Macy’s 4th of July fireworks return this Saturday, July 4, and the closest free public viewing spot for Brooklynites is Brooklyn Bridge Park, according to AMNY. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced 100,000 free tickets for viewing at Brooklyn Bridge Park and the South Street Seaport in Manhattan. The public lottery at july4.events.nyc has already closed; winners are being notified through July 2.
The nearly 30-minute show will fire 85,000 shells in 30 colors across three locations: the East River in the Seaport District, the Hudson River near Jersey City, and the Brooklyn Bridge, according to AMNY. This year marks both the 50th anniversary of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks and the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Additional public viewing will be available along the FDR Drive in Manhattan, with the NYPD managing access points in the area. More details on viewing locations are expected closer to Saturday, AMNY reported.
If you are going in person, organizers recommend public transit. NYC Transit will increase subway service before and after the show. Bus routes near the fireworks will be rerouted, with extra trips running after the event.
Expect significant NYPD presence. All spectators are subject to search, and a long list of items is banned from public viewing areas: alcohol, backpacks, blankets, cigarettes, drones, duffle bags, e-cigarettes, large bags, large coolers, large packages, lawn chairs, motorized scooters, umbrellas, and weapons. Viewing locations are also subject to change for safety reasons, according to AMNY.
The NBC broadcast features performances by Noah Kahan, Post Malone, Salt-N-Pepa, Bebe Rexha, Shaboozey, and Blake Shelton. Alexia Jayy, winner of season 29 of NBC’s “The Voice,” will perform live alongside the fireworks, per AMNY. “This year’s broadcast will be especially meaningful as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America and the 50th anniversary of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks,” said Jen Neal, executive vice president of live events and specials at NBC and Peacock.
Those staying home can watch on NBC and Peacock from 8 to 10 p.m. ET/PT (7 to 9 p.m. CT/MT), with an encore on NBC at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Telemundo will carry a Spanish-language simulcast from 8 to 10 p.m. ET/PT.
