2023 Macy’s NYC Fireworks Spectacular Plus Other July 4th Events

Macy’s 47th Fireworks Annual Fireworks Display ‘and other related events

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Well, the details are in for this year’s celebration and it’ll once again be taking place on the East River around the midtown section between Manhattan and Queens. Featuring over 40,000 shells and effects, new shapes and colors this year will be featured this year.

You can view one or more videos from past celebrations farther down on the page.

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What’s going on for the Fourth of July?

Tens of thousands of shells will be set off from five barges on the East River between 23rd and 42nd streets.

Likely begins at/about 9:25 pm on Independence Day and will last about 25 minutes.

Farther down along the page you’ll find this year’s official press release.

Public Viewing Spots:

Locations Within Manhattan & Security Entry Checkpoints:

1st Avenue & East 42nd Street Access to FDR Drive
1st Avenue & East 34th Street Access to FDR Drive
1st Avenue & East 20th Street Access to FDR Drive

Queens:

Gantry Plaza State Park

Brooklyn:

Newtown Barge Park

Transmitter Park

Marsha P. Johnson State Park (East River State Park)

As per the official site, the following are not recommended for public viewing:

Bushwick Inlet Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn Grand Ferry Park, Domino Park, Queens Hunter’s Point South Park, Roosevelt Island, East 34th Street Ferry Landing

Official Site is Here

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39th Annual Independence Day Celebration at Astoria Park

Thursday, June 29, 2023
7:30 pm

Taking place within the vicinity of Astoria Park and the Hell Gate Bridge on the East River, Queens, NY

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Fort Hamilton Concert + Fireworks

Wednesday, June 16

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Coney Island Fireworks

4th of July & Every Friday through the season

Returning every Friday this season along with their annual display on Independence Day Evening.

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4th of July Travis Parade

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Independence Park, Victory Boulevard & Glenn Street, Staten Island

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Orchard Beach American Independence Fireworks

Thursday, June 29, 2023

Orchard Beach, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx

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Fort Totten Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Fort Totten Park, Queens
Admittance begins at 5:00 pm
Music Performances: 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Fireworks: 9:15 pm

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July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at Jones Beach

July 4th Beginning at 9:30 at the Central Mall

Parking: $10

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Nathans Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

July 4
11:00 am

 

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July 4th Cruise Tickets On Sale!

Fourth of July 2023

Hop aboard this annual item featuring DJs, Buffet, Drinks and a Awesome view of the Independence Day Fireworks!

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2022 Beyond Our NYC Borders Celebrations:

City of White Plains Independence Day Celebration

Friday, June 30
6:30 – 10:00 pm

Annual Independence Celebration. This cherished White Plains tradition and free event will once again be held at White Plains High School on North Street.

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Ossining

Monday, July 3

Town of Ossining RiverJam on Fridays includes a Fireworks and Concert Celebration on Monday, July 3 at 7:00 pm
Festival like celebration with food trucks, live music, craft beer and Fireworks off Louis Engel Waterfront Park

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Pound Ridge

Saturday, July 1

The following are details from last year: Taking place at the Town Park.
There will be foods trucks and music by DJ Dieter.

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Rye Playland

July 3 – 4

Fireworks each evening

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Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla

Monday, July 3
Pre-concert entertainment DJ at 5:00 pm
FDR Drive Band at 7:00 pm
Fireworks at about 9:15 pm

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Harrison

Date to come

Music and Fireworks with a rain date. Featuring music as well. Details to come

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New Rochelle

Tuesday, July 4

Spark the Sound Celebration: Fireworks in the evening with best viewing from Joe Curtis Five Islands Park or Hudson Park.

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Stars over Montauk July 4th Independence Day Celebration

Tuesday, July 4

Umbrella Beach, Montauk, NY

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Tropicana Independence Day Celebration

Tuesday, July 4

Beachfront south of Tropicana Casino and Resort
2831 Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ

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Yonkers 4th of July Fireworks

Tuesday, July 4

Yonkers Downtown Waterfront

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Empire State Fair at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Tuesday, July 4

Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY

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Portchester July 4 Fireworks

Date to come

 with a special performance by the Westchester Brassmen
“”Port Chester H.S. Doors open for performance 7 p.m. Fireworks 8:30 p.m.””

