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July 4th Events in NYC

A hot dog eating contest, walking tours, concerts and more on July 4th

By , About.com Guide

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Looking for fun activities to do on July 4th? Check out this list great ways to enjoy the 4th of July in NYC.

More: July 4th in NYC

1. July 4th Rooftop Pier Party

World Yacht PierCourtesy of World Yacht

Watch the Fourth of July fireworks from the Circle Line and World Yacht piers along the Hudson River. Tickets are $85/person and food and drink will be available for purchase.

2. Fireworks Viewing Party at the Hudson Terrace

Experience the 4th of July fireworks from the Hudson Terrace from 6:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Tickets include open bar from 6:30-10:30 p.m. and BBQ, all with a great view of the Hudson River from the rooftop bar. Tickets start at $100/person for general admission, but reserved seating starts at $165/person, not including tax and gratuity.

3. Fourth of July at Sky Room

4th of July Fireworks from the SkyroomCourtesy of the Skyroom
Watch the fireworks from New York City's highest rooftop lounge. Tickets start at $100 and include five hours of open bar (6-11 p.m.), as well as a Fourth of July Picnic with mini sliders, pigs in a blanket, Buffalo chicken tenders and chips.

4. Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest

At noon at Nathan's on Coney Island, watch as contestants compete to consume the most hot dogs. Those who want a good view of the contest are encouraged to arrive by 11 a.m.

5. Press Lounge Fireworks Viewing Party

Enjoy open-bar and New-American farm fresh cuisine from 6 - 10 p.m. while experiencing a great view of the 4th of July Fireworks for $300 per person at the Press Lounge. Reservations and a credit card deposit are required: call 212-757-2224 or email Reservations@printrestaurant.com to reserve.

6. Dance Here Now at Water Taxi Beach Governors Island

Take a free ferry to Governors Island to catch a Dance Here Now concert with Victor Calderone at the Water Taxi Beach.

7. Revolutionary New York Walking Tour

Join Big Onion Walking Tours at 2 p.m. for a walking tour of sites related to the Revolutionary War in Lower Manhattan. Fraunces Tavern, the graves of Alexander Hamilton and General Richard Montgomery, and Federal Hall are among the sites featured on the tour. Admission: Adults $15, Seniors & Students $12. Meet at the intersection of Broadway and Murray Street, at gated entrance to City Hall Park.

8. Pre-Fireworks Presidential Greenwich Village and Gramercy Park

A historical walking tour with NYC Discovery Walking Tours with stops at places associated with some early presidents, including Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, JFK, Wilson and Washington. Stops include the Washington Square Arch and Theodore Roosevelt’s birthplace. 5 PM tour ends at the highway at 7:30 PM in time to secure a spot for Fourth of July Fireworks viewing.

Date & Time: July 4, 2011 at 2:30 & 5 p.m.
Cost: $18
Reservations & Meeting Place: 212-465-3331

9. Watch 'Easy Rider' in Bryant Park

The HBO Bryant Park Film Festival will feature Easy Rider on July 4th, 2011.

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