Where to Watch the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in 2025

A beloved New York City tradition since 1976, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are back for 2025 with a dazzling show. It's one of the best events to celebrate the 4th of July in NYC.

What time is the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show?

On Friday, July 4 at 9:25pm.

Where are the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks?

The Macy's July 4 Fireworks Show returns to the Brooklyn Bridge and the East River for 2025. Specifically, the show will launch from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the lower East River in the Seaport District.

What is the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show?

Every year, the spectacular show launches 80,000 shells off of barges in the river. The extravaganza typically lasts 25 minutes and features numerous effects in 30 colors and shapes. For the first time this year, the East and West towers of the Brooklyn Bridge will serve as a canvas for large-scale projection mapping as part of the Macy’s 4th of July celebration.

Also expect dazzling pyrotechnic effects including crackling crown jellyfish, atomic rings, yellow and green sunbursts, strobing lemon cascades, comet fans and more.

What are the best places to watch the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks? 

As for viewing locations, any anywhere with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River should do the trick. Macy's says that prime public viewing will be available along elevated portions of the FDR Drive with the following access points managed by NYPD:

• Montgomery Street at Madison Street
• Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps
• Broad Street at Water Street.
• ADA viewing will be available at the Murry Bergtraum Softball Field with access at Pike Slip and Cherry Street. 

Just a heads up that those viewing points will get very busy, and you'll want to show up early. As crowds build at these areas, some of these locations will be closed, and spectators will be redirected to additional open access points. 

If you're willing to shell out some cash, you can head to one of the many excellent parties with fireworks views at Time Out Market, Edge, One World Observatory, Watermark Beach, Somewhere Nowhere, and more. While these parties will cost you some coin, if you've ever tried to elbow your way through the public viewing areas, you know it's worth the expense.  

Where should I not watch the fireworks?

The following NYC locations are not recommended for viewing, per Macy's:

• Areas of the FDR in Midtown
• The Battery
• Battery Park City
• East River Park
• Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park
• Roosevelt Island
• Governors Island
• Gantry Plaza State Park

Can I watch the fireworks on TV?

Though it's incredible to see the show in person, the display is also broadcast across the country on NBC and Peacock starting at 8pm. An encore presentation of the show will also air at 10pm on NBC. Additionally, a Spanish language simulcast will air on Telemundo at 9pm.

Who will perform at the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks?

Before the fireworks light up the sky, a star-studded line up will take the stage on The Rooftop at Pier 17. Audiences can tune in to see performances by Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz, Ava Max, Keke Palmer and Trisha Yearwood. 

Once the fireworks begin, you can tune in for a custom musical score produced by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and James Poyser. Inspired by the enduring spirit of America, the 25-minute musical score will celebrate shared connection by featuring iconic hits and patriotic selections spanning decades and genres. In addition to lending her talents to the year’s score, Academy Award-winner Ariana DeBose will host this year's festivities.

Just a heads up that you can't see the performances in-person; only on TV.

What NYC streets will be closed to traffic on July 4th?

There are a LOT of street closures in Manhattan and Brooklyn to know about for the holiday, so if you're driving or riding in a taxi, be prepared. If you can take the train, that's a better bet. Subway service will be increased before and after the fireworks display, per Macy's. The following streets will be closed for the Macy’s 4th of July Annual Fireworks Celebration on Friday, July 4, per NYC DOT. 

Manhattan:

• Area bounded by Grand Street on the North; Catherine Street/Slip on the South; South Street/FDR Drive on the East; East Broadway on the West (All Inclusive)
• FDR Drive between Brooklyn Battery Underpass and Delancey Street (including exit/entrance ramps)
• Montgomery Street between FDR and Grand Street
• Allen Street between Canal Street and Division Street/Pike Street
• Pike Street between Division Street and Canal Street
• Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place between Pearl Street and South Street
• Frankfort Street between Gold Street and Pearl Street
• Dover Street between Pearl Street and South Street
• Peck Slip between Pearl Street and South Street
• Beekman Street between Pearl Street and South Street
• Fulton Street between Gold Street and Pearl Street
• John Street between Water Street and South Street
• Maiden Lane between Water Street and South Street
• Wall Street between Water Street and South Street
• Gouverneur Lane between Water Street and South Street
• Old Slip between Water Street and South Street
• Broad Street between Water Street and South Street
• Whitehall Street between Water Street and South Street
• State Street between Water Street/Whitehall Street and Battery Place
• West Street between Battery Place and West Thames Street
• Gold Street between Fulton Street and Frankfort Street
• Pearl Street between Fulton Street and St. James Place
• St. James Place between Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Oliver Street
• Water Street between State Street/Whitehall Street and Pearl Street
• Water Street between Beekman Street and Dover Street
• Front Street between Old Slip and John Street
• Front Street between Beekman Street and Dover Street
• Battery Place between State Street/Broadway and West Street
• South Street between Whitehall Street and Jackson Street
• Manhattan Bridge

Brooklyn:

• Brooklyn Bridge
• John Street between Jay Street and Adams Street
• Plymouth Street between Pearl Street and Main Street
• Water Street between Adams Street and Old Fulton Street
• Front Street between Jay Street and Old Fulton Street
• York Street between Jay Street and Front Street
• Tillary Street between Prince Street and Cadman Plaza West
• Joralemon Street between Furman Street and Adams Street
• Atlantic Avenue between Furman Street and Flatbush Avenue
• Degraw Street between Columbia Street and Van Brunt Street
• Summit Street between Van Brunt Street and Imlay Street
• Pioneer Street between Van Brunt Street and Conover Street
• King Street between Van Brunt Street and Ferris Street
• Sullivan Street between Van Brunt Street and Dead End
• Wolcott Street between Van Brunt Street and Dead End
• Dikeman Street between Van Brunt Street and Dead End/Ferris Street
• Coffey Street between Van Brunt Street and Dead End
• Van Dyke Street between Van Brunt Street and Dead End
• Beard Street between Van Brunt Street and Conover Street
• Reed Street between Van Brunt Street and Conover Street
• Jay Street between York Street and Dead End
• Pearl Street between York Street and John Street
• Adams Street between York Street and John Street
• Washington Street between York Street and Dead End/Plymouth Street
• Main Street between Front Street and Plymouth Street
• Old Fulton Street between Cadman Plaza West and Furman Street
• Furman Street between Old Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue
• Hicks Street between Old Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue
• Henry Street between Old Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue
• Cadman Plaza West between and Old Fulton Street and Joralemon Street
• Adams Street between Brooklyn Bridge/Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard and Joralemon Street/Fulton Street
• Flatbush Avenue/Flatbush Avenue Extension between Manhattan Bridge and Atlantic Avenue
• Columbia Street between Atlantic Avenue and Degraw Street
• Van Brunt Street between Degraw Street and Dead End
• Imlay Street between Summit Street and Pioneer Street
• Conover Street between Pioneer Street and Dead End
• Ferris Street between King Street and Van Dyke Street

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