Where to watch the 4th of July fireworks in NYC
Text your friend with the best rooftop to watch the 4th of July fireworks—NYC's most impressive pyrotechnic show
Let the bald eagles fly and the red, white and blue bikini tops shine! It’s time for the annual 4th of July Fireworks—NYC's epic Independence Day celebration and one of the can't-miss things to do in summer. Check out Macy's 43rd pyrotechnic spectacular (with more than 70,000 shells!) as it bursts over the East River and some of the best New York attractions. You can also look out for other smaller but still dazzling displays in New Jersey and Coney Island. It’s gonna be a blast!
What time are the 4th of July fireworks in NYC?
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks return to the Brooklyn Bridge on Thursday, July 4, 2019. The show begins at 9:20pm, and not one minute later! The show during the annual Freedom and Fireworks Festival in Jersey City starts after dark. Coney Island's Fourth of July Fireworks start at 9:30pm. These displays should last about 25 to 30 minutes each.
Where are the 4th of July fireworks in NYC?
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are set off along the Brooklyn Bridge and from barges along Pier 17 in the Seaport District. Jersey City displays fireworks at Exchange Place where you’ll get a waterfront view of New York. Coney Island's fireworks are at the Riegelmann Boardwalk along the Coney Island Boardwalk.
What are the best viewing spots for Macy's 4th of July fireworks in NYC?
You have many options, friends. Any area with an unobstructed view of the sky from the lower part of the East River or below the Brooklyn Bridge is ideal. Four barges will be set between the Manhattan Heliport and Pier 17 in the Seaport District as well. Public viewing areas are created along the FDR Drive in lower Manhattan, but you should plan to stake out a spot early—these areas will be packed! We have more great recommendations below.
RECOMMENDED: Full coverage of the 4th of July in NYC
Watch the 4th of July fireworks in NYC
Macy’s Official Viewing Points
Macy's suggests viewing this year's spectacle from the following areas in lower Manhattan: Broad Street and Water Street, Pearl Street and Dover Street, Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and St. James Place, Pearl Street and St. James Place, Montgomery Street and Cherry Street, Pike Slip and Cherry Street and Market Street and Cherry Street.
July 4th at Time Out Market New York
Reserve your spot on Time Out Market New York’s Rooftop Terrace for an unreal view of the fireworks! We’re taking reservations for an exclusive party during the USA’s birthday celebration. We offer tables of four, eight, 10, 12 and 16; for only $200 per person. You and your guests receive a wristband that grants you access to our fifth-floor bar and rooftop restaurants.
South Street Seaport
The South Street Seaport becomes the city’s portal into all things patriotic during Macy's 4th of July Fireworks. There are a ton of things to do in the downtown nabe from galleries and museums to shopping opportunities as well as bars and restaurants for celebrating Independence Day.
Dumbo, Brooklyn
Dumbo, Brooklyn offers sweeping waterfront views of Manhattan (including the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge), and you can enjoy the fireworks and the scenery from many of the area's best restaurants, bars, NYC parks and hotels.
Fourth of July Coney Island
Music, booze, hot dogs, fireworks and a beach view—you can’t ask for much more than that on Independence Day. Last year's party began at 9am and went until midnight, so assume you're in for a full day of partying, unless you need to leave for a quick drunken ride on the Cyclone (you will definitely be tempted). The blowout ends with an incredible firework display at 9:30pm. Sure, it's not as big and flashy as the Macy's 4th of July fireworks, but it's still a pretty great way to end America's birthday.
50Star Fireshow
For a full day of truly American festivities, head to New Jersey’s Exchange Place. Only a short ferry ride from the city, the area offers great views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. Starting at noon, the full day of programming includes carnival rides, food trucks, a beer garden and live performances by Pitbull and Akon. A lengthy fireworks show ends the day as a perfect salute to the nation.
Domino Park
The former site of the Domino Sugar Factory that has been transformed into sprawling public waterfront park—with amenities ranging from a 450-foot-long elevated catwalk to bocce courts, a volleyball court and a taco-and-margarita joint operated by Danny Meyer. Spend the night viewing the park's new digs before the firework display.
Want to hang out in an NYC park?
Check out the best NYC parks
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