New York celebrates the nation's birthday in true style – that is to say, with a fireworks display for the ages. The world's biggest pyrotechnic show lasts around an hour and features several thousand aerial shells launched from barges anchored on the East River. In addition, NYFD fireboats participate by spraying patriotic red, white and blue streams high into the night sky. Though the spectacle can be seen from either side of the East River, Hunter's Point in Queens and Greenpoint in Brooklyn are especially nice because the Manhattan skyline serves as the backdrop. At 7:30pm, the southbound lane of FDR Drive is closed to auto traffic and opened to pedestrians.

Fri, Jul 4, 2008: 9pm

Free