By Gus Saltonstall
The Macy’s 4th of July fireworks will take place on Friday in New York City, and this year the show will leave the west side and return to the east side of Manhattan.
In 2025, the 49th rendition of the celebration will ignite at 8 p.m. on Friday over the East River. More than 80,000 fireworks featuring 30 different colors will launch from barges along the East River and from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Last year, for the first time in more than a decade, the iconic fireworks show took place over the Hudson River, which allowed Upper West Siders better views of the celebration.
The Macy’s fireworks show, which began in its current form in 1976, has generally taken place on the east side of Manhattan, but in 2009, the display shifted to the Hudson River for a special celebration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s exploration of the region around New York City.
The show took place over the Hudson River for four more years after that, before shifting back to the East River in 2014 when Bill de Blasio became mayor, after public complaints about more New Yorkers from outer boroughs being able to see the show from the east side of Manhattan.
Neither the city nor Macy’s gave an exact reason last year for why they switched the fireworks to the Hudson River in 2024, but Will Coss, an executive producer of the fireworks show, told ABC at the time that “we’ve been on the east side for quite some time. We look forward to sharing the show this year with our west side residents.”
New Jersey residents were also happy about the show taking place on the west side of Manhattan last year, which gave the state better views of the fireworks.
This year’s festivities will include performances by the Jonas Brothers, Lenny Kravitz, Keke Palmer, Eric Church, Ava Max, and Trisha Yearwood. As a reminder for those who do want to go in person, alcohol, blankets, lawn chairs, umbrellas, and duffle bags are not allowed in the public viewing locations.
The prime public viewing options for the 2025 fireworks show will be available along elevated portions of the FDR drive with the following access points managed by the NYPD, according to Macy’s.
- Montgomery Street at Madison Street
- Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps
- Broad Street at Water Street
- ADA viewing will be available at the Murry Bergtraum Softball Field with access at Pike Slip and Cherry Street
For those who don’t want to join the crowds, the entire show will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
You can find out more — HERE.
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😎I am so Happy 4th!
As it should be on our UWS…🙏
No co2!
No noise!
No traffic!
No crowds!
Tell Macy’s to keep it on the East Side and their parade !
Don’t forget no fun!
east side was announced a month ago
I look forward to the substantially improved air quality.
I think NYC is rich enough for two fireworks shows.
You got to be kidding,
NO way!
I think they should do without the fireworks in Central Park.
Totally unnecessary!!!!
Fireworks significantly worsen air quality by releasing harmful pollutants like particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and various metal compounds. These pollutants can cause respiratory issues, exacerbate existing conditions, and even contribute to long-term health problems.
Fireworks pose significant risks to wildlife, causing both immediate and long-term harm. Animals can be startled by the loud noises and bright lights, leading to them fleeing their habitats and potentially injuring themselves or becoming disoriented. The aftermath of Central Park or Macy’s fireworks displays can also contaminate the environment with harmful chemicals and debris, affecting wildlife and their habitats.
I agree!
No Macy’s fireworks and end the fireworks in Central Park !!!
No
Fireworks would come at the expense of rent freezes and free buses. I thank Mamdani’s head would explode. There’s this whole “balanced budget” concept that he and all of his supporters seem to not understand.
So you’re claiming the city pays Macy’s the $6M+ needed to stage the fireworks shows? Seriously?
There’s this whole “based in reality” concept that certain parties seem not to understand.
Boo. Much better on the west side. Last year was great.
I will stay home and watch the DC fireworks on TV. Performers are much more relevant for those of us born pre-Y2K.
We watched the DC Fireworks last year too for the same reason. I was like, I know these people. With NYVC, I was like who are they?
I used to watch fireworks as a young child from our rooftop in 88th & Bway. They were on a barge from the Hudson. That was back when parades would go along RSD too.