Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Sunday plans for the massive 4th of July celebration that will take over NYC this week, with the largest parade of tall ships ever assembled as the centerpiece of the historic occasion marking America’s 250th birthday.
Hochul joined NYC, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard officials, along with reps from Sail4th 250, the organization leading the maritime celebrations, at the South Street Seaport Museum on June 28 to unveil plans for the multi-day event, which is expected to draw millions of visitors to the Big Apple waterfront areas.
The spectacular affair will take place July 3 through July 8 and will feature what organizers called “the largest gathering of tall ships ever assembled.” Sailing vessels representing 40 nations, including Italy, Peru and India, are expected to participate.
“New York played a pivotal role in America’s fight for independence so there’s no better place to mark the 250th birthday of our nation,” Hochul said. “We remain a beacon of hope and freedom for those around the world, which is why we are excited to welcome the tens of thousands of people who will be visiting our state to celebrate this momentous occasion with us.”
The highlight of the celebration will be on July 4, when the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Eagle, America’s tall ship, leads the international fleet beneath the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn. The ships will continue north to the George Washington Bridge before turning around and docking at piers throughout the city. Organizers said the vessels will pass the bridge approximately six minutes apart during the parade, which will last about 2.5 hours.
Starting July 5 through July 7, there will be sightseeing cruises and free tours offered of the tall ships around the city. Tour locations include Brooklyn Bridge Park, Sail City, South Street Seaport and Stapleton Park (Homeport Pier Staten Island). To avoid long lines, reservations are highly recommended.
July 4 in the morning
Officials said there will be an international aerial review on the morning of July 4 that will feature U.S. and international fixed and rotary wing aircraft that will fly in formation over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, above the Hudson River, and over the tall ship parade. The famed Blue Angels will lead the review.
Also that morning, before the parade, the Acting Secretary of the Navy will board the USS FARRAGUT, and proceed slowly past about 30 U.S. and allied military vessels all at anchor on the west side of the Hudson River. An aircraft carrier, the USS NIMITZ, will also participate in the International Naval Review (INR). The INR 250 has occurred only six times in U.S. history.
“The Coast Guard is honored to be part of this momentous celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary,” sector commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York, Captain of the Port, Captain Jonathan A. Andrechik, said. “We have worked tirelessly alongside our local, state and federal partners and the port community over the past two years to prepare for this historic event. Our highest priority is the safety and security of participants and the public, while keeping the port operating safely.”
Macy’s July 4th Fireworks
On the night of July 4, Macy’s will produce its 50th annual fireworks display from four barges in the East River and two near Jersey City. This year, the annual event will expand to both the lower East River in the Seaport District, the lower Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City, and the Brooklyn Bridge, connecting all the communities to watch.
Hochul said that there will be enhanced security measures throughout New York, with the state, New York City, the Navy and Coast Guard doubling down on counter-drone operations and security across land and water. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York has issued five Marine Safety Information Bulletins, Hochul announced, covering waterway restrictions, safety zones and operational guidance for mariners that will be in place July 1 through July 9. The bulletins can be found at the Northeast Coast Guard District’s Local Notice to Mariners website under the special notices section
“It is an honor to welcome Governor Hochul as we begin one of the most exciting weeks in New York history,” Sail4th President Chris O’Brien said. “The international fleets have formed — and they will be in our waters before we know it. Everyone on team Hochul has been instrumental in helping Sail4th 250 prepare for this tremendous American milestone as we mark our Semiquincentennial. This is going to be one heck of a 250th birthday party.”
In preparation for the historic festivities, New York State in the FY26 budget allocated $2 million to Sail4th 250 plus an additional $350,000 Market NY grant.
Sail4th 250 anticipates there will be 6 million spectators on 15 miles of waterfront for a total projected economic impact of $2.85 billion, including $730 million net new economic impact for the city.