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Mamaroneck

Date to come

2022 Firemen’s Carnival at Harbor Island Park from Friday, June 24th through Tuesday, July 5th.
Fireworks on the 4th of July at night.

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Sleepy Hollow

Tuesday, July 4

Fourth of July Fireworks will take place on Tuesday, July 4th, starting at dusk!  Fireworks may be seen from any of the Village Parks near the river, in Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown.

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This year’s (2023) related press release:

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The nation’s biggest Independence Day party will fill the night sky with jaw-dropping sparkles as the 47th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® caps off Independence Day with an explosive celebration! On Tuesday, July 4th at approximately 9:25 p.m., Macy’s will begin its signature pyrotechnic salute to America, featuring an array of dazzling shells and effects that will captivate spectators live in New York City and on television from sea to shining sea. This year’s revelry will launch 60,000 shells and effects from five barges positioned between E. 26th and E. 40th Streets along the East River with prime viewing from three boroughs in New York City.

“This year’s Macy’s Fireworks celebration will be nothing short of showstopping,” said Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “Millions of spectators come together every year to witness the spectacular performance along the East River and we are ready to deliver a high-flying, jaw-dropping fireworks display that will fill the night sky with color, light, shapes, and thunderous sound. Paired with a score featuring American classics, this year’s celebration will honor trailblazers that have forged our past, present, and future.”

An annual New York City tradition since 1976, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks continues to dazzle millions of spectators across the nation with a showstopping experience that is sure to delight the senses. The 47th edition of Macy’s Fireworks is conceived, designed, and produced by Macy’s with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. The 25-minute extravaganza is synchronized to a spectacular musical score and will feature a host of shells and numerous effects in 30 colors and shapes.

New effects that will enthrall revelers include a mile wide waving flag created by a combination of red, white, and blue palm and strobing shells, sunflower ring with crackling pistil shells, red stop sign shaped effects, and new Ghost pyro that turn from one color to another in an on/off design featuring four different hues.

This year’s pyrotechnic design will feature the most dynamic collection of animated shells ever launched during Macy’s annual spectacle. Dancing, swirling, pulsing, and sweeping across the skyline, the show will launch an average of 2,400 shells and effects per minute. With 60,000 total shells showcasing multiple effects the resulting pyrotechnic firepower will span a mile across the East River in a multi-layer presentation, reaching dramatic heights of 1,000 feet to the water’s edge.

America’s Musical Legacy

Each year audiences are delighted by a symphony of colors and shapes in the sky that create a patriotic salute to America. The blueprint to the high-flying showcase is the musical score to which the show is synchronized. This year’s score will feature American classics that pay homage to our nation’s musical trailblazers. Curated by Ray Chew, famed musical director and maestro for some of the nation’s most popular entertainment programs, score selections will include “The Star Bangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and a special performance of an original work titled “Sea to Shining Sea” – written and performed by The United States Army Field Band’s rap duo Nico & Lamar with Ray Chew.

No Macy’s Fireworks show would be complete without an inspiring tribute in light and the signature moment of each spectacle, the Macy’s Golden Mile. Showcased to “The Best,” by the legendary Tina Turner, thousands of golden-hued shells will create a dramatic cascade effect stretching for more than a mile across the East River.

The Best Views

On July 4th, Macy’s Fireworks can be viewed in any area with an unobstructed view of the skyline above the East River in Midtown or from the comforts of home. Official viewing locations, overseen and managed by the NYPD, will be announced at a future date for portions of the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens waterfronts. Viewers are encouraged to check macys.com/fireworks for updates including entry and security details, marine viewing, and more.

