The best 4th of July parties in NYC

If you’re tired of the same rooftop BBQ you attend every year, mix things up and spring for what might be the best fireworks viewing spot in the city: the Empire State Building. Tickets will get you a reception with premium beer, wine, cocktails and snacks from the STATE Bar and Grill. Once you’ve had your fill, head to the open-air deck on the 86th floor and prepare to be blown away.

The only thing better than BBQ and booze on a holiday weekend is having both of those things at the beach—throw fireworks in the mix and you might have the perfect night. The show at Coney Island starts at 9:30pm from several locations (including Steeplechase Pier and the boardwalk), but you might as well show up early and enjoy all the hot dogs and Cyclone rides you can handle.

Celebrate America's Birthday at one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn—Northern Territory! A $60 entry fee gets you access to one of the best views of the Macy's Fireworks and there will be drink specials on frozen cocktails and Jello shots. Tickets go on sale starting at 4pm on Tuesday, July 4, but make sure to get there in advance to secure your spot.

The folks behind Brooklyn Night Bazaar are back at the people’s beach, a.k.a. Jacob Riis Park, with their annual summer-long market and concert series. The historic boardwalk is filled with tasty outposts of food vendors like Fletcher’s Brooklyn Barbecue, Ed & Bev’s diner and Ample Hills Creamery, while the beach is your place for sunbathing, ocean frolicking and live music. For the special Fourth of July Get Summered edition, Dirty Boogie, Edward Askew and Big Vic and Bekah deejay.

Serve red-white-and-blue realness at this miniature Burning Man–style daytime bash, as NYC nightlife legend Eli Escobar presides for a wild day of dancing. Check out interactive art installations, visit a face-painting station, shop at an artisan market by Mama’s Bazaar and Temple Ro, grab eats from local food trucks like Van Leeuwen and more. Regardless of whether you’re heading to Black Rock City come August, don’t miss out on this celebration of free love.

This open-air bazaar in Queens normally hawks its wide array of retro wares and antiques as well as finger-licking–delicious eats on the weekend, but in honor of Independence Day, the flea invites you to come out and party on Tuesday, July 4. Partake in some day-drinking at the all-Queens Beer and Wine Garden, serving brews from spots like SingleCut Beersmiths and Queens Brewery. (The suds come in handy when you need to wash down Butcher Bar’s wood-smoked BBQ.) Best of all, you’ll have a killer view of the Macy's firework display!

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Gabe Shore