Bridge and Borough July 4th Weekend

MANHATTAN

Macy's 4th of July Fireworks | Friday, July 4, 2025 | 9:25pm Kid Friendly The 49th annual show launches from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the lower East River. The best free viewing is along FDR Drive south of Brooklyn Bridge. Duration: 25 minutes of spectacular pyrotechnics. | East River waterfront | macys.com/fireworks

Central Park BBQ Permission Day | Friday, July 4, 2025 | All day Kid Friendly One of only three days per year you can legally grill in Central Park (Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day). Check the website for specific rules. Charcoal grill only (no propane), keep 10+ feet from trees | Free | Central Park | centralpark.org

Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour | Daily tours: 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:00pm, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm Explore the abandoned 750-bed hospital complex closed to the public for over 60 years. This 90-minute guided tour takes you through infectious disease wards, morgue, autopsy rooms, and staff housing, plus JR's haunting "Unframed—Ellis Island" art installation with life-size historic photographs pasted on decaying walls. Book ahead recommended but same-day tickets sometimes available at Ellis Island. Tickets $55 on-island or $74 with ferry | Ellis Island | saveellisisland.org

BROOKLYN

NYRR Open Run: Canarsie Park | Saturday, July 5, 2025 | 9:00am-12:00pm Kid Friendly Free, weekly 5K community-led runs open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. This program brings free fitness to neighborhood parks across NYC every Saturday. Canarsie Park serves the neighborhoods of Canarsie, Flatlands, Mill Basin, Marine Park, and Bergen Beach, featuring baseball fields and cricket pitches bordered by the Belt Parkway and Paerdegat Basin. Free | Canarsie Park House, 88th St & Seaview Ave | nyrr.org

Luna Park Coney Island | Saturday-Sunday, July 5-6 | Expanded summer hours Kid Friendly Classic NYC summer experience with the boardwalk, Nathan's Famous hot dogs, Wonder Wheel, and historic Cyclone roller coaster. For 2025, expect new arcade games, renovated retail outlets, and expanded hours. Combine with the beach for a full day. Insider tip: Best time is weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds; weekends get packed by noon. Admission free, rides vary | Coney Island | lunaparknyc.com

Brooklyn Museum: 200th Anniversary Exhibition | Saturday-Sunday, July 5-6 | 11:00am-6:00pm Kid Friendly "Breaking the Mold: Brooklyn Museum at 200" celebrates the museum's bicentennial with hundreds of paintings, sculptures, and photographs from their 140,000-piece collection. Features works by Brooklyn artists and new acquisitions, showcasing the evolution of American art. This massive exhibition runs through February 22, 2026. Museum admission required | 200 Eastern Parkway | brooklynmuseum.org

QUEENS

Subway Series: Mets vs Yankees | July 4-6, 2025 | Kid Friendly The classic NYC rivalry plays out at Citi Field with three games over the holiday weekend (July 4, 5, and 6). This is THE baseball event of the summer. | Citi Field, Queens | mlb.com/mets

QED Presents Stand-Up Comedy | Saturday, July 5, 2025 | 9:30pm. QED's house-booked stand-up showcase featuring national headliners Calvin Cato, Danny Fallon, Katie Heneghan, Tom Zappia, Crenshaw White, and Talia Reese. Keep an eye out for special guests and surprises! Save $5 when you buy in advance - $15 advance, $20 at door. Lineups subject to change. $15-20 | QED Astoria | qedastoria.com

Yoga at Socrates Sculpture Park | Sunday, July 6, 2025 | 10:00am-11:00am Kid Friendly. Free Vinyasa yoga classes with flowing poses linked to breath awareness, taught by instructors from Astoria Yoga. Classes are designed for all experience levels - just bring a mat or towel. No RSVP required, but check the instructor's Instagram for morning weather cancellations. Beautiful waterfront setting with sculpture installations. Free | Socrates Sculpture Park, Long Island City | socratessculpturepark.org

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