New York City will celebrate Independence Day on Tuesday with the 47th annual Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show.
This year's free, public show will be launched from barges stationed along the East River near Midtown.
"The Fourth of July fireworks is a New York staple. Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks is an American staple," vice president and executive producer of Macy's Branded Entertainment Will Coss told anchor Rocco Vertuccio Sunday morning on NY1.
When will the festivities begin?
The fireworks show is expected to start at around 9:25 p.m. and last approximately 25 minutes.
The show is synchronized to an "orchestral backdrop that's as moving as our fireworks display," according to Macy's.
Ray Chew, a veteran producer and composer, is the music director for this year's show, which Macy's says will recognize trailblazers and celebrate U.S. independence through the voices of young people.
"We start with the music. We really want to start to lean into the emotional story that we are going to tell. We are going to honor America on America's birthday, but we also want to find — throughout that 25 minutes — moments of celebration," Coss said.
Where can I see the fireworks?
The fireworks will be launched along the East River, so there will be many places with a view of the river where the fireworks will be visible.
"If you have a clear shot of the skies over the East River, whether you are in Queens, Brooklyn or Manhattan, you will have a wonderful view of our show," Coss said.
However, Macy's has designated some official viewing points.
Macy's says that there will be limited capacity at most spots, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead. The parks are generally Americans with Disabilities Act accessible, according to Macy's, but may not have designated space for ADA viewing.
There will be official viewing points in Manhattan at First Avenue and East 20th Street, First Avenue and East 34th Street and First Avenue and East 42nd Street.
In Queens, there will be an official viewing point at Gantry Plaza State Park. Other official viewing points will be at Marsha P. Johnson State Park, Transmitter Park and Newtown Barge Park — which are all in Brooklyn.
As crowds build at the official viewing points, some locations will be closed off, and spectators will be sent to other open access points along the FDR Drive.
Macy's discourages viewers from watching the fireworks at Bushwick Inlet Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Grand Ferry Park, Domino Park, Hunter's Point South Park, Roosevelt Island and the East 34th Street Ferry Landing. These areas have obstructed views or will be closed to the public, according to Macy's.
A map of viewing locations can be viewed on Macy’s website.
What can I bring to watch the fireworks?
At official viewing points, Macy's says that lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas, coolers, backpacks, containers and other large bags are not permitted for security purposes.
Emergency medical service units will be at all public viewing areas designated by the city and the NYPD. Spectators at the viewing points will be subject to search by NYPD police officers.
How many fireworks will be launched?
There will be 2,400 shells and effects set off per minute, according to Macy's. There will be 60,000 total shells launched during the 25-minute show.
"Seventy percent of our fireworks are going to be new to New York City this year. We have got a variety of animated elements. We are also going to have some performances live that will accompany our fireworks this year," Coss said.
Can I watch the fireworks on television?
NBC and Peacock are broadcasting and streaming the fireworks.
The show will air at 8 p.m. and will be hosted by Rutledge Wood and Zuri Hall. It will also feature musical performances by Ashanti, Bebe Rexha, Brett Young, Ja Rule, Jazmine Sullivan, Jerry Roll, Lainey Wilson, LL Cool J and The Roots, according to Macy's.
Which streets will be closed?
There will be many streets closed on Tuesday for the fireworks show. Authorities say closures will be at the discretion of the NYPD, but police provided a list of streets that are expected to be closed Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Manhattan Closures
- FDR Drive between Montgomery Street and East 63rd Street
- FDR Drive Service Roads between Montgomery Street and 63rd Street
- Montgomery Street between Cherry Street and FDR Drive
- Delancey Street between Lewis Street and FDR Drive
- East Houston Street between Baruch Place and FDR Drive
- Avenue C between 13th Street and Avenue C Entrance Ramp to FDR
- Avenue C Entrance Ramps
- East 6th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
- East 10th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
- 14th Street between Avenue C and Avenue B
- Avenue C between East 16th Street and East 23rd Street
- East 20th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue C
- East 23rd Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue C
- East 26th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
- East 30th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
- 30th Street Entrance Ramps
- East 33rd Street between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue
- East 34th Street between 2nd Avenue and FDR Drive
- 34th Street Entrance Ramps
- East 37th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
- East 38th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
- East 41st Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
- East 42nd Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
- 42nd Street Entrance Ramps
- East 48th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
- East 49th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
- East 53rd Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
Brooklyn Closures
- Greenpoint Avenue between McGuinness Boulevard and East River
- Kent Street between Franklin Street and East River
- Java Street between Franklin Street and East River
- India Street between Franklin Street and East River
- Huron Street between Franklin Street and West Street
- Green Street between Franklin Street and West Street
- Freeman Street and Franklin Street and West Street
- Eagle Street between Franklin Street and West Street
- Dupont Street between Franklin Street and East River
- West Street between Greenpoint Avenue and Eagle Street
- Franklin Street between Greenpoint Avenue and Commercial Street
- Commercial Street between Franklin Street and East River
Queens Closures
- The area bounded by 44th Drive on the north, Borden Avenue on the south, Vernon Boulevard on the east and the East River on the West
- Center Boulevard between Borden Avenue and 54th Avenue
- 2nd Street between Borden Avenue and Newtown Creek/Dead End
- Vernon Boulevard between 54th Avenue and Newtown Creek/Dead End
- 54th Avenue between Center Boulevard and Vernon Boulevard
Next week the #MacysFireworks will light up the skies in NYC for the 4th of July. Plan your travel ahead of time and consider these planned road closures. We hope all New Yorkers enjoy the holiday safely and responsibly. pic.twitter.com/1B84PAGu24
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) June 30, 2023