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How to Watch The Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks

Everything you need to know for the best way to watch the fireworks this year and next.

The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks return for 2022! While the location alternates yearly between a proximity to Brooklyn Bridge Park and floating in the East River, this year they will be located in the East River.

Read on to learn how to watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, whether in public or at home, and how to prep to be the coolest host for 2023 fireworks.

When are the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks?

The fireworks show will take place around 9:25 pm on July 4th, 2022.

Where are the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks set off?

The fireworks will be released from barges on the East River between 34th and 23rd streets in Manhattan and Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens and Transmitter Park in Brooklyn.

Where can you watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks?

Macy’s has designated viewing spots that are FREE to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Official Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks viewing points in Manhattan:

  • East 42nd Street and FDR Drive. (Enter security checkpoint at 1st Ave and East 42nd street)
  • East 34th Street and FDR Drive. (Enter security checkpoint at 1st Ave and East 34th street). This location is the only one that is notated as being ADA accessible.
  • East 23rd Street and FDR Drive. (Enter security checkpoint at 1st Ave and East 23rd street)

Official Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks viewing points in Brooklyn:

  • Newtown Barge Park
  • Transmitter Park
  • Marsha P. Johnson
  • Does it cost to watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks?

Official Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks viewing points in Queens:

  • Gantry Plaza State Park

Keep in mind, the access points, viewing locations and transportation are subject to change, but that will most likely not happen.

Are there places to avoid watching the

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks from?

Macy’s shares that views may be obstructed if you’re viewing from Bushwick Inlet Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn Grand Ferry Park, Domino Park, Queens Hunter’s Point South Park & Roosevelt Island.

But those places may be the insider scoop for firework viewing. Sure, they may be obstructed, but you won’t have to worry about going through a security checkpoint or fighting the crowds to get a subway after the fact.

Is there a cost or ticket needed to watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks?

No! The fireworks are free to the public and you do not need a ticket. Some locations will be closed once they get crowded and additional spectators may be directed to other viewing points. Get there early and camp out, just like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!

What to bring to the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks

Bring snacks, refillable water bottles and phone chargers.

Macy’s advises to not bring chairs, blankets, tents, umbrellas, large bags, large backpacks, drones or hover cameras, weapons of any kind, illegal substances, alcoholic beverages, glass containers of any kind, large or hard-sided coolers, picnic baskets, skateboards, scooters, or personal motorized vehicles, totems made of wood, metal and/or PVC material, including flag poles and heavy sticks.

How can you watch the performers for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks?

There is no access for the general public for the performances that accompany the fireworks, but you can tune in to NBC or stream on Peacock from 8-10 pm ET to catch the full show.

Macy’s 2022 July 4th Fireworks Performers

Macy’s pulls out all the stops for these chart-topping performers!

  • “TODAY” hosts Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer will host the live tv coverage.
  • 5 Seconds of Summer.
  • Brett Eldredge.
  • Carly Pearce.
  • Pitbull with Filmore
  • The cast of Freestyle Love Supreme including Lin-Manuel Miranda, James Monroe Iglehart, Kaila Mullady, Dizzy Senze, and Anthony Veneziale.
  • Broadway’s “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” cast members Jacqueline B. Arnold, Jessica Lee Goldyn, Tasia Jungbauer, and Jeigh Madjus
  • Celebrity chef and barbecue expert Chef David Rose.
  • Craig Ferguson, Padma Lakshmi, Paulina Porizkova, Wolfgang Puck, and many everyday heroes will participate in the segment of “The American Spirit”.
  • The fireworks will be accompanied by “My Country Tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful,” sung by Joaquina Kalukango, the Tony Award-winning star of the Broadway musical “Paradise Square”.

How can I watch the fireworks at home?

Tune in to NBC or Peacock for the official coverage, or take it to the roof of your building! Keep in mind that you aren’t going to be the only person doing this, so you’re going to have to plan ahead. Many rooftops will limit visitors, glass bottles and alcohol consumption.

How to host a dope Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Party…next year.

Hosting a great party is all about location, location, location…. and food and drinks, of course! But just like parties, real estate is also about location and finding an amazing place to watch the 4th of July Fireworks also falls into that same vein.

If you’re about to move to a new rental soon, but want to plan for an amazing party next year, you’ll want to start thinking about optimal viewing NOW. This means taking into account the location of the apartment and whether or not it has outdoor space, either public or private. Private space for parties will pay for itself with free booze gifts from partygoers, plus large amounts of street cred, but the communal outdoor space will come without the premium price-tag.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of apartments with either communal or private outdoor space in neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan with anything from great to partially obstructed views of 4th of July Fireworks. Of course, this is provided Macy’s doesn’t pull a fast one on us and move their fireworks location from the previous locations of the East River and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Regardless, reveling the 4th of July in NYC is like no other experience!

Alda is a mom, Brooklynite, and real estate lover. In her free time, she cruises real estate listings to dream of a perfectly attainable several million-dollar brownstone, much to her husband's annoyance. Alda is also convinced she knows everything there is to know about New York City, based solely on consistent people-watching and eavesdropping. Mrs. Burrows would be an amazing trivia partner but instead chooses to write about all the random stuff she knows.

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