MACY’S ANNUAL JULY 4TH FIREWORKS SHOW RETURNS LIVE AND IN-PERSON

by Stephen Garner

America’s biggest Independence Day celebration is back, live from New York City as the 45th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks ignites the night.

On Sunday, July 4th at approximately 9:25 p.m., Macy’s will commence a pyrotechnic salute to America with a barrage of color, light, shape, and sound. This year’s Macy’s Fireworks show will launch more than 65,000 shells and effects from five barges positioned on the East River centered in midtown, delighting New York City spectators and a nationwide television audience.

Public viewing locations will be available for verified fully vaccinated spectators on elevated portions of the FDR Drive in Manhattan with entry points at East 23rd, East 34th, and East 42nd Streets. ADA/Special Needs public viewing for verified fully vaccinated spectators will be accessible at the East 34th Street entry point.

Public viewing for non-vaccinated spectators will be available along portions of the Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan waterfronts. As health and safety regulations evolve, these changes may impact the City’s public viewing plan, so spectators are encouraged to check macys.com/fireworks for the most up-to-date viewing information including entry details, health and safety protocols, and marine viewing.

Photo by Kent Miller for Macy’s

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 Independence Day special will also feature performances from some of music’s brightest stars including Black Pumas, Coldplay, OneRepublic, Reba McEntire, and more.

“As America commemorates Independence Day, we are thrilled to join the celebration with a spectacular Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display honoring the heroic spirit of our nation,” said Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “Live from New York City, five barges positioned on the East River will launch an epic celebration that will inspire a renewed sense of hope and optimism among our fellow New Yorkers and viewers nationwide.”

“The Summer of New York City is underway,” added Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City. “New Yorkers have worked hard to fight back COVID-19 and build a recovery for all of us. This summer, we can’t wait to reconnect with the iconic events that make our city great. These fireworks make us all proud to be New Yorkers and Americans, and I’m looking forward to a joyful and safe viewing this year.”

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks first burst onto the New York City sky with a special U.S. bicentennial show in 1976. Since then, Macy’s Fireworks have grown in scale and artistry as they burst to life over many of New York City’s waterways and neighborhoods. The 45th edition of Macy’s Fireworks is conceived, designed, and produced by Macy’s with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza. Designed to ignite in synchronization to a patriotic musical score, the 25-minute display will feature a host of shells and effects in dozens of colors and shapes including eclipsing fans, triple linking rainbows, blue jellyfish with crackling tentacles, and red, white, and blue waterfalls, creating dramatic effects a mile across the river and from 1,000 feet in the air to the water’s edge.