New York City’s skies will light up in red, white, and blue on Friday as Macy’s 49th annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza takes center stage over the East River.
This year’s display will launch from barges positioned between Pier 17 and Downtown Manhattan, offering dazzling views across Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Where to watch
The fireworks show is a free public event, and spectators can watch from any location with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky above the Lower East River.
Prime public viewing areas will be available along elevated portions of the FDR Drive, with access points managed by the NYPD at Montgomery Street at Madison Street, Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place, and the Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps, as well as Broad Street at Water Street. The city is giving away 100,000 tickets for prime viewing spots.
The Murray Bergtraum Softball Field, accessible via Pike Slip and Cherry Street, will also have an ADA-accessible viewing area.
As crowds grow, officials may close certain access points and redirect spectators to other open locations. Access points, viewing areas, and nearby transportation options can change at any time.
If you can’t make it to the waterfront, you can always watch the fireworks from the comfort of your living room. Performances will be streamed live on NBC and Peacock at 8 p.m. ET.
How to get there
Event organizers strongly encourage viewers to use public transportation, as there will be no public parking available near viewing areas.
The MTA will increase subway service before and after the fireworks show and reroute buses in surrounding neighborhoods, adding extra trips once the event concludes.
Areas to avoid
Macy’s warns that some locations do not offer views of the show and are not recommended for spectators, including parts of the FDR Drive in Midtown, the Battery and Battery Park City, East River Park, Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park, Roosevelt Island, Governors Island, and Gantry Plaza State Park.
Oscar-winner Ariana DeBose will host the iconic event, with musical guests The Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz and others set to perform ahead of the big pyrotechnic display.
Access to live performances is closed to the general public, since it is reserved for the television broadcast.
What is not allowed
For security reasons, the NYPD prohibits items such as alcohol, backpacks, blankets, cigarettes, drones, duffle bags, e-cigarettes, large bags, large coolers, large packages, lawn chairs, motorized scooters, umbrellas, and weapons at public viewing locations. All spectators are subject to search by the NYPD, and viewing locations are subject to change for safety reasons.
For updates and details, attendees can check Macy’s official event website, macys.com/s/fireworks.
