Here Comes the BOOM: Fourth of July Events in Lower Manhattan 

If there’s any doubt that summer was in full swing, the mid-June heat wave that took over the city last week made it clear that the lazy, hot season is here. It also means summer’s big holiday is right around the corner. Indeed, the Fourth of July is coming up soon, and there’s usually no better place to celebrate than Lower Manhattan, where you can both get a great view of the Macy’s fireworks display on the big day, and see the Statue of Liberty from the coastline just about any day. 

This year, the fireworks are moving from the East River to the Hudson, which is good news for anyone in New Jersey and bad news for New Yorkers in the outer boroughs. But you’ll have plenty of reasons to celebrate in Lower Manhattan regardless: 

Get sky high

Manhatta is holding a Sky High Fourth of July barbecue in their 60th floor restaurant. Danny Meyer’s high-rise eatery at 28 Liberty St. is celebrating the classics of the season, with a summer barbecue featuring brisket, oysters, boozy snow cones and an open bar. You can also jam out to live music on the dance floor, or play some full-court pickleball while enjoying floor-to-ceiling, 360-degree views of the city. Tickets are $150, reserve yours here. 

Take a trip to the tropics

Watermark at Pier 15 is embracing a tropical vibe for this American holiday: the 10,000 square-foot outdoor bar and restaurant is hosting an all day BBQ Bash starting at noon, with its palm trees, cabanas and tropical drinks setting the vibe. Rotating DJs will keep the party going as you lounge under the sun and take in the gorgeous view of the Brooklyn, Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges. Reservations and vip passes are available here. 

Find an island oasis

If you really want to embrace island life this summer, you have to go to an island. Gitano on Governors Island transports visitors to a sand-covered tropical jungle garden, full of palm trees and views of the city skyline. The oasis just across the river is a great place to spend the Fourth lounging in a day bed and sipping a craft cocktail, with views of fireworks on both sides of the river; the island also boasts excellent views of the Statue of Liberty. 

It’s game time

The beer garden at Treadwell Park (301 S. End Ave.) is always a great place to go for board games and craft beers. Its Fourth of July party is upping the fun with unlimited brunch from noon to 4 p.m., plus $1.50 wings all day and a happy hour that starts at 3 p.m. and lasts all day. Other specials include $4 hot dogs and sliders, and $69 mini kegs. Find more info and make reservations here. 

Steal New Jersey’s thunder 

Not every place downtown has a direct view of the Macy’s fireworks, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get creative. Mezze on the River (375 S. End Ave.) opens at 11 a.m. on the Fourth, with a special prix fixe dinner starting at 8:30 p.m. The two outdoor terraces offer a direct view of the fireworks display in Jersey City across the river, and a partial view of the Macy’s display in the Hudson too. The indoor area has floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unobstructed views of the river and the passing boats. Reserve your spot here. 

All we do is beach 

The South Street Seaport is about to become the beach-port again. For four days and nights starting on July 4, you can hang out in the gigantic sandbox that will pop up in Seaport Square, with snacks and bears from local eateries and food trucks. DJs, live music and kids entertainment will make it feel like even more of a party. See more details here. 

Be 1776 feet in the sky

One World Trade Center is, famously, 1,776 feet tall (ok, technically the spire on top reaches that height) which makes it a pretty apt place to celebrate the birth of the United States of America. The restaurant at the top of the tower is offering a July 4 all-inclusive meal package complete with stunning views from the tallest building on the continent. See more details and reserve your spot here. 

photo: iStock