Here’s to the Red, White and Blue! Look no further than Staten Island and the metro area for fun and exciting things to do with the family this Fourth of July. From festivals to parades to live performances, there’s something for everyone to do this holiday weekend- including plenty of local options for seeing fireworks displays. Browse our guide to patriotic activities happening in our area, and get ready to celebrate our nation’s history and all things American!
Things to do on the Fourth of July
Independence Day at the Empire Outlets
WHERE: Empire Outlets; 55 Richmond Terr., Staten Island
WHEN: Sunday, July 4; 1-10 p.m.
WHAT: Celebrate Independence Day this year at Empire Outlets. Come early to shop and grab lunch, then stay for the festivities:
1-9.m.: DJ, music, and live performances at Center Court
3 p.m.: 2nd annual cannoli eating contest
9:30 p.m.: An epic fireworks display on the Empire Outlets waterfront
Admission: Free
Movies Under the Stars: Independence Day
WHERE: Cpl. Thompson Park; 166 Broadway, Staten Island
WHEN: Saturday, July 3; 8:30-10 p.m.
WHAT: Join the NYC Parks and NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment for a free film. In “Independence Day,” strange phenomena surface around the globe. Terror races through the world’s major cities. As these extraordinary events unfold, it becomes clear that a force of incredible magnitude has arrived. It’s mission: total annihilation over the Fourth of July weekend. The last hope to stop the destruction is an unlikely group of people united by fate and unimaginable circumstances to save the planet. Admission is free.
Independence Day at Historic Richmond Town
WHERE: Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave., Staten Island
WHEN: Sunday, July 4; 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHAT: Celebrate the nation’s independence with old-fashioned family fun. See an inspirational reading of the Declaration of Independence, visit with artisans of history trades, churn ice cream the old-fashioned way and discover the science behind fireworks at an exciting and educational demonstration.
Admission: $10
Travis 4th of July Parade
WHERE: Independence Park; Corner of Victory Boulevard and Glen Street, Staten Island
WHEN: Sunday, July 4; 12 p.m.
WHAT: The Travis 4th of July Parade begins with a 12 p.m. ceremony to honor dignitaries and honored guests, including the parade Grand Marshal Joan Guerra. Step off will take place at Showplace Center at 12:30 p.m. All access roads into Travis, including the Victory Boulevard exit off of Route 440 will close at 11:30 a.m. for parade festivities.
Admission: Free
Nathan’s Famous 2021 July Fourth Hog Dog Eating Contest
WHERE: Maimonides Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Brooklyn
WHEN: Sunday, July 4; 10 a.m.
WHAT: The famous food-gorge contest is back in person for spectators this year! On a typical year, 30,000 fans make the pilgrimage to see this American tradition in Coney Island. It will also be broadcast live on ESPN starting at 10:45 a.m.
Admission: Free but registration is required. See the website for information.
Coney Island Circus Sideshow
WHERE: Coney Island USA; 1208 Surf Ave., Brooklyn
WHEN: Friday, Saturday and Sunday; Shows run continuously, 1-7 p.m.
WHAT: Be amazed by human wonders and experience the thrill of a traditional circus sideshow.
Admission: $12; $8 kids.
Fourth of July NYC Dinner Cruise
WHERE: Event Cruises NYC – Pier 36
WHEN: Sunday, July 4; 7:30-11 p.m.
WHAT: For a luxe 4th of July cruise celebration, hop on a cruise for a delicious three-course dinner and fireworks view.
Tickets: Check the website for a variety of available ticket deals.
Jersey City 4th of July Celebration
WHERE: Exchange Place Path Plaza, Jersey City, N.J.
WHEN: Sunday, July 4, 12-10 p.m.
WHAT: Join the city at the waterfront for a day filled with local eats, shopping and music presented by Jersey City Night Market. The evening will be capped by a fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m., viewable by the Hudson River Walkway and the north portion of Liberty State Park.
Admission: Free
Independence Day at Historic Longstreet Farm
WHERE: Historic Longstreet Farm; 44 Longstreet Rd., Holmdel, N.J.
WHEN: Sunday, July 4; 12-3 p.m.
WHAT: Independence Day was a festive time in the 1890s – patriotism was celebrated with music and games. Join the staff at Longstreet Farm as they celebrate the holiday with games and contests.
Admission: Free
Where to See Fireworks Displays:
Independence Day at the Empire Outlets
WHERE: Empire Outlets; 55 Richmond Terr., Staten Island
WHEN: Sunday, July 4; 1-10 p.m.
WHAT: Celebrate Independence Day this year at Empire Outlets. Come early to shop and grab lunch, then stay for the festivities:
1-9.m.: DJ, music, and live performances at Center Court
3 p.m.: 2nd annual cannoli eating contest
9:30 p.m.: An epic fireworks display on the Empire Outlets waterfront
Admission: Free
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
WHERE: Watch the live show on NBC or see it in person along the FDR Drive
WHEN: Sunday, July 4; 8 p.m.
WHAT: The 45th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will illuminate the New York City skyline with a light show full of bursting colors. Check the website for a detailed list of musical performances and information if visiting in person.
Admission: Free
Coney Island 4th of July Fireworks
Fort Hamilton Independence Day Celebration
WHERE: Fort Hamilton, 101 St. and Fort Hamilton Parkway, Bay Ridge
WHEN: Friday, July 2; 4-9:30 p.m.
WHAT: Enjoy a live concert and fireworks show on the lawn.
Admission: $5
Jenkinson’s Boardwalk Independence Day Fireworks
WHERE: Jenkinson’s Boardwalk; 300 Ocean Ave. Pt. Pleasant Beach, N.J.
WHEN: Sunday, July 4; at dark
WHAT: After a day at the beach, take in the view of beautiful fireworks from the famous boardwalk in Pt. Pleasant. Wind and weather permitting.
Admission: Free
Ocean City Fireworks
WHERE: Music Pier on the boardwalk between Fifth and 14th Streets; Ocean City, N.J.
WHEN: Sunday, July 4; 9 .m.
WHAT: The fireworks will be launched from a barge in the ocean, with great viewing from the boardwalk.
Admission: Free
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