Your Fourth of July Fun Pack

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Looking for something to do on the Fourth? Here are nine ways to celebrate Independence Day around Brooklyn.

This year the Fourth of July falls on a Friday for the first time since 2008. As expected, the coincidence has created an abundance of stars-and-stripes themed events. From backyard barbecues to pool parties and fireworks displays, if you’re planning to stick around Brooklyn this weekend, you’ll have plenty of ways to celebrate America’s independence. Here is a roundup of local events we recommend checking out this holiday.

Macy’s Fireworks Display
After detonating its annual pyrotechnics show over the Hudson River for the past couple of years, Macy’s is making its way back over to the East River for the first time since 2009, which makes Brooklyn the place to be to watch this year’s spectacular. The department store plans to set off 50,000 pounds of fireworks this Friday night, with the Brooklyn Bridge as a backdrop (in fact they’ll be launching fireworks from the bridge itself), so make your way to the waterfront (or find a rooftop with a view) in time to take it all in from our home turf.

Fireworks at Coney Island
Coney Island lights up the skies over its boardwalk with a fireworks display every friday during the summer, but this week’s exhibition will be extra special as it coincides with other Fourth of July festivities in the area, like Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, which takes place at noon on Friday.

Brooklyn Grange 4th of July Party
Speaking of Brooklyn rooftops with an amazing view of the East River fireworks, few compare to the space Brooklyn Grange occupies in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, a point the urban farm plans to capitalize on by throwing a rooftop party this Friday night. Eat, drink and dance under the stars and stripes with beers from Brooklyn Brewery, sandwiches from BrisketTown and music from DJ Yohey. Tickets are $100.

July 4th Edition of Rub-A-Grub
Do or Dine has organized a special beats-meets-bites backyard party in Bed-Stuy in honor of America’s independence. This Friday, party goers will enjoy three rounds of food and drink served with three different DJ sets, starting a 2pm. Tickets start at $15, but we would recommend opting for the $30 VIP ticket, as it comes with two food items and two drinks.

Pool Party at McCarren Hotel and Pool
Somehow we missed King and Grove changing its name to McCarren Hotel and Pool, but either way, the hotel will still host its annual party at its rooftop pool. Swim in the saltwater or sit on the sidelines and sip a summer cocktail at one of the city’s largest outdoor private pools. Shell out $85 for a single ticket which comes with a summer ale on the house, or splurge on a sun bed for two, which will set you back $300. DJs Natalia Kills and Willy Moon will be spinning poolside, too.

Free BBQ at Freddy’s
This South Slope watering hole will be serving free ‘cue on Friday, as well as offering drafts from all its taps for only $4. A deal like this means the place will surely be packed, so plan to show up early and come hungry. While Freddy’s promised to be firing up something for everyone on the grill, if you prefer to bring your own barbecue, that’s fine, too. The bar’s grill masters are happy cook it for you.

Blkmarket and ReSolute July 4th Party with Dixon @ The Well
Blkmarket and Resolute have planned a day dance party out in Bushwick with Dixon, one of of Berlin’s best-known DJs from the ’90s. Expect him to play an extended set of deep house grooves. Tickets are $60 and the party starts at 3pm.

Hootenanny at River Styx
Who doesn’t like the idea of a good old fashioned hootenanny to celebrate the Fourth? River Styx will be serving up hot dogs and nachos by the boatload for people to take down to Transmitter Park for the fireworks on Friday. Once the show is finished, head back to the Greenpoint restaurant for some Buds, shooters and classic American rock ‘n’ roll.

Picnic in the Park
North Brooklyn Farms is hosting a picnic in Havemeyer Park on Friday to help raise funds for the relocation of its urban farm, currently on a vacant parking lot set to be razed as part of the the old Domino Sugar Factory renovation. Expect music, beers from Brooklyn Brewery and food from Sweet Deliverance, as well as a prime spot to watch the fireworks over the East River. Festivities start at 6pm, and tickets are $10 (which includes one free drink) and up for grabs here.

James’ July 4th picnic
If a fried chicken picnic sounds like the ideal way to spend Independence Day, you have until noon July 3 to put in your order at James. The restaurant is putting together picnic lunches of Old Bay spiced fried chicken; fingerling potato salad with corn, lovage and bacon; kale salad with quinoa, almonds, ricotta salata and hardboiled duck egg; plus grilled pound cake with seared peaches for dessert. Meals cost $30 (or splurge for it to come in a tote from Cecil & Meri for an extra $50). Call (718) 942-4255 to place an order.

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