4th Of July

NYC’s best spots to watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks for free

Photo by Wiebke Meyer-Lüters on Unsplash 

June 30, 2023

NYC’s best spots to watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks for free

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America's biggest and boldest Independence Day celebration returns to New York City for its 47th year. Macy's annual fireworks show will ring in the Fourth of July with 60,000 shells launched from five barges in the East River from East 26th Street to East 40th Street. There are plenty of firework watch parties being hosted across the city, but Macy's has announced seven official viewing locations where you can enjoy the show for free, including spots in Midtown, Long Island City, Greenpoint, and Williamsburg with unobstructed views.
Where to watch
18 best places to see 4th of July fireworks in NYC

Image courtesy of John Saeyong Ra on Flickr

June 29, 2023

18 best places to see 4th of July fireworks in NYC

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On the Fourth of July, Americans all across the nation will be celebrating the country's independence alongside friends and family with good food, cold drinks, and of course, fireworks. Luckily enough for New Yorkers, New York City offers the country's most awe-inspiring Independence Day celebrations, featuring the 47th annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show over the East River and Jersey City's display over the Hudson River. Ahead, find a selection of some of the best-ticketed events across the five boroughs to enjoy this year's July 4th fireworks celebrations, from the top of observation decks soaring 1,000 feet above Manhattan to luxury yachts parked in the East River.
See the list
Where to watch the Macy’s July 4th fireworks for free in NYC

Photo by pparnxoxo on Unsplash

June 29, 2022

Where to watch the Macy’s July 4th fireworks for free in NYC

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Nowhere is quite like New York, especially on the Fourth of July. Macy's signature fireworks show, the largest in the nation, will once again ring in Independence Day with more than 48,000 shells and effects from five barges floating in the East River. While there are many places around the city hosting fireworks watch parties, there are seven official public viewing locations along two miles that will offer the best (read: free) views of the Macy's Fourth of July show, including Midtown, Long Island City, Greenpoint, and Williamsburg.
Get the details
13 spots to watch the 4th of July fireworks in NYC

Photo by John Saeyong Ra on Flickr

June 27, 2022

13 spots to watch the 4th of July fireworks in NYC

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To most Americans, the Fourth of July means good food, drinks, time spent with family and friends, but most importantly, fireworks. Luckily for New Yorkers, the city has plenty of opportunities to see fireworks with Macy's annual 4th of July Fireworks show and Jersey City's own grand fireworks display. For those seeking an unforgettable Independence Day experience, here is a selection of the best ticketed events to enjoy this year's July 4th fireworks celebration, from waterfront bars lining the East River's piers to the city's highest observation decks.
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Jersey City announces annual 4th of July fireworks celebration with concert headlined by Flo Rida

Jersey City’s 2019 fireworks display; Photo by Jennifer Brown/City of Jersey City

June 8, 2022

Jersey City announces annual 4th of July fireworks celebration with concert headlined by Flo Rida

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New Jersey's largest Fourth of July fireworks display is returning to the Jersey City waterfront this year. Mayor Steven Fulop on Wednesday announced this year's Freedom and Fireworks all-day event will include a concert headlined by Flo Rida, with special guests Shaquille O'Neal aka DJ Diesel and Fun Flex, a massive fireworks show by Grucci, food trucks, and family fun.
Get the details
11 spots to watch the 4th of July fireworks in NYC

Photo by Lens Mesh on Unsplash

June 28, 2021

11 spots to watch the 4th of July fireworks in NYC

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After most Fourth of July festivities were canceled or scaled-down in 2020 because of the pandemic, New Yorkers are more than ready to celebrate this year. With Macy's annual 4th of July Fireworks show taking over the East River and Jersey City's massive display sparkling over the Hudson River, there are plenty of places to take in the magic of pyrotechnics across New York City and the Jersey waterfront. To ring in Independence Day, we've rounded up the best places hosting firework viewing parties, from the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere to a cruise ship sailing around the Hudson River. In addition to these ticketed events, there are also several free public viewing locations, including elevated portions of FDR Drive in Manhattan.
Here's where to go
France is sending Lady Liberty’s ‘little sister’ to NYC for July 4

