The East River tall ships are expected July 3 from about 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for the Sail4th 250 Parade of Class B ships, sailing down the East River from the Hell Gate Bridge toward Sandy Hook/Gravesend Bay. For the main July 4 parade, the larger ships are scheduled on the Hudson side, not the East River, with the main sail-by running later that morning into the afternoon.

What to expect

  • July 3: East River parade window, roughly 1:00–3:00 p.m.
  • July 4: Main tall-ship procession is 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. on the Hudson River route.
  • Fireworks: The Macy’s show is scheduled for 9:25–10:00 p.m.

Practical takeaway

If you want to catch the ships on the East River , plan for Friday afternoon, July 3. If you’re really asking about the biggest 4th of July maritime spectacle overall, that’s the July 4 Hudson River parade instead.

Event Timing Waterway
Class B tall ships parade July 3, 1:00–3:00 p.m. East River
Main tall-ship parade July 4, 9:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Hudson River
Macy’s fireworks 9:25–10:00 p.m. East River fireworks display