After one year on the Hudson River, the city favorite Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will return to East River on Friday, once again dazzling Manhattan and Brooklyn viewers while New Jersey residents look on from afar.
Here are the best places to watch, as well as an early weather outlook:
Official viewing sites to watch NYC fireworks
Brooklyn Bridge Park and The Seaport
While anyone can catch the famous Macy’s show for free, arguably the best spots will be ticketed to limit the crowds. City officials are giving out 100,000 free tickets to Pier 16 and Pier 17 at The Seaport in Manhattan and to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
The fireworks will be launched from four barges south of the Brooklyn Bridge and the bridge itself.
“Our show is free to attend,” the official website reads. “Macy’s does not approve, endorse, participate in events/activities, or work with venues that may advertise ticket sales for viewing access. Macy’s does not sell tickets to any VIP viewing locations.”
FDR Drive
For anyone who can’t score a ticket, Macy’s announced this year’s official viewing locations on Tuesday. Elevated areas of FDR Drive in Manhattan will be open to the public for fireworks viewing.
The official entry points will be located at Montgomery Street at Madison Street, Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps, and Broad Street at Water Street. Additionally, there will be an accessible viewing area at Murry Bergtraum Softball Field with access at Pike Slip and Cherry Street.
Numerous items are prohibited at the official viewing areas including alcohol, backpacks, blankets, cigarettes, drones, duffle bags, e-cigarettes, large bags, large coolers, large packages, lawn chairs, motorized scooters, umbrellas and weapons.
At all these prime viewpoints along the East River, parking is extremely limited, and public transit is recommended for all viewers.
Will the weather be OK?
Early forecasts for Friday show ideal fireworks watching conditions. The afternoon high temperature is expected to be in the mid-80s, while the overnight low could drop just below 70 degrees. Clear skies are expected day and night, allowing pristine views of the show.
Observation decks
Several popular observation decks throughout the city will host ticketed fireworks events. From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., One World Observatory will host a viewing party with unmatched views of the show. Standard adult tickets cost $69, with child and senior tickets slightly less.
At Rockefeller Center, tickets for adults to view the show from the Top of the Rock cost between $40 and $61 and come with a free drink and a free hot dog.
For anyone looking for a pricier option, Summit One Vanderbilt tickets cost $259, but they do come with two free drinks and an unspecified “food item.”
Where not to go
As usual, Macy’s has provided a warning to people to avoid certain areas near the fireworks show, as they will either be off limits or provide poor views. This year, people are advised to avoid areas of the FDR in Midtown, The Battery, Battery Park City, East River Park, Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park, Roosevelt Island, Governors Island and Gantry Plaza State Park.
