1. Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show

July 4

Watch the city skyline light up as fireworks dazzle above the East River as part of Macy’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show. This year, spectators can get front-row viewing seats at locations along the Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan waterfronts, or watch from the comfort of home via live stream. In typical New York style, this won’t be your run-of-the-mill show. New shapes are promised among the 48,000 shells and effects that will launch from five separate barges. While the booms and cracks will certainly be heard throughout the city, that won’t be the only soundtrack. The spectacle will have a medley of patriotic performances by The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus, The Young People’s Chorus of New York City, and the Community Baptist Church of Englewood Choir.

3. Celebrate Bastille Day with FIAF

July 10

Why take a trip to Paris when you can walk to 60th street instead? July 14 marks Bastille Day, a major French holiday that commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution, a years-long period of intense political change that was ignited by the storming of the Bastille military fortress on July 14, 1789. An array of events planned throughout the city will commemorate the holiday, but no one does it quite like FIAF, celebrating a few days early on July 10. Every year since 1996, FIAF has recognized the French national holiday with a block party along 60th street. The day-long, free-to-all celebration includes dancing, live music, and more. Enjoy a special film screening, prize drawings, wine and champagne tastings, and over 40 booths highlighting French food and culture. Everyone is welcome, from hardened Francophiles to unsuspecting passersby, so don’t be shy about embracing a little joie de vivre.

5. Lincoln Center Summer for the City

All month long

Over 300 performances will take place across 10 stages throughout the Lincoln Center campus this summer as part of the first annual Summer for the City celebration. Not only will there be live music and outdoor film screenings, but the summer festivities also feature the largest outdoor dance floor in New York City, where guests can get their groove on during Social Dance events, as well as an underground speakeasy that will host jazz sets and comedy shows. Running through mid-August, this diverse lineup promises something for everyone. And better yet, many events are completely free, while others offer choose-what-you-pay ticketing, making good on Lincoln Center’s important commitment to accessibility.