From Circus Sideshows to Art Shows: Where to Celebrate the Fourth of July in NYC

by Jessica Klein on Jun 26, 2015 in Roundups
From Circus Sideshows to Art Shows: Where to Celebrate the Fourth of July in NYC

If you’re interested in drinking outside of the box this 4th of July, these events might be just what you’re looking for. Seriously, we’ve got you covered, from an art show in the Hamptons to a Minor League Baseball game in Brooklyn to a rooftop party in Hell’s Kitchen.

If none of these activities appeal to you, then…how about getting some friends together and enjoying some of these perfect summer beers. That’s what we’ll be doing…after we get back from Coney Island. Why not make your holiday a two-parter too with some of the following suggestions.
Feel like doing something a little freaky this July 4th? The Coney Island Circus Sideshow will let you tick off a bucket list item (sideshows are on everyone’s bucket list…right?) for just $10, and it will put you close to the amusement park and the beach—and those dangerously alcoholic Nutcrackers people “discreetly” sell as they parade up and down the dirty shoreline. With the help of those, you can get a little tipsy for cheap as you do all these distinctly American things. Speaking of which, do not pass up a warm beer and a hot dog from Nathan’s! (Sideshows by the Seashore, 1208 Surf Ave., Brooklyn)
Just blocks away from the Sideshow, and for about the same entry price ($10 to $17), you can watch another kind of good ol’ American amusement—a baseball game between the Brooklyn Cyclones and the Williamsport Crosscutters (a Pennsylvania minor league team). Drinking beer while rooting for a Brooklyn team that shares the name of Coney Island’s iconic roller coaster—what could be more appropriate on the 4th of July than that? (MCU Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Brooklyn; 718-449-8497)
Who said celebrating America’s Independence Day couldn’t be upscale? From Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, this art show will give you an excuse to get over to the Hamptons for this celebratory weekend. The show, which spans tents full of paintings, photographs, sculptures, and more from a mix of old and new artists, goes from 11 AM to 8 PM on the 4th with the unforgettable dress code of “Hamptons Chic.” At $125 a pop, tickets aren’t cheap, but remember that the bubbly booze will be circulating… (Private Estate Grounds Lumber Lane Reserve, 900 Lumber Ln., Bridgehampton; 631-283-5505)
Want a place where you can watch the fireworks and drink in an outdoor, public space in an entirely inconspicuous—neigh—legal manner? Do you feel like being one of the sardines today, so you can revel it up American style next to a bunch of other sweaty sardines?? Yeah? Hang out here. (South Street Seaport, 19 Fulton St., New York; 212-732-8257)
This high-end restaurant, located basically right on the East River, will offer up a BBQ dinner in honor of America this 4th. Not for the same set who’d rather opt for a Nutcracker on Coney Island, this dinner costs $250 per person, so bring your platinum card and your capacity to drink, as the price includes an open bar. The dinner goes from 6 to 10 PM and comes with a few other perks—a ping-pong table, bocce ball court, and a cornhole board. (Riverpark, 450 E 29th St., New York; 212-729-9790)
If you feel like doing the whole clubbing thing, you can dance all night at this “fireworks viewing party” by iclubnyc (the name of the event company alone pretty much spells out the night for you). It’s on a roof in Hell’s Kitchen, there are DJs…what more do you really need to know? (Cantina Rooftop, 605 W 48th St., New York)
That’s Joe Bataan, and his voice will make you feel good, good like the first Americans felt when they realized that their nation was their nation once and for all! Okay, probably more the kind of good you feel in a darkened room with a special someone by your side and dancing shoes on your feet. The ample outdoor garden, complete with a taco truck, serves as another draw for this bar of a venue on July 4th. (Union Pool, 484 Union Ave., Brooklyn; 718-609-0484)
 
Photo via Flickr user Jeff Pang
 

 


Tags: Beer, Cocktails, Food, Holiday, Outdoor Seating, Parties, Spirits
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