Hotel rooftops
4. The Gansevoort poolside barbecue
The Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC, a 5-star hotel in Tribeca, has rolled out a “Go Fourth at Gansevoort” deal: guests get 15 percent off rooms as well as two tickets to their rooftop barbecue on the holiday itself. Participating guests can enjoy a dip in the pool and primo 360-degree views of the city. Note that the Macy’s Fireworks Display is going up over the East River this year rather than the Hudson, so the Gansevoort’s view of that show may be obscured.
5. Penny’s ‘Pachanga’ in Brooklyn
Check out Penny, one of Williamsburg’s hottest new hotels, and visit the rooftop bar and restaurant elNico (Condé Nast Traveler’s director of audience development Lara Kramer notes in her review that the spot is “a destination in its own right”). Over July 4th weekend, the hotel is throwing their Penny Pachanga, a BBQ-style clam bake with live entertainment. You can get your tickets via Resy; they start at $75 and include dinner. Williamsburg’s location on the East River won’t hurt your fireworks views, either.
6. An open-bar soiree at the Wythe
Another Williamsburg joint making the most of its proximity to the East River is Bar Blondeau, Wythe Hotel’s rooftop bar. Tickets to this chic party run $250 on Resy and include, in addition to the views, an open bar with select cocktails, wine, and Talea beer from the brewery down the street, as well as 4th of July-inspired bites from Le Crocodile. There will also be live DJ sets.
Family friendly affairs
7. Brewery gatherings at Talea
Brooklyn’s first women-owned brewery, Talea Beer Co., is opening their two taprooms in the borough—in Williamsburg and in Cobble Hill—for a family-friendly July 4 offering. Talea’s delicious beers will, of course, be available en masse for those looking to imbibe right from the source, but children and anyone seeking non-alcoholic fun can order slushies as their refreshment. Arts and crafts are also on the table.
8. A block party at the Skyline Drive-In
Also in Brooklyn, one of the city’s last remaining drive-ins, Skyline, is taking advantage of its vast waterfront space to give guests fabulous fireworks views in the form of a major block party—no cars allowed. Outside food and drink are also banned, so you’ll have to take to the built-in concession stand for refreshments. Seating is still available at various tiers—get tickets here.
All-day (and night) dance parties
9. Afternoon DJ sets at Queens’ Knockdown Center
Dance under the open sky in the outdoor portion of the Knockdown Center in Maspeth, Queens. DJ Tennis and Italian duo Mind Against, known for their funky electronic style, are in charge of the music from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m.—it’s a proper daytime dance party. The ruins at Knockdown Center make for an excellent dance floor on the most ordinary evening, but with all of the fireworks lighting up the sky on this particular night, it’s sure to be especially fun. Tickets are $46 and can be purchased via Dice.fm.
10. Rooftop sets at Elsewhere in Bushwick
For another electronic club with some eye-catching 4th of July programming in the boroughs, check out Elsewhere in Bushwick, Brooklyn, whose rooftop dance floor brings people from far and wide for its always-exciting concerts and DJ sets. Tickets are $34 plus fees, and you can bundle them in packs of three or five for a discount. Once you’re there, ascend those big industrial steps and enjoy seven hours of beats from DJs BKLAVA and Hamdi. This event also runs from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., and there is some tented shade available for those who’d like to dance out of the sun.
11. A Kehlani performance at “The Day Party” in Coney Island
Not far from the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, and starting soon after, is The Day Party at the Brooklyn Boardwalk. The festivities, which in the past have hosted performances by Drake, Doja Cat, and Travis Scott, start at 3 p.m. and this year will feature singer and songwriter Kehlani. Tickets are required and start at $45.
About the author: Charlie Hobbs is an editorial assistant at Condé Nast Traveler, where he regularly covers culture and events in New York City.
