This year’s show is set to be pretty spectacular with more than 60,000 shells and effects scheduled to burst off of five barges on the East River. The show will begin at 9:25pm and lasts for about 25 minutes. In the event of rain, the start time may be delayed.
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 official viewing points for the spectacular show.
Here are specific elevated public viewing areas recommended by Macy’s–along with lesser known (and populated) spots perfect for spectating, and restaurants and rooftops that offer great views of the East River!
Manhattan
1. Macy’s Viewing Locations:
- E. 42nd St. & FDR Drive (enter at 1st Ave & E 42nd St.)
- E. 34th St. & FDR Drive (enter at 1st Ave & E 34th St.)
- E. 20th St. & FDR Drive (enter at 1st Ave & E 20th St.)
2. Panorama Room, Roosevelt Island
Head eighteen floors up for some of the best views in the city and watch the fireworks while you enjoy live DJ performances, an open bar, and passed hors d’oeuvres. Learn more and secure your spot here.
Where: 22 N Loop Rd.
3. Industry Kitchen, Seaport
This waterfront restaurant is alongside the East River in the historic Seaport District, with totally unobstructed views of the Brooklyn skyline and the evening’s fireworks displays. Chef Jonathan Haffmans has created a specially curated menu for the day, including Mexican Street Corn, Grilled Double Dog, and Wagyu Beef Burger in addition to their daily menu favorites. Walk-ins are welcome and reservations are encouraged.
Where: 70 South St. at Maiden Lane
4. Daintree Rooftop, Midtown
Celebrate Independence Day at this swanky rooftop to enjoy impressive views of the Manhattan Skyline, a spacious terrace, top DJs spinning a mix of top 40, hip-hop, house, and more, and a fresh take on your typical NYC rooftop bar from an Aussie point-of-view. And, of course, enjoy the stunning firework display. Grab your tickets here.
Where:25 W 38th St 29th Floor
5. Roof at Park South
This year the Roof at Park South, located about three blocks from the East River, will be hosting a Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks viewing party with a BBQ cookout and an open bar. Enjoy a front row seat to the fireworks, food stations showcasing favorites prepared by James Beard-nominated chef Bryce Shuman, an open bar, and more.
Where: 125 E 27th St.
6. Manhatta, Financial District
Manhatta is celebrating the 4th with sweeping views and prime-time seats for the East River fireworks. Tickets include a delicious barbecue spread, passed canapés, passed desserts, and an open bar (inclusive of spirits, beer, and wine by the glass).
Where: 28 Liberty St. 60th floor
Brooklyn
7. Parks
- Transmitter Park (Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn)
- Bushwick Inlet Park (Kent Ave, Brooklyn)
- Marsha P. Johnson State Park (90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn)
*Note: These locations are not recommended for viewing (by Macy’s): Bushwick Inlet Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn Grand Ferry Park*
8. Luna Park, Coney Island
If you don’t want to be with the crowds trying to catch the Macy’s show, you can head to NYC’s iconic amusement park Luna Park to catch Coney Island’s own fireworks extravaganza! Head there for the day and enjoy all the rides, have a famous Nathan’s hot dog on the boardwalk, try Coney’s Cones new bubble waffle cones for a sweet treat and then stay the night for the beautiful 4th of July fireworks on the Coney Island Boardwalk (beginning around 9:15 p.m.). See more info on their website here.
Where: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn
Queens
9. Gantry Plaza State Park, LIC
The 12-acre Gantry Plaza State Park, located on the waterfront of Long Island City, is a beautifully landscaped public space with breathtaking views of Manhattan. It’s also where the giant Pepsi-Cola sign is located, if you’ve seen it from the other side before! It has wonderful views of the East River, and is a recommended spot by Macy’s.
Where: 4-09 47th Rd, Queens
10. Astoria Park
This beloved local park has its own fireworks show each year, but it’s also a great spot to catch the Macy’s one! It’s a bit further down form the barges, but you should still be able to see some nice sparkles up in the sky.
Where: 19 19th St., Astoria
See a full map from Macy’s here:
And you can check the Macy’s website here for more info on transportation to the viewing locations and accessibility.
Be sure to tag us in your fireworks photos & hashtag #mysecretnyc when you post!