Where to watch the Macy’s July 4th fireworks for free
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show is set for its largest display in its 50-year history in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Commemorating the occasion, Macy’s will launch more than 85,000 shells from three locations: the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River near the South Street Seaport, and the Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City. While there are many ticketed watch parties planned across the five boroughs, the show’s record-breaking scale also means more free viewing locations than in previous years.
Those who did not receive front-row tickets to the spectacle through the city lottery can view the fireworks from non-ticketed public viewing areas along the FDR Drive in Manhattan. Lottery winners can find out more about their designated viewing areas here.
These are the entry points to the FDR Drive viewing spots:
- Montgomery Street at Madison Street
- Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps
- Broad Street at Water Street
Recommended ADA viewing will be available at the NYC Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, accessible from the east side of Water Street at Coenties Slip, and at Pier 35, accessible via Cherry Street at Rutgers Slip.
Viewing at designated sections in Brooklyn Bridge Park and the South Street Seaport will be accessible only through free tickets issued by the city.
Jersey City is hosting an all-day festival for the 4th of July, with 60 vendors, DJs, two beer gardens, and a Kids’ Zone with activations and bounce castles. The event, which kicks off at 12 p.m., concludes with prime viewing of the fireworks along the Hudson River at Exchange Place, the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, and at the Colgate Clock near Essex Street.
According to Macy’s, these are the following Jersey City waterfront access points:
- 2nd Street & Hudson Street
- Hudson Street & Harborside Place
- Christopher Columbus Drive & Hudson Street
- York Street & Hudson Street
- Grand Street & Hudson Street
- ADA accessible viewing is available at 70 Hudson Street at the Hudson River Walkway
- Washington Street & Dudley Street (Paulus Hook section)
- Essex Street & Hudson Street
- Colgate Clock
The fireworks show is set to begin at 9:25 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. This year’s display will feature more than 85,000 shells in 30 colors, along with a laser show and a star-studded broadcast.
Visitors can look forward to 20,000 different firework effects, including morning glories, red wolves, color-changing ghost shells, and atomic rings. Pyrotechnic effects will be staged at 240 positions between the main towers of the Brooklyn Bridge, reaching heights of up to 1,000 feet, according to Macy’s.
The broadcast will be hosted by Terry Crews, with performances by Alexia Jayy, Noah Kahan, Post Malone, Bebe Rexha, Salt-N-Pepa, Shaboozey, and Blake Shelton. It will air on NBC and Peacock starting at 8 p.m.
For those looking to celebrate the 4th of July with a little money to spend, 6sqft has put together a list of the best ticketed fireworks watch parties.
RELATED:
