The Fourth of July — also known as Independence Day — is quickly approaching and that means New Yorkers are getting ready to be amazed by the wonderful display of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks extravaganza. In fact, New York City has been ranked the best place to celebrate 4th of July according to a WalletHub study and the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show makes it that much better.
According to Macy’s the first Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display took place in 1958, making this year the show’s 42nd anniversary.
To make sure you’re prepared, we’ve provided you with helpful information to make sure you don’t miss the show.
What time does the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show?
The two-hour program begins at 8 p.m. and will start with performances leading up to the main event, the fireworks display.
Expect to see the light show begin around 9:25 p.m. EST. The show lasts 25 minutes and will end around 10 p.m. EST.
The show will take place along the East River between East 23rd and East 40th Street. The fireworks are launched from seven barges in the river.
MAP: Where to watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The barges will be set in the east river from East 23rd to East 40th streets According to Macy’s the official viewing points are:
34th Street & FDR Drive
23rd Street & FDR Drive
18th Street & Avenue C
Houston Street & FDR Drive
An interactive map showing the viewing points including neighborhood guides can be found on the official website.
In addition to the official viewing locations, the best place to see the fireworks are along elevated sections of the FDR Drive. You can also see the fireworks in Brooklyn near the East River. If you live in Greenpoint, Williamsburg or Long Island City, you’ll be able to get a great view of the show.
Check with Metro for a list of rooftop bars and other locations to enjoy the light show and celebrate the Fourth of July.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, TV time, live stream
If you’re not going to be at the show to see it live, the show will broadcast live on NBC beginning at 8 p.m. A live stream of the program will be on the NBC 4 website.
Who’s performing this year?
Akbar Gbajabiamila and Matt Iseman will host the show this year. Musical guests will include Kelly Clarkson, Ricky Martin, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and more. Check back on the Macy’s website for updates.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks by the numbers
In case you’re wondering how many fireworks are used during the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show and other cool details, we’re here to help.
There are 3,000 shells and effects used during the 25-minute Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display.
According to Macy’s, there will be 20 new shells and special effects this year including a neon-colored pinwheel and pulsing hearts, swirling water fountains and others that will dazzle viewers.
It takes more than 8,000 hours to plan, load and execute the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show, according to the retailer. That’s almost a year’s worth of time dedicated to making sure the show goes as planned. During the show, Macy’s says there are 50 pyrotechnicians on hand to make sure everything runs smooth.
How high do Macy’s fireworks go?
According to the company, the light from the fireworks show at the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show can reach a peak height of about 1,000 feet in the sky, which is approximately three times higher than The Statue of Liberty.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks street closures
According to the New York City Department of Transportation, the following streets will be closed for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show. Areas near the FDR will shut down for the show. Plan accordingly.
In Manhattan:
FDR Drive between the Brooklyn Bridge and East 63rd Street
FDR Drive Service Roads between Montgomery Street and 63rd Street
Montgomery Street between Cherry Street and FDR Drive
Delancey Street between Lewis Street and FDR Drive
East Houston Street between Baruch Place and FDR Drive
Avenue C between 13th Street and Avenue C Entrance Ramp to FDR
Avenue C Entrance Ramps
East 6th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
East 10th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
14th Street between Avenue C and Avenue B
Avenue C between East 16th Street and East 23rd Street
East 20th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue C
East 23rd Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue C
East 26th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 30th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
30th Street Entrance Ramps
East 33rd Street between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue
East 34th Street between 2nd Avenue and FDR Drive
34th Street Entrance Ramps
East 37th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 38th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 41st Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 42nd Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
42nd Street Entrance Ramps
East 48th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 49th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 53rd Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
In Queens:
Area bounded by 44th Drive on the North Borden Avenue on the South Vernon
Boulevard on the East; East River on the West (All Inclusive)
Center Boulevard between Borden Avenue and 54th Avenue
2nd Street between Borden Avenue and Newtown Creek/Dead End
Vernon Boulevard between 54th Avenue and Newtown Creek/Dead End
54th Avenue between Center Boulevard and Vernon Boulevard
