The best laid plans often go awry; The Fourth of July in NYC frequently devolves into a sweaty frenzy. Despite (or maybe thanks to) the endless possibilities that present themselves to New Yorkers for this summertime holiday, without nailing down how you and your crew are going to celebrate our nation's independence, you might end up with a warm beer in hand staring at the back of strangers' heads in a crowded park while merely listening to fireworks. We've compiled a list of NYC's best offerings for the 4th that are even better than your best plans.