5 Things to Do Downtown This Fourth of July Weekend

Find something fun — and patriotic — to do this Fourth of July Weekend in the ever-cool Downtown Manhattan.

1. Watch the fireworks at The South Street Seaport Museum. Other than America's independence, the most important thing about the Fourth of July is obviously the fireworks. Hanging out at Pier 16 gives you an A+ view of the Macy's Fireworks Show, while food trucks (including a truck dedicated to beer) will prevent you from going hungry. Tickets cost $60, and people of every age are invited.
2. Listen to a Grammy nominee and his band play jazz. The Joshua Redman Quartet will play music to soothe your ears before you listen to the eardrum–busting fireworks on Monday. They'll be playing at the Blue Note Jazz Club (131 West 3rd St.) at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. If you miss them on July 1, don't worry, because they're playing again on July 2 at the same times. Tickets cost $20–$35.
3. Spend your Saturday day–drinking at The Wave Party at The Watermark Bar (78 South Street at Pier 15). The party goes aaalllll day — eight hours! — on July 2. There'll be an open bar from 2 p.m.–5 p.m. If you want to go, hurry up and buy tickets (prices range from $15–$150) by 9 p.m. on July 1.
4. Go to the Liberty Belle Extravaganza on Delancey Street. There will be dancing, burlesque, DJs, food, drinks and an emcee. You can go be your most patriotic and see 50 different performers — as long as you're 21 or older.
5. Take a Fourth of July cruise around the island from 6:45 p.m.–10:30 p.m. You can watch the fireworks, eat dinner and drink, if you're OK with paying $300 per person. (The good news is, people under 2 years old are free!) You'll board at Pier 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons