STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show returns Saturday, July 4, marking both the display’s 50th anniversary and the nation’s 250th birthday.
To celebrate that milestone, the annual display will feature an expanded footprint this year, stretching across more of the city’s waterfront than ever before. Prime viewing areas include the Lower East River in the Seaport District, the lower Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City, and areas near the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani also distributed 100,000 complimentary tickets for the show through a public lottery that closed on June 29. Those free NYC ticketed viewing areas include Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Seaport in Manhattan.
For those without tickets, public viewing will be available along the FDR Drive in Manhattan, with additional details on specific entry points and designated areas expected to be announced soon.
There are no official viewing points on Staten Island, but residents can gather in public spaces along the North Shore to try and catch a free glimpse. Some popular spots in past years include:
St. George Waterfront near the Postcards 9/11 Memorial: Located along the St. George Esplanade, this area provides a clear sightline looking out toward the upper New York Bay and the New Jersey waterfront.Empire Outlets: There’s an open-air, elevated vantage point here, often a good spot to catch several overlapping fireworks displays, including the distant Macy’s spectacular. This year, the newly opened Empire Beer Garden at Empire Outlets is advertising free fireworks viewing in its rooftop space starting at 6 p.m.Alice Austen House: The museum’s lawn is a dedicated viewing site for the International Naval Review, which will take place from 7 a.m. until 12:43 p.m. on July 4. Residents often gather here during the Macy’s show.Clifton Shoreline: The unfenced shoreline area behind the Clifton train station also offers a clear angle to see the water and the skyline.
For those watching from home, the fireworks will air live as part of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks special from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, on NBC and Peacock. To learn more, visit macys.com/fireworks.