Watch or Stream the Spectacle

Spectators from coast-to-coast will have a front row view of the enchanting display by tuning into NBC’s national broadcast of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks (8-10 p.m. ET/PT, 7-9 p.m. CT/MT, check local listings or stream the show live on Peacock®). The nation’s No. 1 Independence Day special will also feature performances from some of music’s biggest talent.

Special Thanks

Macy’s glittering spectacle is produced in partnership with the City of New York. Spectators joining the festivities live in New York City can enjoy the full Macy’s Fireworks experience by tuning in to radio station 1010 WINS (via 1010WINS on 92.3-FM, 1010 WINS-AM or 1010 WINS on the AUDACY app available on smartphones and internet-connected devices) to hear the musical score to which the show is choreographed.

Behind the Big Sparks

Fireworks fans can get a sneak preview of the magic behind the spectacle by enjoying a special behind the scenes episode of Macy’s Live. Leading up to the big day, the Macy’s Fireworks team will showcase the inner workings of the pyrotechnic celebration. Visit macys.com/macyslive for the programming schedule.

For more information on the 47th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks visit macys.com/fireworks. In addition, follow and take part in the excitement on various social platforms via @macys and #MacysFireworks.

Here’s a video taken at the 2014 Fireworks Spectacular just south of the Brooklyn Bridge. We’re hoping they’ll one year move the celebration down there again.

 

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**** The following is from 2021 ****

Latest news updates below:

June 10, 2021

During this morning’s press conference, Mayor de Blasio made the official announcement that the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks would be going on.

Mayor:

“I am happy to announce that America’s biggest fireworks display is back – Macy’s. Macy’s 4th of July fireworks, back in New York City. And I am so appreciative to the folks at Macy’s, they have been such good friends and partners to the City of New York. They are bringing back the full-scale firework show as we have loved it for decades and decades, back to New York City for all of us to enjoy. Now, this will be the biggest show yet. Literally, Macy’s putting together the biggest fireworks display they ever have. And we know last year we had to do it in a very different way. It was great, but it wasn’t that same extravaganza we’re used to. This year, back, and literally better than ever. And because people have gotten vaccinated on such an extraordinary scale, it allows us to have many, many people in attendance. There’s going to be dedicated areas for fully vaccinated folks, other areas for folks who are not vaccinated or want to join together with family who are not vaccinated. All will be managed by the NYPD to keep it safe. This is really great, a tremendous sign of the rebirth of New York City. And here to talk about it, the Executive Producer of this year’s display. He’s someone who loves this city and is going to give us a great show, my pleasure introduced from Macy’s, Will Coss.”

Thereafter, the Mayor introduced Will Coss, producer of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks.

Will Coss:

” Five Barges aligning in the East River in midtown Manhattan, Macy’s will launch more than 65,000 shells and effects delighting spectators in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn aligning the waterfronts and millions more on television nationwide during our NBC broadcast special.

For more than four decades Macy’s fireworks have brought joy and celebration to NYC. We’re truly humbled to have the opportunity to continue this cherished tradition returning to a large scale live audience this year. Helping to reinvigorate our city and our nation.

Our 25 minute spectacle will salute the hero within, highlighting America’s bravery and optimism. It is these qualities clearly evident in all New Yorkers during the most challenging time in our history which allowed our city to come back and move forward into a brighter future.

We can’t wait to kick off the summer for all of you. Really excited to get it going. And for our fellow Americans, who can’t be in New York in person with us to celebrate, we have a two hour special airing on NBC across the country. Starting at 8:00 pm eastern, our July 4th national broadcast will feature performances from music’s biggest stars including the Black Pumas, Coldplay, One Republic, Reba  McEntire and many more – and of course ending with our fireworks display.”

May 28, 2021

NYC Mayor de Blasio responds to a question from NBC’s Andrew Siff’s about this year’s fireworks:

“Well, I’ll say this we’re going to make a full announcement soon with the details. Obviously, things are moving in the right direction to be able to have something much more like we’ve had historically, but we still have to be smart about it and we have to structure it for this kind of transitional moment we’re in. So, definitely much more like what we’ve had before then what we experienced last year, but we’ll have a full announcement on it soon.”

