NEW YORK – With the Big Apple about to fully reopen after a tumultuous year due to the pandemic, this 4th of July holiday is shaping up to be a huge celebration in the city.
Last year’s United States Independence Day festivities were largely halted due to increasing COVID-19 cases, statewide restrictions, and no vaccine available. Now, with most of the restrictions lifted and 70 percent of New York adults on at least one dose of the vaccine, the iconic Macy’s fireworks show is back – with a few changes, of course.
This is your guide to where, when, and how you can celebrate American independence in New York.
Macy’s Iconic 4th of July Fireworks Show Returns
Macy’s annual 4th of July fireworks spectacular returns this year after being canceled by the pandemic in 2020.
The event kicks off Sunday at 8pm with a star-studded two-hour televised special on NBC featuring performances by Tori Kelly, Black Pumas, Coldplay, OneRepublic, Reba McEntire and more.
Then, fireworks will light up the New York skyline around 9:25 p.m. with more than 65,000 projectiles and effects launched from five barges located on the East River. The show will explode and light up to the beat of patriotic tunes such as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”
Where can I see fireworks in New York City?
FOR VACCINATED NEW YORKERS:
Event officials say public viewing for fully vaccinated spectators will be available in Manhattan on elevated portions of FDR Drive. The entry points for these views will be accessible at East 23, East 34 and East 42 streets. Vaccination must be verified to view the show from these areas.
FOR NON-VACCINATED NEW YORKERS:
Public viewers for those who have not been vaccinated can watch from designated waterfront areas in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Citing health and safety reasons, event officials urge all spectators to check their website for the latest information on ticket details and public venues for spectators.
Where can I watch the fireworks from Roosevelt Island?
FROM CORNELL TECH:
The free public viewing will be open and available beginning at noon on the Cornell Tech lawn. Admission to this event is on a first-come, first-served basis and no re-entry will be allowed.
NOTE: If you plan to attend this event, please be on time. No one will be allowed in after 9pm
FROM FDR FOUR FREEDOMS STATE PARK:
Sky watchers can get a great view of the fireworks from FDR Four Freedoms State Park during a limited-ticket event. The July 4th family fireworks celebration begins at 6 p.m. and ends promptly at 10:30 p.m.
Event officials say there will only be 1,500 tickets available. Residents can register for up to four free tickets per household. Tickets will not be available on site.
Click here to register and for more event details.
Can I see the fireworks from the Brooklyn Bridge?
No. City officials sent a reminder to New York City residents that the Macy’s fireworks display will not be visible from the Brooklyn Bridge this year.
Street closures, traffic alerts, and parking rules for the 4th of July
If you’re going to be in Williamsburg or Greenpoint on Saturday or Sunday, be prepared for traffic and restricted parking. Traffic and parking alerts were issued ahead of weekend celebrations and the fireworks show.
NYPD officials say parking will not be allowed in some areas starting at 3 p.m. Saturday until the end of the Macy’s fireworks show. Authorities also said that some streets will be closed to vehicular traffic starting Sunday at 5 p.m. until the end of the show. See the tweet below for more details.
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