Nightlife

24-Hour Patriot People

Your Fourth of July Should Look Like This

You’ve been in denial. But it’s no use. You’ve got one single 24-hour furlough to honor the ideals of American independence. Every minute must be accounted for. Thus, your Fourth of July party whirlwind. You can rest later.

FOR THE COMPETITIVE-EATING AFICIONADO

Crif Dog Classic

Time: Bright and semi-early.
The Scene: Watching a hot-dog-eating legend (a thing that exists) in action while you boldly combine mimosas with pizza, for America.
Keywords: Kobayashi, Brooklyn, Roberta’s, trophy presentations

FOR THE PATRIOTIC LOUNGER

Arrival

Time: Prime heat-of-the-day cabana hours.
The Scene: An all-day rooftop beach party concert with the kind of cabanas, food trucks and Lil Jon appearances that have sustained us as a nation lo these 236 years.
Keywords: The Bistro Truck, Wyclef, “Yeah”

FOR THE PURIST

Down & Dirty Low Country Picnic

Time: When the hunger kicks in.
The Scene: A classic backyard vibe with a burger-, sausage- and cornbread-decked patio, complete with American kegs and watermelon-lemonade cocktails.
Keywords: Solo cups, barbecue, people saying “fix me a plate”

FOR THE EXPLOSIVES FAN

The Wet ’N’ Wild Fourth of July

Time: The main event. Fireworks. 9:20pm.
The Scene: A rooftop right off the Hudson; ooh-ing and aah-ing the pyrotechnics over bomb pop martinis while liquor-filled water guns make the rounds.
Keywords: Bombs bursting in air, alcoholized snow cones, jealous friends

FOR THE LONG WEEKENDER

The July 4 Late-Night Party

Time: When coming to terms with Thursday.
The Scene: A cocktail-fueled, post-game Americafest that’ll go all night, starting while the newly-burned-firework smell is still in the air.
Keywords: After-party, patriotic reflection, total weekday denial