It’s the most American time of the year! In case you’ve waited until the last minute to make plans to celebrate America’s 236th birthday, we’ve made a must-see list of great parties, awesome food, and spectacular fireworks displays around the city with the help of CBS New York.

• Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks spectacular is the talk of the town. With live performances from Kory Leigh Glattman singing our National Anthem, country superstar Kenny Chensey and ‘Fireworks’ singer Katy Perry, around 70,000 pounds of explosives, Macy’s is pulling out all the stops for their firework celebration again this year. The show, ‘Ignite the Night,’ will start around 9:20, over the Hudson river, and can best be seen on the west side highway between 14th and 59th streets and pier 84. The show will also be broadcasted live on WINS 1010 AM, hosted by Regis Philbin.

• The Empire State Building will be open for viewing the majesty that is New York City lit up by explosions of color. There are only 300 tickets available for the observatory, so snag yours while supplies last!

• Hudson Terrace or The Press Lounge are your one-stop rooftop views of the city and sky. Chow down on some delicious food, enjoy an open bar, and dance the night away to live music while you watch the sky light up.

• Head out to Coney Island in Brooklyn to set the tone for a truly American 4th of July. Grab a dog and fries and watch the pros stuff their faces at the 36th Annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.

• Take a step back in time! If you’re looking for a reason to dust off your fedora or your old flapper dress from Halloween a few years back, The Rooftop Bar at The Empire Hotel is where you belong. Attend the roaring twenties inspired party, while getting a picture perfect view of the city.

More Into the Sea Scene?

• Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise is the cheapest cruise option. Sail the sea with a live DJ and food and drinks for purchase on board, this cruise is surefire way to see the explosions in the sky.

• Classic Harbor Line Cruise may be the most expensive cruise, but they keep it classy aboard the America 2.0. Enjoy Hors d’oeuvres alongside a glass of champagne while cruising down the Hudson.

• Party the night away at the previously sunken ship, The Frying Pan, with a front row view of the fireworks barges.

The Outerboroughs Like Fireworks too!

• For those of you out on Staten Island who don’t want to make the trip into the scary city, you can get great views of both the Hudson and East rivers, Brooklyn and New Jersey just by getting a spot on the promenade at the Staten Island Ferry. Just get there early, there will be a crowd!

Whatever you’ll be doing this July fourth, make sure you keep it safe! Happy Birthday America!

–Sarah Scroggins, CBS Local

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