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The immediate items below are from last year and beyond. Stay tuned for updates.

“New York City is our hometown. Macy’s believes in giving back to the communities where we live and work, and this year, we are taking our Fireworks show on a trip across the city. In reimagining this year’s show, the idea of bringing elements to many parts of our hometown resonated with our team and partners in the City of New York,” said Susan Tercero, Eecutive Producer Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “These five-minute surprise displays will showcase Macy’s signature pyrotechnic design and scale, while encouraging spectators to continue following safety and social distancing measures. The multiple location spectacle will culminate with a full-scale television presentation of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, capturing the spirit of the city for all New Yorkers and the nation to enjoy, choreographed to a rousing score, and featuring the nation’s best musical performances.”

These smaller, unannounced displays will allow New Yorkers to celebrate all week long. Each show is brief and will be over before residents can gather at the source. With heights reaching up to 1,000 feet from some firing locations, staying close to home and following social distancing guidelines is the best way to enjoy the show.

New Yorkers and spectators across the country will have a front-row view to the displays by tuning to NBC’s national broadcast of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (8-10p.m. ET/PT, 7-9 p.m. CT/MT, check local listings). The Nation’s most popular Independence Day special will include performances from some of America’s top musical acts and a presentation of the full Macy’s Fireworks show captured throughout the week, including a live grand finale.

“We do not want a lot of people out watching. There’s not going to be a single focal point. In fact, we’re only going to let out information about specific points very close to the actual moment when these shows happen. it’s going to be a series of shows, only five minutes each. Why? Because we want to get the shows around the five boroughs where people can see them from their own homes, from their own rooftops, from nearby parks, but not something where people go to a single location in group, in large numbers. This will be happening this coming Monday, June 29th through Wednesday, July 1st weather permitting,” said the Mayor.

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As per the official site, Macy’s annual firworks spectacular show will be taking place on Saturday, July 4 from 8:00 – 10:00 pm, eastern standard time.

The following, would be the Mayor’s statement in late April during that day’s COVID-19 press conference.

“So, I reached out to the CEO of Macy’s, Jeff Gennette and he has been a fantastic partner as has everyone at Macy’s with the city. We fare a, feel a very special connection to Macy’s in this city, obviously because of the fireworks in particular, because of the Thanksgiving parade, but they’ve been just very, very civically minded for decades and decades. So I said to Jeff, look, we may not be able to do it the way we historically have, but I want to know how you feel about this because we think it would be right, I think it would be right to mark the day in some special way, whatever the circumstance and to the credit of Jeff and everyone at Macy’s, he said, we are right there with you. We want to do that too; we’re ready to do it. So, one way or another, the show will go on; one way or another, we’re going to celebrate the 4th of July in a very special way in New York City. There’s definitely going to be fireworks, how we do them, where we do them, how we do it in a way that’s safe and keeps New Yorkers healthy – a lot of questions that we have to answer between now and then. Thank God we know that fireworks can be seen by New Yorkers all over the city even just looking out the window or from the fire escape, from the roof, but we have to do it in a way that’s safe and smart. We all are going to have to, I think for quite a while recognize social distancing, but this is a day we cannot miss. This is a celebration that has to happen because it’s about our nation and it’s about all we stand for as Americans and New Yorkers as a symbol of our strength and resilience. But we’re going to do it the smart way and we’ll have a lot more to say on that as we get closer. But a profound thanks to everyone at Macy’s; no one would have blamed them if they said, hey, we just can’t do it this year, but their spirit was, you know, come hell or high water, we’re going to find a way to do this and do it the right way and do it the safe way, so thank you to everyone at Macy’s.”

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Everything Below is from 2019

 

Macy’s 43rd Annual Fireworks Information + Independence Day Events Calendar

Thursday, July 4, 2019


Post July 4

We sincerely hope everyone got to enjoy the 4th of July in a safe and hopefully fun way.