Photo courtesy of CMA CGM Group

June 14, 2021

France is sending Lady Liberty’s ‘little sister’ to NYC for July 4

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France is sending a mini version of the Statue of Liberty to the United States this month, 136 years after the iconic sculpture was unveiled on Liberty Island. The Embassy of France in the U.S., the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers, and shipping company CMA CGM Group announced last week that a replica of Lady Liberty will set sail from Paris on a nine-day journey across the Atlantic, arriving in New York City in time for the Fourth of July.
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Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show returns to the East River

Photo by John Saeyong Ra on Flickr

June 10, 2021

Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show returns to the East River

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After a downsized celebration last year because of the pandemic, the Macy's annual 4th of July Fireworks show is "back and literally better than ever," Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday. As part of the biggest Independence Day celebration in the country, Macy's will launch more than 65,000 shells and effects from five barges positioned on the East River in Midtown.
Find out more
Jersey City is bringing back July 4th fireworks to the Hudson River this year

Photo from the 2019 fireworks display by Jennifer Brown/City of Jersey City

June 8, 2021

Jersey City is bringing back July 4th fireworks to the Hudson River this year

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Viewable from the New York and New Jersey waterfronts, a July 4th fireworks display will return to the Hudson River this year. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop made the announcement that the Freedom and Fireworks event will take place after being canceled in 2020 due to Covid. "Since we revived Jersey City’s Fourth of July event in 2013, we’ve become a destination for the annual celebration, and I think it’s important to restore those traditions for residents and visitors to have something to look forward to," said Mayor Fulop.
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South Street Seaport’s Pier 17 offering limited public access to see July 4th fireworks

Image via Wiki Commons

July 3, 2019

South Street Seaport’s Pier 17 offering limited public access to see July 4th fireworks

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For the first time in five years, Macy's has moved its July 4th fireworks display to the Brooklyn Bridge, along with four barges that will launch pyrotechnics off the shore of the South Street Seaport's Pier 17. The Pier, recently redeveloped by the Howard Hughes Corporation and designed by SHoP Architects, consists of food and drink options, retail, and a rooftop entertainment complex, all of which is supposed to be publicly accessible during operating hours according to a deal with the city. However, as Gothamist first reported, the only ways to check out the fireworks from Piers 16 and 17 are to drop $500 on a ticket to a party at Jean Georges' restaurant The Fulton, be cool enough to land on the VIP list for a party atop Pier 17, or have scored one of just 300 community spots on the Seaport's Wavertree ship (registration closed today at noon).
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Your guide to getting around NYC on the Fourth of July

Image via Flickr

July 2, 2019

Your guide to getting around NYC on the Fourth of July

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If you're one of the estimated three million people who will be watching the Macy's Fourth of July fireworks spectacular, you'll need to factor in how MTA's service changes and planned traffic interruptions might affect your plans. Once you've picked a viewing spot, check out our comprehensive guide to getting around town (or out of town, if you prefer) below.
Know before you go
Jersey City will celebrate July 4th with NJ’s largest fireworks display and a concert headlined by Pitbull

Photo via Flickr cc

July 1, 2019

Jersey City will celebrate July 4th with NJ’s largest fireworks display and a concert headlined by Pitbull

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Jersey City is getting ready to celebrate its sixth annual Fourth of July Festival, an epic full day celebration from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Exchange Place Plaza. The free event, called 50STAR FIRESHOW, will feature a carnival, beer festival, and a concert headlined by Jersey City’s own Akon and rapper Pitbull, before culminating with the largest fireworks display in the state.
More info
Jersey City takes back the Hudson with massive July 4th fireworks display and a Snoop Dogg concert
July 3, 2018

Jersey City takes back the Hudson with massive July 4th fireworks display and a Snoop Dogg concert

