July 4th Weekend Events in New York City

Spending July 4th weekend in New York City this year? You're in luck. There are plenty of things to do -- including a spectacular fireworks show, free concerts, cheap Broadway tickets, and more.

• Macy's 2009 July 4th Fireworks -- The famous Macy's July 4th fireworks will light up the sky over the Hudson River this year. Find out where to go for the best views in Manhattan, New Jersey, and the middle of the Hudson River (and how to get there and find a parking spot).



• July 4th Weekend Street Fairs -- Spending the long weekend in the city? Check out some of the great street fairs and festivals.



• River to River Festival's Free 4th of July Concert -- See Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band with Jenny Lewis at the River to River Festival's free 4th of July concert in Battery Park. The free concert starts at 3:30 PM on Saturday, July 4th. This year’s 4th of July concert is not ticketed, but space is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.



• Free Today Show and Good Morning America Concerts -- Check out free Friday-morning concerts featuring Rob Thomas and Brad Paisley.



• Independence Friday at Cain -- Cain is hosting a blow-out Friday night party to kick off July 4th weekend. Ladies get in free before midnight and guys get in for reduced admission all night.



• Patriotic Pub Hop -- Show your patriotic pride with a night of all American fun -- including cheap Budweiser, $5 apple pie shots, hot dog eating, HDTV fireworks viewing, and more. The pub hop starts at Black Bear Lodge at 2pm on July 4th. The next stops are Bull's Head Tavern and Whiskey River (all within stumbling distance of each other).



• Broadway on the 4th -- Get great seats at the hottest Broadway shows for just $59 over July 4th weekend. Participating shows include Avenue Q, In the Heights, 9 to 5, Mary Stuart, Shrek, The Normal Conquests, The 39 Steps, Waiting for Godot, and August: Osage County. Valid dates are June 29 through July 10, 2009.



• July 4th Weekend Sale at Woodbury Common Outlets -- Make a day trip to the Woodbury Common Outlets and take advantage of their annual July 4th Weekend sale. You'll find serious markdowns on brands including Armani, Banana Republic, Jimmy Choo, Nike, and many others.



• King Lear in Battery Park -- Catch free roving performances of Shakespeare's King Lear in Battery Park.



• New York Historical Society July 4th Celebration -- Watch New York history come alive at the New York Historical Society with re-enactment troops, Living History actors, and arts and crafts workshops.



• Central Park SummerStage -- Sunday's SummerStage show features Oumou Sangre plus special guest African and “Afropean” chanteuses.



• American Presidents NYC Walking Tour -- Take a stroll through Greenwich Village and Gramercy Park and learn about landmarks associated with George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, JFK, and Woodrow Wilson. Tours are run by NYC Discovery Walking Tours and will take place on Saturday at 2:30 and 5 pm and on Sunday at noon and 2:30 pm. The cost is $16. Call 212-465-3331 for reservations and meeting place.



• Revolutionary War Walking Tour -- Join [the South Street Seaport Museum for an historical walking tour through the streets of Lower Manhattan.