Unlike past years we were reluctant to post details for the 2019 viewing spots for the grand Macy’s Fireworks. Namely due to our having been burned so often in the past. I could go on and on about Macy’s giving out the wrong information about where exactly the barges would be situated and how many at whatever location; or rather, the organizers deciding for last minute changes as to where to move those barges. Sooo, we just simply gave up this year (2019). We were discouraged enough to not even consider holding on to our prime viewing spot (for hours) within Brooklyn Bridge Park. Instead, we passed by the South Street Seaport at the last minute and, despite the limited viewing, we weren’t disappointed…although, it’d have been nicer if we’d been able to see the Brooklyn Bridge itself all lit up as it was for the 2014 display. Below, you’ll find a youtube video we’d posted from our viewing last night on July 4, 2019.

Yet, there’s something else on my mind. It’s the South Street Seaport organizer’s choice of closing off the bulk of the waterside seaport area for the sake of the VIP viewing party they’d held. At nearly $500 a ticket it’s a slap in the face of most New Yorkers.

Below, is a link to one article discussing the subject at depth.

Honestly, we’ve had issue with the event organizers of the seaport for many years. This all stems from the many times they’ve fallen short of their event schedules as well as their God awful public relations communications. Dealing with them has always felt like dealing with a non-existent landlord (organizer in this case).

Regardless, life goes on…but we hope you’ll have a look at the article link(s) posted here. Thanks and enjoy the rest of the summer season! 🙂

Only Wealthy VIPs Will Be Allowed On South Street Seaport Piers During July 4th Fireworks

BY Christopher Robbins @ Gothamist

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2019 Macy’s Fireworks as seen from the South Street Seaport in 4k

Handheld using a smartphone.


The Fireworks generally take place at approximately 9:25 pm
and will be on the East River.

It’s best to show up at your chosen viewing location ahead of time.

Live Television Coverage on NBC will be broadcast beginning at 8:00 pm

Taking place at and around the Brooklyn Bridge on the waters lying between lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. If you plan to go then it’s highly recommended you show up early.

With 70,000 shells be shot off of the Brooklyn Bridge as well as from barges lined up on the East River this year’s grand Fireworks Celebration is promised to please one and all.

We were at the 2014 Independence Day Display when the pyrotechnics were shot off the Bridge as well as from the waters between South Street Seaport and Brooklyn Bridge Park / Promenade and what a feast for the eyes it was! We’d taken video which you can find on this page as well as on our youtube channel. As long as the weather cooperates we’re sure to be there this year again; although mind you, the day had started off on the wet side back in 2014 and it ended with some spectacular weather. Since that day we’ve returned yearly for the displays and have only been disappointed. Definitely looking forward to this year’s show!

Press Release can be seen further down along this page.

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Here’s one video clip we’d shot from the 2014 Fireworks Display
Published by New Yorkled

 

Many more additions will be made to the Fireworks Listing below…featuring, as well, displays going on in the areas of Westchester County, Long Island and other spots just outside of NYC’s borders.

Additional Fireworks:

Bayside Independence Celebration
Wednesday, June 26, 9:15 pm
Bayside, NY

Orchard Beach Fireworks Celebration
Thursday, June 27, 2019

Central Astoria LDC Independence Day Celebration
Thursday, June 27, 9:15 pm
Astoria Park, Shore Blvd, Astoria

Coney Island Friday Night Fireworks
Friday, June 28, 9:30 pm

Brooklyn Cyclones Baseball After the Game Fireworks
Saturday, June 29, 9:30 pm
Between West 10th Street and West 15th Street

Hudson River – Pier 97
Sunday, June 30, 9:30 pm

2019 Co-op City Fireworks Spectacular & Concert
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
5:00 – 10:00 pm

Fort Hamilton Independence Day Celebration 2019
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
4:30 – 10:00 pm
At the Fort Hamilton military base in Brooklyn

Hudson River – Yonkers
Thursday, July 4, 9:15 pm

Brooklyn Cyclones Baseball After the Game Fireworks
Thursday, July 4, 9:30 pm
Coney Island

