Get your popcorn ready—maybe even some sunglasses.
This year’s Macy’s July 4th fireworks display is set to be the largest and most dazzling to date. New Yorkers can expect front-row seats to the spectacle.
The 49th Annual Festival plans to launch a staggering 80,000 shells, spaced 1,000 feet apart, from the Brooklyn Bridge to the East River. That’s a notable increase from last year’s 60,000 shells.
There will be over 30 different colors and patterns showcased, including “crack crown jellyfish, atomic rings, yellow and green sunbursts, strobe lemon cascades, comet fans, and much more.” It seems like a visual feast!
Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic event.
When does the show start?
The display is expected to launch around 8 PM.
Fireworks will light up the New York skyline, likely around 9:45 PM as the sun dips below the horizon.
Expect the whole thing to last about 30 minutes.
Best places to watch in NYC
This year, the city is giving away 100,000 free tickets for lucky New Yorkers to the Pier 16 and Pier 17 areas, which are prime viewing spots in Brooklyn Bridge Park or the Seaport in Manhattan.
If you can’t get a ticket, don’t worry—there are plenty of great spots throughout Manhattan.
Montgomery Street, Lower East Side
The northernmost viewing area is located on Montgomery Street along the FDR Drive. To manage the crowds, the road will be closed between FDR and Grand Street.
Murry Bergtraum Softball Field
This public park is the only designated ADA-accessible viewing area for the event, set in the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge, with 2.52 acres available for guests.
Attendees should enter via Pike Street and Cherry Street.
Robert F. Wagner Place
This viewing spot is right beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, where people can gather to see the fireworks being launched from the iconic structure.
There’s plenty of space, and the NYPD plans to close numerous surrounding roads, including Frankfort Street and several others leading to the area.
Access is near Pearl Street along the FDR Drive.
Broad Street, Financial District
Another key viewing area, located at the southernmost point, will also be closed off to traffic. This spot is close to the water and one of the nearest locations to the fireworks barges.
Where will the fireworks be located?
The grand fireworks display will be set off near the Brooklyn Bridge, from four barges situated between Pier 17 and the downtown Manhattan heliport in the Seaport area.
“The fireworks will reach heights of 1,000 feet and create stunning visuals as they fall toward the water,” Macy’s has indicated.
Who will perform?
A mix of star performers will take the stage, serving as the opening act for the real attraction—the fireworks.
Artists like Keke Palmer, Trisha Yearwood, Jonas Brothers, and pop sensation Ava Max will perform, alongside country singer Eric Church.
The event will be hosted by Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose.
How to watch the fireworks on TV
The entire show will be streamed live on NBC and Peacock.
