Enjoy the Fourth of July in NYC, by running a 5K or 10K on Governors Island. NYCRuns holds races throughout the city and is known for putting together The Queens Half Marathon, Brooklyn Marathon, and the popular Empire State Building Run-Up. July is arguable the best month in NYC. So here are the absolute best things to do during the month of July in NYC. Governors Island: Open with extended ferry service and holiday events. NYC Botanical Gardens & Bronx Zoo: Open with seasonal programming. Outdoor Events: Expect concerts, food festivals, and pop-up markets across the boroughs—especially in Brooklyn and Queens. Full July 4 events guide here. Just a quick 5 minute boat ride from Manhattan, you’ll feel miles away on this July 4th holiday as you drink in the spectacular views. Indulge your playful side in the meadow playing lawn games including oversized jenga and cornhole as our live entertainment carries you wistfully through the afternoon. This exclusive Fourth of July experience at Collective Retreats Governors Island is limited in availability and sells out quickly each year. If you are ready to celebrate America’s birthday with the best views in the city and an unforgettable overnight retreat. INTERVENTIONS: delicate people Governors Island Arts x L'Alliance New York Oct 4, 2025 Past Events Highlights See below for past programs and events on Governors Island. From the best places to view the fireworks to some alternative ways to celebrate, check out the best 4th of July events in NYC! The Macy’s celebration, replete with 80,000 firework shells and 11 new pyrotechnic effects, returns to the East River after heading over to the Hudson in 2024. • Last boat leaves Governors Island towards Wall St/Pier 11 at 2:49 p.m. The Staten Island Ferry is also running on an alternate schedule for the Fourth of July. Poetopia awaits The New York City Poetry Festival is back on Governors Island July 12 and 13, 2025! With powerful performances, open mics, and literary joy in a stunning outdoor space, join us in Nolan Park to celebrate the art of every voice. Free and open to all. This year’s theme, Poetopia: Reimagining Poetic Futures, invites festival-goers to co-create a world where poetry is a communal Shuttle buses will resume normal service on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Governors Island: Last Governors Island departure bound for Wall Street/Pier 11 – 5:19 PM 4th of July Events Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks July 4, 2022 9:25 PM In Macy’s famous fireworks display, shells are launched off five different barges on the East River. Looking for something to do this Independence Day? Head out to Governors Island this 4th of July weekend and take advantage of the exciting events and of course Plan the ultimate July 4 in NYC! Discover fireworks, classic attractions, rooftop parties, festivals, and Independence Day events for the perfect summer weekend in New York. Keep reading for everything you need to know: ☑️ Governors Island is open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday July 4, with the South Island park closing at 6pm (this includes Hammock Grove, The Hills, and Picnic Point). 🎇🎆 IMPORTANT: The Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks will not be visible from Governors Island! ☑️ Trust for Governors NYC's 4th of July fireworks show is back over the East River for 2025. See what time it starts, how long it lasts and the best places to watch in Manhattan and Brooklyn. • Last boat leaves Governors Island towards Wall St/Pier 11 at 2:49 p.m. The Staten Island Ferry is also running on an alternate schedule for the Fourth of July. See schedule changes here. Race around Governors Island this Fourth of July! Runners will get to take a whirlwind tour of Governors Island, complete with amazing views. Governors Island w Summer 2024 on Governors Island: What You Need to Know May 21, 2024 10:30 am Frisbee at Picnic Point. Photo by Sean Jamar May 21, 2024 The Trust for Governors Island today announced a robust calendar of exciting and wide-ranging programs on the Island for this summer that promise to offer exciting experiences for New Yorkers of all ages and visitors from 61 likes, 1 comments - governorsisland on June 27, 2025: " Important Fourth of July Visitor Update Due to a planned New York Harbor closure and planned street closures in Lower Manhattan surrounding the Battery Maritime Building, Governors Island will close early on Friday, July 4, 2025. ️ Governors Island will be open from 7AM-3PM on Friday, July 4, 2025. ️ The final ferry from Manhattan
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