Here’s what everything you need to know about the 2024 Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks spectacular, which returns to the Hudson River for the first time in a decade, including the best viewing spots.
More than 60,000 shells and effects will be launched, from barges on the Hudson River, between 14th and 34th Streets
Prime viewing spots are on the West Side of Manhattan and along the New Jersey shoreline, including Hoboken and Jersey City.
The 48th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks spectacular once again features 25 minutes of fireworks set to a soundtrack of traditional and popular music.
NYC expects one million people – more or less – to watch in person, and millions more will be viewing the national TV broadcast on NBC.
For those of you who will be in my hometown for this annual event –
2024 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
The 25-minute spectacle features shells and effects in 30 colors and shapes synchronized to a musical score. That’s an average of around 1,400 shells a minute for the 25-minute show.
The fireworks begin at 9pm.
See Also
How to Take Better Photos of Fireworks
Where to Eat in Times Square/Theater District
NYC Guide: Calendar of Things to Do in July
Best FREE Viewing Spots
There are plenty of spots to watch the fireworks, back on the Hudson River for the first time in a decade.
The West Side Highway will be closed to traffic, in favor of pedestrians, starting around 6pm. There also are prime viewing spots on public piers which are part of the Hudson River Park.
Manhattan
- Hudson River Park, Christopher St. & Washington St.
- W. 11th St and W. 12th St. & Washington St.
- The High Line, 14th to 34th Streets
- Little Island, 23rd St. and the Hudson River
- W. 29th St. & 11th Ave.
- W. 40th St. & 11th Ave.
- W. 41st St. & 11th Ave.
Pier 57 – One of NYC’s largest public rooftop parks is hosting a free ticketed fireworks viewing party on the Hudson River. The rooftop park offers nearly two acres of panoramic Hudson River views, plus a food hall Market 57 right nearby in case you get hungry.
- Get free, first-come first-served tickets here
Staten Island
Empire Outlets, adjacent to the Ft. George terminal of the Staten Island Ferry, is hosting its own Fourth of July fireworks show and block party, including fireworks after 9 pm, a live DJ, a cannoli eating contest, carnival games, and a whole lot more!
- Free, 3 – 9 pm Learn more about the fireworks and celebration here.
- 55 Richmond Terrace
Hoboken
- Pier A Park
- Maxwell Place Park
- Stevens Park
- Elysian Park
There also are ticketed viewing spots with prices of $75 to $300 per person, some including an open bar.
- Sightseeing and harbor cruise boats.
- Tourism sights including One World Observatory, Summit Vanderbilt and The Edge.
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ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 25+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA).
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter also is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA).
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter
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