It’s that time of the year! After a long day of celebration, get ready to head on over to the best spots in town for a front row view of the Macy’s fireworks show.
The 45th Annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show is this weekend, and it’s expected to be the best yet! The show will begin at 9:25 and lasts for about 25 minutes. In the event of rain, the start time may be delayed.
This year’s show is set to be pretty spectacular with more than 65,000 shells scheduled to burst off of five barges on the East River. And though the show “may be viewed from the comforts of home and any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the East River in Midtown,” shared Macy’s, they’re designating over two miles worth of public viewing space.
All public viewing locations will be managed by the NYPD with separate locations for vaccinated and non-vaccinated spectators.
Entry points at East 23rd, East 34th and East 42nd Streets along with elevated portions of the FDR Drive in Manhattan will be available to vaccinated viewers, whereas non-vaccinated spectators can view the show from certain waterfront areas in Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. However, with evolving regulations, Macy’s encourages viewers to check here for the most recent updates.
Beyond the public viewing locations, there are tons of lesser known (and populated) spots across NYC that offer great views of the East River and are perfect for spectating, including:
1. Fornino, Brooklyn
Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, Bridge Park Dr, Brooklyn
Located on Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park, this rooftop will open at noon for specialty Fourth of July cocktails and delicious wood-fired pizza. Stay to watch the NYC sky light up in dazzling colors but make sure to secure a reservation.
2. Domino Park, Brooklyn
Where: 300 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
Located right on the East River, grab your friends and head to this Brooklyn park favorite for a clear view of the show.
3. American Brass, Queens
Where: 2-01 50th Ave, Queens
Enjoy a three-course dinner before the show for $75/person in Long Island City. The fireworks will be blasting off right in front the restaurant on the waterfront.
4. The Sentry at the American Copper Buildings, Manhattan
Where: 435 E. 35th St., New York
See the show from 42-stories high at this private social and pool club atop the American Copper Buildings. Tickets to this tropical oasis include 4 drinks, access from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. to enjoy a BBQ, live DJ, and obviously some of the most spectacular firework views. Get your tickets here.
5. Watermark Bar, Manhattan
Where: 78 South St Pier 15, New York
Sip on a Firecracker Margarita or take Red, White & Boozy Jell-O Shots while you wait for the show to begin at this waterfront bar. Located in the Seaport District, grab a bite to eat with your Fourth of July specialty drinks and get ready for an unforgettable night.
6. The Crown, Manhattan
Where: 50 Bowery, New York
This rooftop bar at Hotel 50 Bowery offers sweeping views Manhattan and the East River. Watch the fireworks sparkle in the sky while you stay comfortable at one of the city’s hottest hotel rooftops. Be sure to make a reservation!
7. FDR Four Freedoms State Park, Roosevelt Island
Where: 1 FDR Four Freedoms Park, Roosevelt Island
There will be an incredible view of the fireworks from this 4-acre park, however, visitors must have a ticket and space is limited. Grab your tickets here.
8. The Williamsburg Hotel, Brooklyn
Where: 96 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
Catch incredible skyline views boasting a front-row seat to the fireworks show at ZERO x The Williamsburg Hotel in Brooklyn. Join the hotel for a night of BBQ and live music. Find out more here.
9. Marsha P. Johnson State Park (East River State Park), Brooklyn
Where: 90 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn
With acres of waterfront space that extends along the East River, you’re sure to catch a magnificent, and unobstructed view from this park!
10. Cornell Tech Lawn, Roosevelt Island
Where: 2 W Loop Rd, New York
Beginning at noon the Cornell Tech Lawn on Roosevelt Island will be open for viewers to take secure their spots for the show. But hurry up and get there early because available space is running on first-come-first-serve basis.
And if you feel like staying in but don’t want to miss the show, the entire display will be broadcasted on NBC from 8p.m. – 10 p.m. ET, along with special performances from Coldplay, Tori Kelly, Black Pumas and Reba McEntire.
Be sure to tag us in your fireworks photos & hashtag #mysecretnyc when you post!
featured image source: Kent Miller / Macy’s