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Photo by Jennifer Brown for Jersey City A bigger, louder and longer Fourth of July celebration is coming to Jersey City this year. Beginning at noon on Wednesday, a 10-hour free festival will hit the Hudson River waterfront, featuring several beer gardens, food trucks, a concert headlined by Snoop Dogg and the state's largest fireworks display. The all-day event, called 50STAR FIRESHOW, is estimated to welcome more than 200,000 people to Exchange Place. Jersey City brought back its own fireworks event in 2014 after NYC moved its display to the East River, and the size of celebration has grown each year. "I think the Jersey City side of Hudson River is going to be the place that people want to be for the 4th of July this year. Period. Between Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Grucci, and Snoop, we are raising the bar," Mayor Steven Fulop said.
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Get your NYC subways, buses and ferries sorted for the Fourth of July

Photo via Anthony Quintano/Flickr

July 3, 2018

Get your NYC subways, buses and ferries sorted for the Fourth of July

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It happens on every holiday, but a midweek July 4th promises to add an extra layer of confusion to the tourists, crowds and screwy schedules that will inevitably hit the city's public transit system. We hope we can help you get your itinerary dialed in by giving you the low-down on changes to NYC subway, bus and ferry service on the 4th, so you can get to and from that optimal spot to watch the fireworks. The good news: The MTA will be offering extra rail service on Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 4. The possibly good/bad/mixed news: The MTA’s railroads, subways and buses will operate on weekend schedules...and then some.
More holiday transit schedules, decoded
Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week – July 4th Edition
June 30, 2016

Art Nerd New York’s Top Event Picks for the Week – July 4th Edition

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In a city where hundreds of interesting happenings occur each week, it can be hard to pick and choose your way to a fulfilling life. Art Nerd‘s philosophy is a combination of observation, participation, education and of course a party to create the ultimate well-rounded week. Jump ahead for Art Nerd founder Lori Zimmer’s top picks for 6sqft readers! The Fourth of July is typically for house parties and rooftop barbecues, but if you're too lazy to organize your own party, there are a few choice ways to celebrate in style, whilst also catching the area fireworks. Channel your inner pin-up girl at the DL or sit poolside at the luxe McCarren Hotel. Head down to the revamped South Street Seaport, which has become a cultural center for arts, music and food. Splurge and set sail around Manhattan, and dance dance dance at a secret location- or at the beautiful House of Yes in Bushwick. Independence Day is all about friends and family, so have fun no matter what you do, and be safe!
More on all the best events this way
Your Daily Link Fix: A Skycraper on Top of a Building; Run, Don’t Walk, to Shake Shack Today
July 3, 2014

Your Daily Link Fix: A Skycraper on Top of a Building; Run, Don’t Walk, to Shake Shack Today

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IKEA Lamp Changes Colors with Your Mood: It’s the mood ring of the 21st century. PSFK examines how designer Vittorio Cuculo hacked an IKEA lamp so that the world may know exactly how he’s feeling. Invasion of privacy? Possibly. Totally awesome? Definitely. Architects Pushing Fashion Forward: Architizer shows us that architects love fashion, and demonstrates it […]

Condo at 149 Skillman Avenue Lets Its Light Shine!
May 27, 2014

Condo at 149 Skillman Avenue Lets Its Light Shine!

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What kind of apartment needs custom blinds from the Shade Store? The kind with floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the unit with light! And we’re not talking any standard floor-to-ceiling windows. Architect Michael Muroff decided to throw us a beautiful curve ball by designing a wall-sized window in the living room accented with a giant, skylight – or more appropriately, an angled ceiling of windows. The result is a living space you could practically sunbathe in. An abundance of light isn’t the only thing 149 Skillman Avenue #4B has to offer. The 1,070-square-foot, 2BR/2BA unit has a few other surprises, including a steam shower and a private roof deck with a gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline. That means a spectacular show for the apartment’s residents when the 4th of July fireworks return to the East River for summer 2014.
See what else this beautiful condo has to offer here
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