Are you thinking of how to spend the holidays? But summer is in full swing, and it’s nearly time for one of our country’s favorite holidays.
There is no doubt that the 46th annual Macy’s-sponsored 4th of July Fireworks® is a blockbuster event. This time, however, the occasion promises to up the ante.
Celebrity performances and crowd emotion will combine to create a memorable night of electrifying pyrotechnic displays and timeless entertainment. You’re right to imagine how many tweetable moments will emerge from this spectacle.
Not all cities and states permit the giant, resplendent bursts that we know the Fourth of July for. Luckily, you can see the spectacular firework show unfold if you turn away from bland skies and tune in to your favorite TV channel.
Macy’s has hosted the phenomenal, televised firework shows in New York City for a while. The 46th edition is priming to wow hearts and minds with the grandest spectacle of them all.
This post tells you how to watch Macy‘s 4th of July Fireworks in 2022. The breathtaking pyrotechnic displays promise to be the most impressive for live viewers, television, and online audiences.
Note that the official spectator viewing areas come with a limited capacity, and the allowed number of people this year is yet to be announced.
When Does the Macy‘s 4th of July Live Show Begin?
On Monday, July 4, the live show will begin shortly before 9.30 pm. It will begin with a star-studded special scheduled to run from 8 to 10 pm, with artists providing top-notch entertainment.
Where are the Official Viewing Locations?
A splash of fireworks in the NYC night sky
Although you can watch Macy’s fireworks from several locations, the official spectator viewing areas for 2022 are yet to be made public. But you can use information from previous years as a guide.
Locations might be along the elevated aspects of the FDR Drive in Manhattan with the following entry points:
- East 23rdStreet
- East 34thStreet (ADA-accessible)
- East 42ndStreet
The best spots to get the “perfect” view of the fireworks party are somewhat different each year and depend on where the fireworks are lit up from.
The right location also depends on where you’re coming from. The fireworks are usually located around 23rd to 42nd Street. Experience shows that these are some of the best spots from where you can’t miss these pyro displays include Long Island, Mid Town, North Brooklyn, and Manhattan.
These places have public locations where you can watch the fireworks. But there are some private locations such as bars, restaurants, hotels, rooftops, and penthouses.
Where to Watch the Fireworks in Brooklyn
A view of the fireworks from the river
Many say Brooklyn is New York, so there are several ways and places to watch the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks there. Some of them are:
- East River State Park
- Berry Park
- Fornino’s
- Brooklyn Bridge Park and promenade
- Dumbo
East River State Park
If Brooklyn is your chosen destination for this year’s showpiece, your spot of choice should be East River State Park or Marsha P. Johnson State Park.
Located at 90 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, the park features a massive lawn facing the East River above which the fireworks happen.
As the night falls, you’ll need a blanket to keep you (and probably your significant other) warm. Also get a few snacks to keep your jaws busy while waiting for the show.
The piercing kaleidoscope of fireworks, splendid views, and continuous reflection of lights across the horizon make it a special night, indeed.
Berry Park
Berry Park at 4 Berry Street is a happening European bar sitting right beside McCarren Park. The reserved party atmosphere and spacious rooftop make for a beautiful sight of proceedings.
The lower level bars don’t offer the best views, whereas the top is heated and has a partial covering.
Berry Park’s riverside view is somewhat limited. It’s advisable to arrive early to get better spots. There are sports shows on three large projector screens when you’re done watching the views. DJs help the bar’s clients work their groove every Friday and Saturday night.
Fornino‘s
Brooklyn Bridge Park‘s Fornino‘s is an excellent spot if you want to see the great light and sparks against a backdrop of thin-crust Neapolitan-style pizza.
This pizzeria at Pier 6 has a low-key roof. You can get cool with ice cream or artisanal sodas on hot summer days. Tickets to this spot sell out quickly, so call to confirm there are seats.
Brooklyn Bridge Park and Promenade
Sitting right on the East River, the waterfront BK Bridge Park offers striking views of lower Manhattan. With its Instagrammable Jane’s Carousel, the park is perfect for enjoying the 4th of July Fireworks.
Get ready to take timeless photos on Water Street & Washington Street close to the park. Here, the Empire State Building fits snugly with Manhattan Bridge pylon.
But this area easily gets crowded and the NYPD closes sections once they fill up, so you need to arrive early.
The Esplanade or Brooklyn Heights Promenade is another great place to follow the show. It’s a 1,826-foot-long platform with a pedestrian walkway less than one mile away.
Dumbo
DUMBO is short for “Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” There are many wonderful things you can do in Dumbo. Once an industrial area, it’s now a fine collection of shops, restaurants, and startups. When you leave the Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge, Dumbo is your first port of call.
If you only decide to attend at the last minute, there’s a much smaller crowd at Dumbo than elsewhere. You’ll easily find a great spot without someone else trying to brush you aside.
The neighborhood is great for New Yorkers viewing the show. However, a building or two could prevent you from seeing every part of the fireworks.
Where to Watch the Fireworks in Manhattan
How about Manhattan? Where should you go to see the spectacle? We’ve got some great suggestions.
