Families can starting planning out how they will celebrate America’s 250th anniversary across the five boroughs. Be sure to check out a family-friendly commemorative celebration at Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, a community concert in Queens, the Sail4th 250 Grand Review of Tall Ships, a 4th of July concert in Staten Island, and a brand new historical exhibition in Manhattan. And don’t miss Sail4th 250, Fleet Week, and the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks!
The Battle of Brooklyn: America 250 at the Center for Brooklyn History in Brooklyn Heights
Open now through December 31st | Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm and Saturday 10:00am-4:00pm | FREE
This summer, our country will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. New York played a critical role in the founding of our republic and nowhere is that on display more than at the new Battle of Brooklyn exhibition at the Brooklyn Public Library. In August of 1776, the first and largest battle of the American Revolution took place in what is now Brooklyn, NY. The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered at the Brooklyn Public Library uses photos, artifacts, rare maps and more from the Library’s collection to bring this turning point in American history to the public.
The Bay Ridge Holiday House in Brooklyn
On display daily | FREE
Families always love to see the display at The Bay Ridge Holiday House! They already have their 4th of July display celebrating America’s 250th anniversary of independence up. Be sure to stop by for some patriotic pictures!
The Promise of Liberty: Words That Shaped a Nation at The Seaport Museum in Manhattan
Now on view | 10:00am-5:00pm Wednesday-Sunday | Tickets range from $10-$25/person| Purchase here
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, families can experience a brand new full-floor exhibition in the historic 1868 A.A. Thomson & Co.building and journey through the nation’s founding ideas—tracing how they have evolved over time through rare defining documents and pivotal moments in history. If the United States has a mission statement, it was written 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence: “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” As you explore the fascinating and unique exhibition, you will see how this promise—established in 1776—was never fully realized and remains an aspiration we continue to pursue today.
Tour: Battle of Brooklyn’s Battle Pass at Lefferts Historic House
Wednesdays-Sundays + Holidays, July 1st-September 6th | 2:00pm-3:00pm | FREE | RSVP here | Prospect Park
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Brooklyn with a Prospect Park tour about this major American War for Independence battle. Join Prospect Park Alliance for a free tour of the park to learn about the Battle of Brooklyn, the first and largest battle of the American War for Independence, on its 250th Anniversary. This one-hour tour begins and ends at Lefferts Historic House, and takes visitors to the park’s Battle Pass to see the replica fortifications where on August 27, 1776, thousands of Pennsylvania and New England soldiers fought their British and Hessian counterparts. Along the way, attendees will learn about the battle and its aftermath from the perspective of the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family, soldiers who fought in what is now Prospect Park, and the overall impact of the conflict on Flatbush and Brooklyn. Please note this tour leaves promptly at 2:00pm. See Prospect Park’s other America’s 250th exhibits and events here.
Bronx Fireworks Extravaganza at Orchard Beach
Thursday, June 25th | 5:30pm-9:30pm | FREE but must pay for parking
Come to the Bronx Fireworks Extravaganza to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with an evening of family fun. Bring your family, friends, and Bronx pride to commemorate this historic milestone with live entertainment, community spirit, and a dazzling celebration under the stars.
NYS Senator John C. Liu America250 at Francis Lewis High School in Queens
Sunday, June 28th | 1:00pm
State Senator John Liu will be holding a community celebration commemorating America’s 250th birthday taking place at Francis Lewis High School. Francis Lewis we a Queens resident, Founding Father, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. The event will feature free food, live performances, historical re-enactments, student presentations, and interactive presentations honoring our nation’s past while inviting the community to share their hopes and dreams for America’s future.
Harbor Hooray! at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Wednesday, July 1st-Sunday, July 5th | 10:00am-5:00pm | Purchase tickets here
Children can begin learning about boats and more to get ready for Sail4th 250 and Fleet Week at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Celebrate NYC’s waterfront with art projects inspired by ships, signals, and seaside adventure. Explore how boats move, communicate, and celebrate on the water!
Movies With A View: Hamilton | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursday, July 2nd | 6:00pm-11:00pm | FREE
Kick off the 4th of July weekend with Hamilton (PG-13, 2020, 160 minutes). New York’s own Lin-Manuel Miranda’s imaginative retelling of American founding father Alexander Hamilton in. This is the filmed version of the Broadway production – singing along is encouraged! Come early to enjoy a picnic on the lawn and refreshing waterfront breezes, with New York Harbor and Manhattan skyline views like no other as the sun sets. Entry is free and first-come, first serve starting at 6:00 PM. Movies begin at sunset.
Sail4th 250 across New York City
Events taking place from July 3rd-July 8th | Viewing the ships is FREE with some paid events | See full schedule here
America welcomes the tall ships of the world to the Port of New York and New Jersey for a universal celebration of America’s 250th anniversary! Get ready to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the largest-ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world, creating a majestic nautical spectacle and an unforgettable once-in-a-generation event on land, sea, and air. View the complete schedule and interactive map here.
Brooklyn highlights include Sail4th 250 Parade of Sail: Class B Tall Ships down the East River on July 3rd, an international aerial review over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge on July 4th, Sail4th 250 Parade of Tall Ships from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the George Washington Bridge on July 4th, and docked boats at Brooklyn Bridge Park and Governors Island July 5th-July 7th.
Southern Brooklyn will have a front row seat for America’s 250th birthday. With hundreds of ships and aircraft from around the world passing under and over the Verrazzano Bridge, there’s no better place to experience this once-in-a-lifetime celebration! On July 4th, you’ll want to be somewhere down by the water on the promenade by 9:00 AM at the latest. The official tall ship parade begins at 9:30 AM, followed by the Blue Angels around 10:00 AM. By 12 noon, the last ship in the parade will pass under the Verrazzano Bridge heading towards Manhattan. There are no “official” VIP viewing areas or tickets being sold, so don’t let anyone sell you fake tickets to a public area. The 68th Precinct will be down by the water to help with crowd control, but this will be the place to be on July 4th.
Fleet Week across New York City
Events taking place from July 3rd-July 8th
The International Naval Review (INR) 250 celebrates 250 years of U.S. Navy heritage. You do not want to miss the world’s premier maritime event!
Sail4th 250 Grand Review of Tall Ships on Governors Island
July 4th | 9:00am-2:00pm | Tickets start at $200/person | Purchase here
There’s no better place to take in the Grand Review of Tall Ships than from Governors Island. Enjoy sweeping harbor views as the Parade of Sail unfolds, featuring a spectacular procession of tall ships.
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island
Saturday, July 4th | FREE
The world’s top competitive eaters. Ten minutes to glory. It all goes down on the Fourth of July at the corner of Surf and Stillwell. Be there!
Independence Day Celebration at Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island
Saturday, July 4th | 11:00am-4:00pm | Tickets coming soon here
Celebrate our nation’s independence with old fashioned family fun! Visit Historic Richmond Town over Independence Day Celebration for a day of special programming and events. Meet costumed interpreters and founding fathers and mothers, sign your name to a copy of the Declaration of Independence, enjoy demonstrations of 19th century fireworks, food, patriotic music, and more!
Staten Island Philharmonic at Snug Harbor in Staten Island
Saturday, July 4th | 6:00pm-7:30pm | FREE | Register here
The Staten Island Philharmonic will provide a free 4th of July concert on the South Meadow Lawn. Bring your own chair or blanket!
The 50th Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
Saturday, July 4th
The 2026 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks is set to be a milestone event, marking both the 50th anniversary of the iconic fireworks show and the 250th birthday of the United States. For this historic anniversary, the pyrotechnic display is significantly expanding this year. Fireworks will be launched from barges along the lower East River (near the Seaport District), the lower Hudson River (in collaboration with Jersey City), and around the Brooklyn Bridge.
Sail 4th 250 Tall Ships | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sunday, July 5th-Tuesday, July 7th | 12:00pm-6:00pm | Reservations strongly recommended
America welcomes the tall ships of the world to the Port of New York and New Jersey for a universal celebration of America’s 250th anniversary! Sail4th 250 brings several to dock at Brooklyn Bridge Park, open for tours July 5th, 6th, and 7th from 12:00pm-6:00pm on most days. While tall ship tours are FREE of charge, reservations are strongly recommended due to high demand. Your reservation will guarantee your spot during your selected time frame. Children must be five and older to board the ships and require a ticket. Strollers are permissible on the piers but are not allowed aboard the tall ships. Closed-toe shoes are required to board the ships. This event is rain-or-shine.
The Battle of Brooklyn 250: The Meaning of Freedom at The Green-Wood Cemetery
Sunday, August 23rd | 10:00am-1:oopm | FREE | Get tickets here
Step into 1776 at Green-Wood. Experience the Battle of Brooklyn with reenactments, stories, and a lively, family-friendly commemoration. Come gather where this country began. Two hundred and fifty years ago, parts of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War was fought on land that is now Green-Wood, and we’re marking the anniversary with our biggest Battle of Brooklyn event ever! Immerse yourself in August 1776 through costumed interpreters, civilian and soldier stories, diverse perspectives on this pivotal moment, and a special parade and commemoration ceremony. In partnership with institutions across New York City, Green-Wood Cemetery is offering a fun-filled afternoon that honors those who fought and invites families to reflect on 250 years of American independence. This event is for all ages.
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Updated: June 30, 2026. Main Image: The Bay Ridge Holiday House in Brooklyn