Coney Island Friday Night Fireworks
Friday, July 5, 9:30 pm

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Coney Island 4th of July Celebration

Organized by the Alliance for Coney Island

July 4
10:00 am – Midnight

West 12th Street on the Boardwalk

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Historic Richmond Town Independence Day Celebration

Thursday, July 4, 2019
11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Admission: Free for members / $8 for seniors and students / $10 for adults

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NYCRuns Firecracker 5k & 10k at Governors Island

Jul 4, 2019
7:30 am – 12:00 pm

At Colonels Row on Governors Island

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At the Alice Austen House Museum

Independence Day with the Staten Island Philharmonic

Thursday, July 4
6:00 – 9:00 pm

Hear the sweet sounds of the Staten Island Philharmonic on the lawn of Clear Comfort followed by viewing citywide fireworks displays from the waterfront.

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Another video clip from the 2014 Macy’s Fireworks Display at the Brooklyn Bridge
Published by New Yorkled

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Other Events taking place on Independence Day or on the days leading up to it.

Please ALSO visit our 2019 Fireworks Calendar for a long list of pyrotechnic displays going on in the days leading up to the Fourth of July and beyond.

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4th of July NYC Fireworks Cruise Tickets

Thursday, July 4th, 2019
Two Cruises Available!
Includes Buffet, Bar, Fireworks, DJ and more

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2019 Nathans Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

Thursday, July 4, 2019

Nathan’s Famous in Brooklyn’s Coney Island
1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224

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Fraunces Tavern Museum American Independence Day Tours

Friday, June 28, Evening
&
Thursday, July 4, Early Morning

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2019 Macy’s Fireworks Press Release

Press Release courtesy of Business Wire

Lights, Camera, Fireworks! The 43rd Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® the Nation’s Largest Independence Day Celebration Ignites the New York City Skyline Live from The Brooklyn Bridge

The pyrotechnic spectacular is set to highlight classic American Cinema with a fan-favorite film score and dazzling display live from the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge and from four barges positioned on the lower East River along the shores of Pier 17 at the Seaport District

In honor of the nation’s Armed Forces, “Macy’s Salutes Those Who Serve” with a special charitable campaign to support and empower veterans and military families from July 1 – July 18

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The American silver screen will set the scene for this year’s most spectacular Independence Day celebration, the 43rd Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks®. The nation’s largest 4th of July event will make a magical return to the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge to present an incomparable display of light, sound, shape and color, this year honoring classic American Cinema. On Thursday, July 4th at approximately 9:20 p.m., millions of spectators lining the waterways near the lower East River and millions more on television nationwide will be captivated by the stunning display of patriotic firepower, as Macy’s Fireworks (NYSE:M) launch more than 70,000 shells and effects from the bridge and from four barges positioned along the shores of Pier 17 at the Seaport District.

“There is nothing more exciting on the 4th of July than gathering with friends and family to see a world-class fireworks spectacle, and this year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will deliver a jaw-dropping display that will be rumble in the imagination for years to come,” said Susan Tercero, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “With the iconic Brooklyn Bridge as our centerpiece and four barges lining the East River, we will launch an unprecedented barrage of color, light, sounds and shapes that will delight millions as they hum along to a patriotic and stirring musical score celebrating our Independence and landmark cinematic achievements.”

The 43rd edition of Macy’s Fireworks is conceived, designed and produced by Macy’s with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. Perfectly orchestrated to synchronize to the musical score, the 25-minute display will feature a host of new shells and effects in 28 colors including crackling rain shells, patriotic chasing crossettes, howling wolves, screaming dragons, silver twisters, diamond screamers and a dramatic 1,600-foot waterfall.

