We’re not ones to get all political, so whether the 4th of July (and all of the red, white and blue paraphernalia that goes with it) swells you with feelings of pride or makes you sigh and roll your eyes, there’s no denying that the promise of barbecues, beach trips, and bad-ass bashes is a good thing. But for those of us with no beach house to escape to, the idea of cramming onto one of NYC’s beaches isn’t exactly enthralling. Don’t fret, fellow New Yorkers, there are plenty of ways to honor your right to party that don’t include schlepping to Long Island.
July 4th Party at Water Taxi Beach (a.k.a Harry’s) Hunter's Point (2nd St. & Borden Ave.)
Long Island City (No Phone)
Although this beach doesn’t offer swimming (not that you’d really want to swim in the Hudson River, we hope), it offers prime fireworks viewing and live music all day and night. As always, Harry’s is open and offering beach munchies and enough tropical drinks to transport you far away from the city. Pay $25 for an all-day beach pass or show up after 10 p.m. for a mere $10 at the door. Festivities start at noon.
July 4th Backyard BBQ at Back Forty 190 Ave. B (@ 12th St.)
East Village 212.388.1990
If you live in the city or any of the surrounding urban areas, chances are you don’t have a backyard of your very own. Luckily, Back Forty is lending out theirs. They’ve got plenty of BBQ goodies for you and also PBRs at $3 a pop. Plus, the promise of a backyard BBQ sans the family theatrics might make you want to come on by even if you do have an actual backyard celebration to go to. Reserve a table and get your ‘cue on between 3 and 11 p.m.
Sonic Youth & The Feelies at Battery Park 75 Battery Pl. (@ State St.)
Financial District 212.835.2789
It’s not a surprise that reservations for this free show featuring Sonic Youth and the reunited Feelies are completely booked, but this River to River event is worth keeping an eye on. Register for the R2R wire in case tickets do become available, and you’ll be the first to know. At any rate, Battery Park is a big place and you might be able to catch some of the action from the sidelines. Gates open at 2 p.m.; the rock starts at 3:30 p.m.
The Battle of Chicken & Beer
The Brooklyn Lyceum
227 4th Ave. (Union & President Sts.)
Gowanus 866.GOWANUS
All-you-can-eat fried chicken and all-you-can-drink Brooklyn Lager sounds pretty gosh darn American to us. For $20, you can partake in this glorious display of the American dream over at the Brooklyn Lyceum. A break dancing competition is enough of reminder that you are still in Brooklyn and haven’t meandered in to some hillbilly alternate universe.
Stimulus Package
The Yard
388-400 Carroll St. (Bond & Nevins Sts.)
Carroll Gardens (No Phone)
For a mere $8 if you RSVP, get complimentary PBR and Southern Comfort, plus treats from the ice cream man, while shaking your tight pants-wearing tush to indie rock. If that doesn’t sound fun on its own, this is also a good spot to check out the fireworks. This party rages from 1 to 9 p.m.
Yankees vs. The Red Sox
Yankees Stadium
44 E. 161st St. (@ River Ave.)
Bronx 718.293.4300
America’s pastime goes to extreme levels when these two bitter rivals meet up. See for yourself if the curse of the Bambino is really over as the Yankees take on the Red Sox. It’s the final year to enjoy this version of Yankee Stadium and all of its goodies, like beer in plastic bottles. Be warned, hurling your empties at the boys from Boston will not be taken kindly, (not even from inside this Bronx holy land). The battle kicks off at 1:05 p.m.
Nathan’s Famous 4th of July International Hot Dog–Eating Contest
Nathan’s Famous
1310 Surf Ave. (@ Stillwell Ave.)
Coney Island 718.946.2202
Coney Island, Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, and gluttony are all time-honored American traditions. What better way to wish happy birthday to our nation then attending the annual hot-dog eating contest? Things could get uglier than the Yankee game as two longtime bitter rivals, Takeru “The Tsunami” Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut, go jaw-to-jaw in hopes of winning the Mustard Yellow Belt. The chow-down starts at noon.
July 4th Dancing & Fireworks Cruise
The Queen of Hearts
Pier 40 (W. Houston St. & Westside Hwy.)
West Village 212.987.9200
The Queen of Hearts offers you the best seat in the city for fireworks—on the waves of the Hudson River. Come aboard this booze cruise, where for $60 you get a dinner buffet and two DJs spinning Top 40s and ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s hits. And of course, there is a cash bar on board (the lack of one would be just un-American). All aboard at 5 p.m.
Un-American Films
Pier at Solar One
23rd St. (@ the East River)
Kips Bay (No Phone)
If you’re not exactly a flag-waver, this is an event for you. Rooftop Films presents a showing of edgy, political films dubbed “Un-American Films.” In this vital election year, perhaps the most patriotic thing you can do is get up to speed on the issues surrounding Americans and the world at large. Your $30 fee gets you grub, an open bar, access to the films, live music, and, of course, a prime view of the fireworks. Now, ain’t that America? Start exercising your rights at 5 p.m.
