Macy’s July 4th fireworks: NYC to give out free tickets for front-row views of the show
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks 2023- Photo by Kent Miller for Macy’s, Inc
The annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks is set to dazzle New York City once again, with the spectacle taking place over the Hudson River for the first time in a decade. The Independence Day show’s 48th edition will feature 60,000 shells and more than 30 colors, fired from five barges between West 14th Street and West 34th Street on the river. While there are plenty of viewing spots open to the public, Mayor Eric Adams this week announced the city will give away 10,000 free tickets for a front-row fireworks experience to be distributed on Wednesday on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The event will open up Pier 45 along the Hudson River Greenway and Pier 84 at 11th Avenue and West 44th Street for unique viewing spots of the Macy’s show, which previously hosted its display on the East River since 2014.
The city plans to distribute the 10,000 tickets starting Wednesday, June 26 at 10 a.m. via www.nycjuly4.com. There is a two-ticket limit and reservations can be made for only one of the piers. Entry to the July 4 event is from 7 p.m. through 9 p.m.
According to Adams, more than one million people tried to get tickets on Wednesday and the site crashed. A second batch of tickets will be available on Thursday, June 27 at 10 a.m.
“While all New Yorkers will be able to take part in the illumination of our sky at the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, our administration is making sure that 10,000 lucky New Yorkers have an opportunity to enjoy the show with a front row seat,” Adams said in a statement.
“We’re making sure everyone has a fair shot at attending one of the city’s most exciting and iconic events. I look forward to joining the thousands of viewers celebrating America’s birthday right here in the Big Apple.”
The city opening up more firework viewing spots to the public comes after Gothamist reported in 2022 about the New York Police Department blocking off certain prime viewing areas on July 4 for friends and family.
According to Macy’s, the best viewing locations that are free and do not require a ticket include:
Manhattan West Side Highway
- Christopher Street & Washington Street
- West 11th Street & Washington Street
- West 12th Street & Washington Street
- West 29th Street & 11th Avenue
- West 40th Street & 11th Avenue
- West 41st Street & 11th Avenue
Hoboken
- Pier A Park
- Maxwell Place Park
- Stevens Park
- Elysian Park
On Thursday, July 4, the Macy’s fireworks show will begin at 9:25 p.m. Produced by Macy’s Studios with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, the pyrotechnics will reach 1,000 feet and feature “never before seen effects,” including a silver cascading burst with a center kaleidoscope and alternating red and blue. Other exciting effects include cross rings, strobing comets, waterfalls, and more, with the finale including the iconic Macy’s Golden Mile.
This year’s 25-minute musical score will celebrate the summertime, inspired by Macy’s new campaign Summer’s Greatest Hits. The score will feature Brandy Clark, Mickey Guyton, and Amer Mark, with new sounds across genres and decades, combining patriotic songs and contemporary hits. Ahead of the fireworks, Tanner Adell, Luis Fonsi, The War and Treaty, and Lainey Wilson will perform live from New York City.
In addition to in-person watch parties and events, the fireworks show will be broadcast live on NBC and on Peacock.
“Each year, we gather to celebrate summer moments with friends and family – the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks sits at the center of those celebrations and captivates millions of spectators nationwide with breathtaking sights, striking sounds and showstopping performances by iconic artists and musicians, creating the nation’s largest Independence Day celebration and lasting memories,” Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, said.
“This year’s Fireworks will feature never before seen effects created for Macy’s, special surprise and delight moments and an exciting musical score of summer’s greatest hits, inspiring our audience nationwide.”
Jersey City is also hosting an impressive 4th of July celebration, with an all-day event with food vendors, family activities, and a concert headlined by Wyclef Jean with openers Fat Joe and Funk Flex. The festivities take place at Exchange Place, with Funk Flex scheduled to perform at 6 p.m., followed by Fat Joe at 7 p.m. and Wyclef Jean at 8 p.m. The grand fireworks display by Grucci, holders of the Guinness World Record for the largest fireworks display ever recorded, will begin at 9:25 p.m.
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