This post tells you how to see Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show in 2023.
The incredible pyrotechnics show will be launched from 5 barges on the East River in Midtown Manhattan.
- When Do They Start
- Official Viewing Locations
- Unofficial Viewing Locations
- 4th of July Cruises
- Other Fireworks in the NYC area
- Things to do in July in NYC
WHEN DO THE FIREWORKS START?
The fireworks will take place on Tuesday, July 4th just before 9:30 PM.
Over 60,000 shells and special effects will be launched from 5 barges on the East River centered in Midtown Manhattan.
A star-studded televised special will air from 8 PM - 10 PM. The show will feature performances by top artists.
You can watch the special from the comforts of home on NBC or stream it on Peacock.
Read below to find out what to expect from this year's extravaganza.
OFFICIAL VIEWING LOCATIONS
Below are the official viewing locations for 2023. New this year, viewing areas are not only in Manhattan but in Brooklyn and Queens as well.
In Manhattan, the viewing locations are along the FDR Drive.
You can access the spectator area at:
- East 23rd Street
- East 34th Street (ADA accessible)
- East 42nd Street
In Brooklyn, the viewing locations are:
- Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg
- Transmitter Park in Greenpoint
- Newtown Barge Park in Greenpoint
In Queens, the viewing location is:
- Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City
Note that there’s limited capacity at most spots, so plan ahead!
Be sure to check the Macy's Fireworks website for more details.
VIEWING LOCATIONS THAT ARE NOT RECOMMENDED
In the past, we were able to list unofficial viewing locations in Queens and Brooklyn.
But in 2023, some of these locations are now part of the official spectator areas.
Here are locations that Macy's does not recommend as they will have no or very little view of the fireworks.:
- The E. 34th Street Ferry Landing in Midtown Manhattan
- Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade in Brooklyn Heights
- Roosevelt Island in Queens
- Domino Park in Williamsburg
- Bushwick Inlet Park in Bushwick
- Hunter’s Point South Park in Long Island City
TIP: If you are looking for amazing views any other day or night, read our post on the best Manhattan skyline views, including locations on land, from the water, and from the sky.
4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS CRUISES
Getting out onto the East River provides you with an unobstructed view of the fireworks and an evening of entertainment.
Cruises typically have live DJs, dancing, and a premium open bar.
The Circle Line provides a specialty cruise that night as does Liberty Cruises.
Hornblower Cruises often has cruises for the Fourth of July. American Princess Cruises is another possibility.
To learn more about the various cruise and boat companies in NYC and read reviews, see our post, Which New York Boat Tour or Cruise is Best?
Although the better-known companies sell out more quickly, you can still get similarly priced tickets from competition found on Get Your Guide.
OTHER FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
Fireworks in Coney Island
The 2023 fireworks display will begin at 10 PM viewable from the Coney Island Boardwalk.
To get directions and learn about other goings-on, see our post on what to do in Coney Island.
Earlier in the day, Nathan's Hotdogs will hold its annual Hot Dog Eating Contest.
In 2020, a new world record was set: famed Joey Chestnut consumed 75 hot dogs in 10 minutes!
While this is a free event, tickets are required. Get all the information here.
Fireworks in New Jersey
Jersey City will have its own Independence Day fireworks which can be viewed from the Jersey City waterfront and Liberty State Park.
Just after sunset on Tuesday, July 4, fireworks will be launched from two barges on the Hudson River.
You can't beat the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline!
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE SHOW
As in the past, the 47th annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks celebration will feature a jaw-dropping fireworks display designed by Pyro Spectaculars by Souza.
Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks said of the signature pyrotechnic salute, “This year’s Macy’s Fireworks celebration will be nothing short of showstopping".
The spectacular performance will be a "high-flying, jaw-dropping fireworks display that will fill the night sky with color, light, shapes, and thunderous sound."
Among the highlights of the spectacle are an array of fireworks in 30 different colors and shapes, including brand-new effects like a new Ghost pyro and a sunflower ring. The most anticipated is a mile wide waving flag created by a combination of red, white and blue palm and strobing shells.
"Paired with a score featuring American classics, this year’s celebration will honor trailblazers that have forged our past, present, and future", said Coss.
The musical score will include America the Beautiful, The Star Bangled Banner, Lift Every Voice and Sing and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.
This year will include a special tribute in light to the late legendary Tina Turner called Macy’s Golden Mile. According to the press release, “thousands of golden-hued shells will create a dramatic cascade effect stretching for more than a mile across the East River” to Turner’s “The Best.”
There will also be 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.
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