Celebrate America’s 250th this July 4th

What’s on and where to celebrate in all our Arlo cities this Independence Day

July Fourth is always a high point of the summer, but this year it’s taking on epic proportions as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. In addition to the usual fireworks, pool parties, and cookouts, the upcoming holiday weekend offers a full slate of activities, from parades and sailing exhibitions to live music and a famous hot dog contest. Whichever city you’re in on or around on the Fourth, there are plenty of ways to honor America’s 250th and celebrate our independence. Here’s what’s on in the cities Arlo calls home.

New York City

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks

As the nation celebrates 250 years this year, the Macy’s fireworks display celebrates 50 years. The show starts at 8 p.m. with musical performances, followed by the best fireworks in the country, live from the Brooklyn Bridge, the Hudson River, and the East River. This year, there are more vantage points for taking it all in, and of course, some of the best in the city happen to be on the rooftop at Arlo Hotels, in SoHo, Midtown, NoMad, and Williamsburg.

Macy’s Fourth of July

Sail4th 250

To honor this special July Fourth, a fleet of tall ships and gray hull ships will sail into New York Harbor and dock for special showcases. Between July 3rd–8th, there’ll be sightseeing cruises and a tall ship race. Fifteen thousand sailors from 32 countries will take part in this maritime celebration, the largest flotilla of tall ships from around the world.

Sail4th 250

International Naval Review 250

The maritime theme continues with the International Naval Review 250, this year’s iteration of Fleet Week in NYC. Highlights of the week, July 2nd–7th, include military performances, exhibitions, and ship tours, all in honor of those who serve in the US Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.

Naval Review

Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

The annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, held on the Fourth of July, is a beloved New York City tradition. It’s even more electric in person, joining the crowds at the corner of Surf and Stilwell in Coney Island to watch the world’s top competitive eaters compete for the coveted Mustard Belt. How many hot dogs and buns can the contestants eat in 10 minutes? Will Joey Chestnut reign supreme again? These questions will be answered, with a lot of preshow pomp and ridiculously fun circumstance, on stage at Coney on Saturday, July 4th.

Hotdog Eating Contest

America’s Block Party in the Sky

As part of the official America250 celebrations, America’s Block Party in the Sky will be held on July 4th and 5th on the 19th floor of Times Square Skywalk. Visitors can read the Declaration of Independence inscribed on the glass wall of the Skywalk and take in 360-degree vistas from the wraparound viewing deck. A special event will be held to honor America’s Heroes, including veterans, military, and first responders, before the venue opens to the public.

America’s Block Party

July Fourth at Arlo Hotels NYC

Our hotels’ ART Rooftops are already some of the hottest venues of the summer, but on Independence Day, you simply can’t beat them for good vibes and spectacular views. This year, you can celebrate the Fourth with summer drinks and bites, and live DJs, at the holiday editions of Azure Day Party at Arlo SoHo and Arlo Williamsburg, Arlo NoMad’s Independence Day Elevated party, and Arlo Midtown’s July 4th Rooftop Skyline bash. Get your tickets early so you don’t miss out!

Party Lineup

Washington DC

Salute to America

With such a special milestone to celebrate this year, you can expect the Salute to America Celebration & Fireworks on the National Mall to be a memorable event. This all-day celebration begins at 1 p.m. on the Washington Monument grounds, with musical performances, military flyovers, and aerobatic demonstrations over the city. Speakers and the Joint Armed Forces Orchestra will take the stage from 7 p.m. and the epic fireworks display—launching from 10 sites around the city—will begin at 10:30 p.m.

Learn More

A Capitol Fourth

On July 3rd, the star-studded A Capitol Fourth concert will take place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. While the show will air on PBS, you can attend in person for the ultimate patriotic experience, kicking off at 8 p.m.

A Capitol Fourth

An American Celebration at Mount Vernon

The Fourth is a fantastic day to visit Mount Vernon, the estate and final resting place of George and Martha Washington. In addition to the perennial tours of the museums and gardens, a ticket on the Fourth will include the day-long American Celebration lineup, including historic demos, family activities, a naturalization ceremony, and daytime fireworks over the Potomac.

An American Celebration

The Washington Nationals

It’s an annual tradition: Catch a Nationals game in the middle of the day and then continue your Fourth celebrations from there. This year, the team plays the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park, from 11:05 a.m.

Catch a Game

Chicago

Navy Pier Fireworks

The lakefront is where you want to be on July Fourth to take in Navy Pier’s annual Independence Day fireworks display. This year, the show is set to be the biggest yet, including a dedicated 15-minute performance to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary. There are plenty of vantage points at Navy Point and along the lakefront, and you can also watch the light show up-close from a boat cruise. The fireworks kick off this year at 10 p.m.

Learn More

Independence Day Salute

The Grant Park Music Festival hosts free classical concerts throughout the summer and this year’s annual Independence Day Salute will include a nod to the 250th anniversary of the nation. The show takes place at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion on July 4th from 7:30 p.m. and will include patriotic favorites alongside Gershwin’s Three Preludes and Carlos Gardel’s Tango (Por Una Cabeza).

Salute

Chicago250

Independence Day celebrations across the city will have a special element to honor the nation’s 250th anniversary this year. Some of the city’s institutions getting into the patriotic spirit include the Chicago History Museum, the American Writers Museum, the Newberry Library, and the new Obama Presidential Center.

Chicago’s 250th

Hit the Riverwalk

For something more low-key but still celebratory on the Fourth, take a stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk. A short walk from Arlo Chicago, this is one of the city’s gems, a place where you can stop for a great meal or simply amble along and check out public art and the city’s iconic architecture. The Riverwalk is also a great place to spy on some of the boat cruises as they glide by—perhaps inspiring you to try one yourself.

Riverwalk Plan

See all of Arlo Hotel’s Independence Day happenings and Happy Fourth!