What to Do This Weekend in NYC: Fourth of July Edition!

Check out this week's special edition weekend pics, for the best Fourth of July celebration in NYC! Check back next week for more ways you can eat, drink, see, shop and play around the city!

EAT

While the professional eating champs are gorging themselves on hot dogs at Coney Island, you can match them at the Iron Horse’s Independence Day block party. Any drink purchase gives you access to free burgers and dogs all day long. It’s just like your family block party, but better – you’re not the one manning the grill.

July 4, noon-9pm; free
32 Cliff St, Manhattan; ironhorsenyc.com

DRINK

What about July 4th be without a patriotic bar crawl? Greenpointers are in luck: the Fourth on Franklin pub challenge is offering drink specials, raffles and prizes for revelers at five different bars. Get outfitted in your best red, white and blue, because PBR is free from 2 to 3 for spirited drinkers.

July 4, 2-8pm; free admission
Greenpoint, Brooklyn; tbdbrooklyn.com

CHILL

Just looking to relax for the long weekend? Head over to the picturesque Governors Island lawns and listen to indie-folk band She & Him play some tunes. A duo of Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, there will probably be a crowd, but you’ll be able to listen in from afar while enjoying the views of downtown Manhattan.

July 4, 4-5pm; free
Governors Island; watertaxibeach.com/governors_island

LEARN

Although it’s easy to forget, July 4th honors the biggest, baddest names in our country’s history – and many of them lived right here in NYC for some time! Get a reminder of the Founding Fathers with the Nighttime Walking Tour of Revolutionary War New York. You’ll hear all the history behind the downtown sites and see the sun rise over Federal Hall. For more historical fun, one of two known copies is viewable now at the New York Public Library’s Stephan A. Schwarzman building!

For reservations and starting point, call 212-425-1778 or visit frauncestavernmuseum.org

GAWK

NYC fireworks are spectacular – and just as spectacularly difficult to see, given all the crowds. Our advice? Skip the bars and rooftops with pricey ticket fees and head to 12th Avenue, between 24th and 50th Streets. You’ll have a first-class view of the fireworks over the Hudson and can enjoy the outdoor breeze rather than the hyped-up scenes.

July 4, 9:15pm; free
12th Avenue, Manhattan; macys.com/fireworks