Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks is the best known of all the Independence Day celebrations in the country.Each year Macy’s kicks off the world’s largest fireworks display at approximately 9pm on July 4th. Four barges stationed between 23rd and 42nd Streets in the East River set off 20,000 aerial shells and special effects. There are electric set pieces on the barges, and the New York Fire Department gets in on the act with fire boats shooting red, clear, and blue water 300 feet over the river.
Where to catch the action
• TV and Radio: The fireworks will be televised nationally on NBC, and live spectators can tune in to 1010 WINS AM radio during the show for Macy’s specially recorded musical accompaniment.
• Manhattan: Southbound lanes of the FDR drive from 14th to 42nd Street will be open for the public from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. On-ramp entrances for pedestrians (including the disabled) are located at 23rd, 38th, and 42nd streets. The FDR Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic between Houston St. and 63rd St. from 7:00pm until 1:00am.
• Brooklyn/Queens: Great views from Hunter’s Point, Queens, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and anywhere with an unobstructed view of the East River between 23rd & 42nd Sts.
• Watercraft: All spectator vessels in the East River must stay south of the Williamsburg Bridge or north of the Southernmost tip of Roosevelt Island. Vessels in Newton Creek should stay east of the Pulaski Bascule Bridge. For additional information, mariners should contact Macy’s Marine Hotline at (212) 494-5247.
The 2008 Macy’s fireworks show will feature more than 120,000 brilliant bursts of pyrotechnic color over New York City. The theme for this year’s show is “America Dances” and the musical score will feature dance-themed tunes, including a rendition of “Save the Last Dance for Me” with soloist Katherine McPhee.

Fireworks will be launched from the East River between 10th and 23rd Streets and from a location near the South Street Seaport. The celebration will begin at 7:00 pm with the first firework set to explode into color over the East River at approximately 9:20 pm.

If you can’t make it in person, you can catch the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks live on NBC starting at 9 pm. The show will be hosted by Natalie Morales and Tiki Barber and feature additional performers including Natasha Bedingfield, Jordin Sparks, and Kenny Chesney.

View the Fireworks In Style

East River — FDR Drive
You can see the Macy’s fireworks from any place in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens with a view of the East River. In Manhattan, the FDR Drive will be closed to traffic for public fireworks viewing from Houston to 42nd Streets from 7 pm to 10 pm. Pedestrian access to the viewing area will be at 23rd, 38th and 42nd Streets.

It gets extremely crowded, so get there early (well before 7 pm if you want a decent spot) and bring chairs or a blanket to spread out and whatever other supplies you need to enjoy the wait (water, food, iPods, etc.). The FDR Drive will eventually turn into a giant New York City block party. Just make sure you hit the loo before you get there – there are no public facilities on the FDR drive. And be prepared to spend some time getting home. It takes a while for the crowd to thin out.

South Street Seaport
Join the River to River Festival for a special fireworks viewing party at the South Street Seaport. You’ll be able to see the pyrotechnics from all three fireworks locations. Pedestrian access to the FDR at the South Street Seaport is from Pearl Street only. Arrive at the Seaport early for the 3:30 pm sonic Youth concert and stick around for the fireworks. Please note that only a limited number of tickets for the Sonic Youth concert will be distributed on the day of the concert starting at 9AM (two per person on a first-come, first-served basis).

Roosevelt Island
Enjoy a fabulous fireworks view from Roosevelt Island. The Roosevelt Island July 4th Fireworks Festival offers guaranteed seating, with chairs provided for all ticket-holders. You’ll also find a food court and pre-fireworks entertainment (including music and face-painting). Tickets are $20 and available online (no tickets will be sold on the day of the event). You can take the Roosevelt Island tramway from 2nd Avenue between 59th and 60th Street or the F train to Roosevelt Island (take the Queens bound F one stop from 63rd St./Lexington Ave.).

Liberty State Park
Liberty State Park in Jersey City offers terrific views of the fireworks. From the North Cove Marina, directly in front of the World Financial Center, you can take the Water Taxi to the Liberty Landing Marina located in Liberty State Park.

Long Island City
Long Island City hosts an annual Fireworks Festival featuring music, food, games, and a great view of the Macy’s Fireworks display. The Festival takes place at Gantry Plaza State Park on the Long Island City waterfront. Learn more about viewing the fireworks from Queens.

Empire State Building
Watch the Macy’s Fireworks from the top of the Empire State Building. Only 150 tickets will be sold so you’ll have to book well in advance. Two types of tickets will be offered. For $100 per person, you can get access to both the 86th Floor and 102nd Floor Observatories (only 50 of these tickets will be sold). For $75 per person, you can view the