Where not to watch Macy's 2025 fireworks

NEW YORK - The Macy's fireworks will launch from the East River at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 4.

The 49th edition of the show will fire from four surrounding barges on the East River in the Seaport District, as well as the Brooklyn Bridge.

The show will feature thousands of shells and an array of effects, with multiple viewing opportunities in Manhattan and Queens.

Here's where to watch and where not to watch the fireworks in New York and New Jersey.

SKIP TO: Directions | Map | What to bring

Where not to watch the Macy's fireworks

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 04: Fireworks explode over the East River as seen from Gantry Plaza State Park in the Long Island City neighborhood of the borough of Queens on July 4, 2022 in New York City. This year marks the 46th year that Macy's has produced

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The following New York City locations are not recommended for viewing based on the event's website.

Areas of the FDR in Midtown
The Battery
Battery Park City
East River Park
East River Waterfront Esplanade
Pier 42
Pier 36
Pier 35
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Gantry Plaza State Park
Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park
Roosevelt Island
Governors Island

Where to watch the Macy's fireworks

The fireworks show will be visible along the FDR Drive for those who do not receive a ticket. Entry points for the general public include:

Montgomery Street and Madison Street
Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge On/Off Ramp
Broad Street and Water Street

How to get to the Macy's fireworks

New York City

Subway service will be increased before and after the fireworks display. Visit the MTA to plan your trip with TripPlanner.
Bus transportation near the fireworks will be rerouted, with extra trips available after the event.
Parking will not be available near access points and public transportation is highly recommended.

Where to watch, public entry points

Macy’s Fireworks will be visible from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River with the show launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and four surrounding barges

Entry points for the general public include:

Montgomery Street and Madison Street
Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge On/Off Ramp
Broad Street and Water Street

Macy's fireworks map

The ADA-accessible viewing location will be located on the Manhattan side at Murry Bergtraum Field. Guests should enter at Pike Street and Cherry Street.

As crowds build at the access points noted on the map above, some of these locations will be closed and spectators will be redirected to additional open access points.

Access points, viewing locations & transportation are subject to change.

What can you bring to the fireworks?

The following items are not permitted at public viewing locations:

Alcohol
Backpacks
Blankets
Cigarettes
Drones
Duffle bags
E-cigarettes
Large bags
Large coolers
Large packages
Lawn chairs
Motorized scooters
Umbrellas
Weapons

Organizers suggest staying hydrated as high heat and humidity are expected around New York City on the Fourth of July.

Bring a refillable water bottle; DEP "Water on the Go" refill stations may be available near select public viewing entry points.

All spectators in New York City are subject to search by the NYPD.

Viewing locations are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the NYPD.

How to see the performers at fireworks

Access to the performance area is not available to the general public as it is part of the television broadcast.

Here's who's performing:

Performers

Ava Max
Eric Church: Seven-time ACM Award winner and ten-time Grammy nominee, performing music from Evangeline vs. The Machine and Darkest Hour
Jonas Brothers: Celebrating 20 years with new music including Slow Motion and Love Me To Heaven
Keke Palmer: Emmy-winning actress, singer and 2025 NAACP Image Award Entertainer of the Year
Lenny Kravitz: Four-time Grammy winner currently touring Blue Electric Light
Trisha Yearwood: Grammy, CMA, and ACM Award-winning country icon debuting songs from her upcoming album The Mirror

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