America 250, you’re a firework.
Thousands of spectators decked out in red, white and blue gathered across the Big Apple to watch the 50th Annual Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show — a dazzling spectacle that was nothing short of a patriotic pyrotechnic miracle.
The sparkling showcase kicked off at 9:02 p.m. after being brought forward due to looming bad weather weather and was bigger than ever to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Fireworks erupt in New York City for America’s 250th birthday. REUTERS
Fireworks light up the sky in New York City on Saturday, July 4, 2026. AFP via Getty Images
Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks explode as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary on Independence Day in New York City, U.S., July 4, 2026. REUTERS
The show kicked off early Saturday night due to the impending rough weather. REUTERS
U.S. Navy sailors watch the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks in New York City. REUTERS
Over 85,000 shells were launched into the night sky from the barges on the Hudson and East rivers, stunning the thousands of onlookers waving American flags who had been waiting hours to catch a glimpse of the extravaganza.
The pyrotechnics display reached heights of up to 1,000 feet and was launched from over two hundred points between the main towers of the Brooklyn Bridge, where a handful of fires were seen burning during the display.
People watch the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks from Bayonne, N.J. REUTERS
Over 85,000 shells were launched into the night sky. REUTERS
Fireworks light up the sky in New York City on Saturday, July 4, 2026. REUTERS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 4: Fireworks light up over the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan during the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show. Getty Images
The Empire State Building was lit up for the Fourth of July by NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani at around 8:30 p.m. Saturday night. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post
Chants of “USA, USA, USA” could be heard along the Hudson River at Battery Park in downtown Manhattan as the dazzling 30-minute spectacle lit up the night sky.