Something massive is lighting up the NYC skyline this summer. To celebrate two major milestones — the 50th anniversary of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks and America’s 250th birthday — Macy’s is bringing its biggest Independence Day spectacle yet.
This year’s Macy’s show is expanding beyond its usual waterfront footprint, with fireworks launching from the Brooklyn Bridge, the lower East River, and the lower Hudson River in a celebration that will connect New York and New Jersey like never before.
The celebrations won’t stop at the waterfront, either. For the first time ever, the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball will drop eight times this July as part of a historic America 250 celebration, bringing a little New Year’s magic to Independence Day weekend.
🎆 The Big Update: Macy’s Fireworks are expanding for 2026
The 2026 show will feature three major launch locations:
- The Brooklyn Bridge — the centerpiece of the 50th anniversary celebration, featuring custom-designed pyrotechnic effects and a laser component
- The lower East River — bringing the show to the Seaport area
- The lower Hudson River — expanding the display to the West Side and Jersey City waterfront
The production will include 85,000 fireworks shells, more than 20,000 custom effects, 30+ colors, and 240 firing positions across the show’s locations.
🎤 What to expect from the 50th anniversary show
The 2026 celebration will feature performances from artists including:
- Post Malone
- Blake Shelton
- Salt-N-Pepa
- Shaboozey
- Bebe Rexha
- Noah Kahan
- and more!
🎇 Everything you need to know
- Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
- Start time: 8 pm ET (fireworks begin around 9:25 pm once the sky is dark)
- Duration: Around 25 minutes
- Where to watch: NBC and Peacock from 8–10 pm ET, with a Spanish-language simulcast on Telemundo
🎉 How to Win: The “Golden Confetti” Sweepstakes
As part of the “Celebrations Start at Macy’s” campaign, there’s a massive incentive for fans this year.
Macy’s is launching the Golden Confetti Sweepstakes, where you can enter to win one of 100 prizes, including tickets to:
- The fireworks
- The 100th Thanksgiving Day Parade
One lucky winner will even take home a $100,000 shopping spree. Learn more.
👀 Best places to watch Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
Because the show is spreading across multiple waterways, there are more viewing opportunities than ever:
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: A top pick for catching the bridge-centered effects and the East River portion of the show
- South Street Seaport: A prime spot for the lower East River action
- Jersey City waterfront: A new option thanks to the Hudson River expansion, offering skyline views from across the river
Pro tip: Expect huge crowds and major transit disruptions. If you’re heading to a waterfront viewing area, arrive early — this is one July 4th where “I’ll just show up and find a spot” probably won’t work.
🎉 How to get free viewing tickets
NYC is offering 100,000 free tickets for designated public viewing areas so New Yorkers can watch the historic show up close.
Tickets are available for official viewing zones including areas around Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Seaport. Sign up to get one while you still can!
⚠️ Street closures & logistics
Expect road closures, pedestrian restrictions, security checkpoints, and waterfront access changes throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City.
More official NYPD street closure information will be added as it’s released.
