riverside spots that should make for a fun location to watch the action. 1 Grand Street, Brooklyn and 90 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn
Gantry State Park in Long Island City is a 12-acre East River park with a good viewing vantage point. Remember, though, that nearby Hunters Point South Park is offlimits to the public, since it’s Macy’s command center for the fireworks and its national TV broadcast. 4-09 47th Road, Long Island City
BOATS
Bateaux New York, an all-glass enclosed European-style riverboat, is offering a five-hour cruise with a sit-down, threecourse dinner, an open bar, a DJ and dancing. Note: Bateaux New York is 21 and up only.
Boarding at 5:15 p.m. From $449. Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, W. 23rd Street and 12th Avenue. 866-817-3463; BateauxNewYork.com
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises’ sixhour July 4th cruise includes a DJ, food, and drinks, with several packages to choose from.
Boarding at 5:15 p.m. $169 to $319. Pier 83, W. 42nd Street. 212-563-3200; CircleLine42. com
The New York Water
TaxiT has planned a sixhour July 4th fireworks cruise, complete with hors d’oeuvres, a buffet dinner, dessert and drinks as you sail.
Boarding at 6:15 p.m. $199. Pier 81, W. 41st Street and 12th Avenue. 212-742-1969; NYWaterTaxi.com
The Spirit of New York’s five-hour Independence Day package includes an open bar, buffet dinner, games, and a DJ spinning tunes for some dancing.
Boarding at 5 p.m. $299. Chelsea Piers, Pier 60. W. 23rd Street and 12th Avenue. 866-4833866;3 SpiritCruises.com