The 49th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show is returning tonight to the East River for its 2025 fireworks spectacular and will include a star-studded lineup of performances and guest appearances.
Academy Award-winner and “West Side Story” star Ariana DeBose will host the NYC fireworks celebration, with performances by the Jonas Brothers, Ava Max, Lenny Kravitz, Keke Palmer, Eric Church and Trisha Yearwood. Billed as a “one-of-a-kind” show that can be seen in the city at designated areas only, the fireworks will be set to a 25-minute musical score produced by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and James Poyser.
Here’s what you need to know, from what time the show airs to where to watch.
Where are the Macy’s fireworks this year?
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks returns to the East River for 2025 after the show was held on the Hudson River in 2024. The nation’s largest July 4th fireworks show, according to Macy’s, will fire from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the lower East River in the Seaport District, between Pier 17 and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport.
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What time are the NYC fireworks tonight?
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show is tentatively scheduled for 9:25 p.m., according to NYC311, an official website for NYC. The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks special will air from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on NBC and will stream live on Peacock. If you miss the show, you have another chance to watch it with an encore presentation at 10 p.m. on NBC.
Telemundo will also air a telecast special at 9 p.m. Here’s how to find your local Spanish-language channel.
Where are the NYC fireworks taking off?
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show will take place in Manhattan’s Seaport District. To find the exact location, along with Americans with Disabilities Act viewing spots, check out the map on Macy’s website, which can be found here.
Where to watch Macy’s fireworks 2025
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show will be visible from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the lower East River, although the Brooklyn Bridge Park will be fully ticketed. Prime viewing areas are in places managed by the New York Police Department:
- Montgomery Street at Madison Street
- Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps
- Broad Street at Water Street
Viewing for people with special needs will be available at the Murry Bergtraum Softball Field with access at Pike Slip and Cherry Street.
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks tickets
If you are in New York City, the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show is free to attend and tickets are not for sale. Registration to get free tickets for designated areas, offered by NYC, has since sold out.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