Since 1976, Macy’s Fireworks have grown in scale and artistry as they burst to life over many of New York City’s waterways and neighborhoods. Incorporating landmarks and celebratory milestones is a Macy’s Fireworks signature. Macy’s last showcased the Brooklyn Bridge when its structure served as the launch pad for key moments in the 2014 show. For this year’s presentation, Macy’s will fully integrate the bridge with an expanded design that will showcase approximately 25,000 shells and effects launching from the span. From the opening sequence representing the silver screen and featuring a dramatic silver hued pyrotechnic curtain unfurling from below the bridge to stunning multicolored waterfalls and chase scenes, a host of dazzling and intricate effects will be fired from more than 100 locations spanning the entire bridge, its towers and roadways. To create this out-of-this-world spectacle, six computer firing systems will control the bridge portion of the display requiring more than five miles of cabling and more than 110 custom designed props installed on the bridge to hold the pyrotechnics in position for the show.

The musical score is the basis for the fireworks choreography and this year it features patriotic classics such as “America the Beautiful” and “Stars & Stripes Forever,” along with world-famous instrumentals from classic American films. From John Williams’ famed title compositions for “Star Wars,” “Superman” and “E.T.” to Max Steiner’s “Casablanca Suite” and Alfred Newman’s “20th Century Fox Fanfare;” audiences will be humming along to the score as the fireworks paint the night sky in perfect synchronicity.

With MGM’s The Wizard of Oz turning 80 this year, Macy’s Fireworks pre-recorded score will also feature Oscar® and Grammy® Award winning artist Jennifer Hudson performing its most beloved song “Over the Rainbow.” The tribute will mark the show’s visual and emotional centerpiece. A host of rainbow-colored effects will be launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and barges including a fan, falling leaves, waterfall and a mile-wide rainbow accented golden crackling kamuro wall. The song will also serve as the backdrop for Macy’s famed Golden Mile. This signature of Macy’s Fireworks lights the skyline with a mesmerizing array of golden-hued effects for a mile across the river and from 800-feet in the air to the water’s edge.

On July 4th, Macy’s Fireworks may be viewed from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River at or below the Brooklyn Bridge with four barges positioned between the Manhattan Heliport and Pier 17 at the Seaport District. Public viewing locations and dedicated entry points will be set up along elevated portions of the FDR Drive in lower Manhattan. Check macys.com/fireworks for the most up-to-date information including exact points of entry, viewing locations for persons with disabilities and for marine viewing details. Spectators lining the public viewing locations will also enjoy an NYPD helicopter flyover and an FDNY water boat show prior to the start of the display.

Macy’s glittering spectacle is made possible in part by GoBowling.com™, Green Giant®, New York Life, Pier 17 at The Seaport District and The Howard Hughes Corporation, SOUR PATCH KIDS® Candy, with the Official Countdown by Bulova, and is presented in partnership with the City of New York. Revelers lining viewing locations in New York City are encouraged to enjoy the full Macy’s Fireworks experience by tuning in to radio station 1010 WINS (via 1010 WINS-AM, or 1010 WINS on the Radio.com app) to hear the musical score to which the show is choreographed.

Spectators from coast-to-coast will also have a front row view of the pyro in the sky by tuning to NBC’s national broadcast of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (8-10 p.m. ET/PT, 7-9 p.m. CT/MT, check local listings). The nation’s No. 1 Independence Day special will also feature performances from some of America’s top musical acts.

No Independence Day celebration would be complete without a special tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who work tirelessly to defend and protect our freedoms. In addition to the patriotic tribute during the Macy’s Fireworks display, this year, Macy’s and its customers nationwide will come together for a charitable round-up program to support active duty military, veterans and military families. During “Macy’s Salutes Those Who Serve” campaign, which kicks off Monday, July 1 and runs through Thursday, July 18, Macy’s shoppers are invited to round up their purchase amount to the nearest dollar (up to $.99) and donate the change. One hundred percent of the donations will benefit two veteran and military family focused organizations: Blue Star Families and Bunker Labs. These charities focus on a number of programs that support current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, providing access to career development, caregiver support, entrepreneurship and business growth opportunities, among other services.

For more information on the 43rd Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, please visit www.macys.com/fireworks or call the Macy’s Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495. In addition, follow and participate in the excitement on various social platforms via @macys and #MacysFireworks.