Here's what you need to know about NYC's epic July 4 weekend

Key Points:

• New York City is celebrating the nation's 250th birthday with multiple simultaneous events including tall ship parades, a massive fireworks show, a likely Taylor Swift wedding at Madison Square Garden, and a World Cup game in nearby New Jersey, all amid an intense heat wave.
• City officials are urging use of public transit, extra travel time, and precautions against extreme heat, with the activation of cooling centers and outreach teams to assist vulnerable populations; a heightened security presence including bomb squads, drone monitoring, and coordination with the Coast Guard is in place.
• The tall ship parades will take place on July 3 and 4 along the East and Hudson rivers, with designated viewing spots and security screenings, while Brooklyn Bridge Park will be closed until late afternoon on July 4 for fireworks ticket holders.
• Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration will launch over 85,000 shells from barges on both rivers at 9:25 p.m., featuring pyrotechnic animations on the Brooklyn Bridge; extensive street closures and limited viewing access require planning, with broadcasts available on NBC and Peacock.
• MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host a FIFA World Cup Sweet 16 match on July 5, prompting road closures in Midtown Manhattan and around major transit hubs before kickoff at 4 p.m., with detailed transit options and traffic advisories in effect.