What to know about the Macy's 4th of July fireworks show 2025 — and the best places to watch in NYC
This year's Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show is promised to be the biggest and brightest one yet — and New Yorkers are promised the best seats in the house.
The 49th annual extravaganza will have 80,000 total shells firing off 1,000 feet over the Brooklyn Bridge and East River — a considerable jump from the 60,000 shells used last year.
5 The 49th annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show is promised to be the brightest yet.
Getty Images
More than 30 different colors and patterns are prepared, alongside 11 new effects planned, including 'crackling crown jellyfish, atomic rings, yellow & green sunbursts, strobing lemon cascades, comet fans & more.'
Here's everything you need to know about the iconic and electrifying show.
What time does the show start?
The show is scheduled to kick off promptly at 8 p.m.
The fireworks will light up the Big Apple skyline after the sun sets, likely around 9:45 p.m.
It will last for roughly 30 minutes.
5 The city is doling out 100,000 free tickets for prime viewing hotspots.
AP
Best places to watch around NYC
This year, the city is doling out 100,000 free tickets to lucky New Yorkers for prime viewing spots in Brooklyn Bridge Park or sections of Pier 16 and Pier 17 at the Seaport in Manhattan.
For those who can't nab a ticket, there are plenty of first-class viewing spots sprinkled across Manhattan.
Montgomery Street, Lower East Side
The northernmost viewing point will be on Montgomery Street at Madison Street along the FDR. The roadway will be shut down between the FDR and Grand Street to accommodate the crowds.
Murry Bergtraum Softball Field
The public park is the only designated ADA-accessible viewing area for the event. Located in the shadows of the Manhattan Bridge, the entire park offers 2.52 acres of ground for guests to spread out.
Guests should enter at Pike Street and Cherry Street.
5 The show will feature 80,000 shells, a considerable increase from the 60,000 used last year.
James Keivom
Robert F. Wagner Place
The viewing spot between Pearl and South Street is just below the Brooklyn Bridge and offers onlookers an upfront view of the action as it fires off from the iconic structure.
There will be plenty of room in this area, with the NYPD shutting down a myriad of surrounding roads, including Frankfort Street between Gold Street and Pearl Street; Dover Street between Pearl Street and South Street; Peck Slip between Pearl Street and South Street; Beekman Street between Pearl Street and South Street; and Fulton Street between Gold Street and Pearl Street
Guests should enter near Pearl Street and head toward locations along the FDR Drive.
5 Fireworks will be deployed from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges in the East River.
Macy's
Broad Street, Financial District
The major intersection, and southernmost designated viewing area, will be shut down between Water and South streets. Just a block away from the waterfront, the hotspot is among the closest viewing areas to the barges.
Where are the barges launching the fireworks located?
The massive fireworks display will be launched from the Brooklyn Bridge, as well as four barges positioned between Pier 17 and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport in the Seaport District.
'Pyrotechnics will reach 1,000 feet and fall to the water's edge, creating spectacular visuals and unforgettable moments,' Macy's announced.
5 Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose will host the show and performances.
Getty Images
Who are the performers?
A litany of A-listers will storm the stage for the spectacle, serving as opening acts for the real star of the show: the fireworks.
Lenny Kravitz, Keke Palmer, Trisha Yearwood and the Jonas Brothers are slated to perform, as well as popstar Ava Max and country singer Eric Church.
Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose is slated to host.
How to watch the fireworks on TV
The entire jaw-dropping show will be streamed live on NBC and Peacock.
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