4th of July in New York (Photo from www.dumbonyc.com)

If you plan on spending July 4th in New York City you probably know about the free concert at Governor’s Island.

Here are few other free events that you might not have heard about:

Nathan Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest: What could be more American than a hot dog eating contest to celebrate US independence?  Held at Coney Island, this NY tradition dates back to 1916.

Free Midday Jazz Show at Louis Armstrong House Museum: Turns out Louis Armstrong and the US share a birthday, different years but both Cancers.  This year British artist Gwyn Jay Allen will be preforming for this free annual event.

Rooftop viewing of Macy’s firework show: This super-secret event is a gathering of frugal hipsters and veteran Brooklyn artists to watch the fireworks across the East River.  Usually the fireworks are directly above the East River, however this year they’ll be across it, but still in view.  Come to 135 Plymouth Street say the password, and after climbing seven flights of stairs you’ll find 100-200 people. BYOB/BBQ.