New Yorkers are in for a treat.
This week, the city is offering 100,000 free tickets for Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show along the East River.
Tickets are available online on a first-come, first-served basis. This distribution includes access to view the fireworks from the Pier 16 and Pier 17 areas at the Grand Show in Brooklyn Bridge Park and Seaport in Manhattan.
“Every New Yorker should have the opportunity to enjoy Macy’s July 4th fireworks,” a city official noted, highlighting that this year marks a significant 400th anniversary celebration.
The mayor emphasized that “celebrations should include everyone.”
“We are looking forward to celebrating America’s birthday with thousands of New Yorkers and visitors in the world’s largest city,” he remarked.
This year’s free ticket allocation comes as a response to previous criticism regarding access for the public during the fireworks, as private parties were restricted while others were turned away.
Starting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, people can request up to four tickets. This year’s giveaway features ten times the number of tickets compared to last year’s event, which was relocated.
To get tickets ahead of the public release, New Yorkers can text “Fireworks” to 917-909-2288. The first 2,500 responders will receive four free tickets for the Brooklyn Bridge Park spot.
For those without tickets, there will still be a chance to see the 49th annual fireworks display along the FDR Drive.
Public access points include:
- Montgomery and Madison Streets
- Robert F. Wagner Senior Place and the Brooklyn Bridge on/off ramp
- Broad Street and Water Street
An accessible viewing area will be in place on the Manhattan side of Marieburg Tromefield, with entry accessible from Pike and Cherry Streets.
The show is set to begin at 9:25 p.m., and it’s known to be the largest Independence Day celebration in the country.
This year’s Macy’s fireworks display will feature over 80,000 shells fired from barges along the East River, with 11 new effects making their debut, including an atomic ring and comet fans.