South Street Seaport
South Street Seaport is one of the best spots to get a close-up look at the event. That’s because the double barge launching the fireworks will sit right on the East River in front of the seaport.
The best viewing spots can be accessed through the district, with entry to the elevated areas from Broad Street, Frankfort Street, and Pearl Street. Expect the Garden Bar’s DJs to serenade you from midday to 9:00 pm.
Pier 15
Pier 15 is a celebration-drunk spot all year long. How about a summer barbecue buffet with burgers, chicken wings, and hot dogs beside a front-row seat for the exquisite show.
Music plays all night long for the entire family, though there’s an open bar for adults. Visitors can also join the Annual Freedom Fest for $129. You’ll get sumptuous July Fourth delicacies for one great price.
FDR Drive
Looking upon the East River, Manhattan’s FDR Drive is another choice spot to see fireworks let fly. Entry points are located at East 23rd, East 34th, and East 42nd Streets.
The northern portion of the road has less traffic. Keep moving until you find fences and walls you can climb to see the fireworks party unhindered. Just try to leave early to avoid any jams.
Are There Any Unofficial Viewing Locations?
A view of Macy‘s fireworks from the pier
Once the barge locations in Midtown Manhattan are announced, offering guidance on the best unofficial viewing locations will be easier.
However, since the barges will be somewhere in Midtown Manhattan, it’s safe to mention a few likely locations where you can get good views of the show:
- Domino Park in Williamsburg
- Long Island City Waterfront (including Gentry State Park and Hunter’s Point South Park)
- Roosevelt Island Waterfront (Four Freedoms Park also)
- Transmitter Park in Greenpoint
These locations are accessible using the East River Ferry if you prefer that to the subway and want a refreshing view of the cityscape from the water.
Lower Manhattan‘s Tall Buildings
If you’re working in a building below 34th Street and you’re on a high enough floor, you may be able to see the skies light up while seated at your desk. This helps to avoid crowds, but it’s hard to get that near-perfect view.
Any of Lower Manhattan‘s tall buildings would work. The city skyline is littered with rooftops that offer some of the best unobstructed views of this grand fireworks event. A few of such buildings include:
- Lower East Side
- Purple
- Meatpacking District
- Le Bein
- Top of the Standard
- Midtown
- 1 Rooftop
- 230 & 5 Ave
- Hotel Americano Rooftop
- West Side
- The Press Lounge
How to Watch the Fireworks?
If you prefer to watch the fireworks in person, Macy’s have announced that the show will include launching more than 65,000 shells from five barges on the East River between East 23rd and East 24th Street. It will be visible from three boroughs in the city.
Macy’s Fireworks Livestream: How to Watch Macy’s 4th July Fireworks Online
Beautiful fireworks display at night
You don’t need to travel to New York to watch Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular. The show will be on television from 8.00 till 10:00 pm on Monday, July 4, 2022.
You get a premium experience watching the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks on NBC, as they’ll be covering the live event from New York City. The fireworks are at 9:25 pm.
No matter your location, you can watch the entire show online without skipping a frame. Here’s a guide:
- AT&T TV
- fuboTV (free trial)
- Hulu with Live TV (free trial)
- Peacock
- Sling TV
- YouTube TV
How Long is the Macy’s Fireworks Show?
The pyrotechnic extravaganza will last 25 minutes – short indeed so you may have to reschedule everything else.
No less than 1,900 shells per minute will take flight from the five barges on the East River. It will be a pompous choreography of dozens of colors and shapes.
The fireworks will create a loud piece of drama with effects visible from a mile across the river and from 1,000 feet in the air to the edge of the water.
FAQs
Is there a Macy’s Fireworks VIP ticket?
If you’re going to watch the event from any of the premium private spots, you’ll probably need a VIP ticket.
Where is the best hotel to watch Macy’s Fireworks?
The best hotel to view this Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular show depends on the location the fireworks will be launched from.
Hotels near the event include Holiday Inn NYC and Hotel Indigo at Lower East Side and The Ludlow and Redford Hotel in Manhattan.
What is the cost of hosting the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks 2022?
There is a monumental cost to staging this event every year. We’ll only know the official figures for this year after the show is over. Last year, however, Macy’s spent more than $100,000 on the event.
Can I watch the show online?
Yes, NBC will be streaming the two-hour party live on their Peacock platform. You can also watch via YouTube TV, fuboTV, Sling TV, Hulu TV, or AT&T TV.
Will the fireworks show last all night?
No, the show only lasts for two hours. While time flies, the memories are unforgettable.
What music will be played at the fireworks show?
The entire performance will be served with good music from master composer and music director, Ray Chew, and his sensational orchestra.
As always, The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus, a.k.a. The Musical Ambassadors of the Army, will perform classic songs to reinforce the patriotic zeal in ordinary Americans.
The Young People’s Chorus of New York City and Community Baptist Church of Englewood Choir will be presenting a superb blend of choral dexterity and youthful zest from a culturally diverse choir.
However, there might be a few celebrities from pop culture to make the crowds go wild. Whatever happens, you’ll have more than your fill of performances.
Will there be a Macy’s fireworks show in 2023?
There will be a Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks showpiece in 2023 to celebrate our country’s independence.
