Wondering where to watch Fourth of July fireworks in NYC? Here’s a guide. (Source: Tim Drivas Photography/Getty Images)
If you’re sticking around town for the epic Fourth of July fireworks shows and don’t have a rooftop to watch from, have no fear. There are plenty of free spots to watch fireworks in NYC, especially since there will be shows all around, including points along the East and Hudson rivers, and Coney Island. Here are the best places to watch Fourth of July fireworks in NYC.
Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Manhattan
This year marks Macy’s 43rd annual Fourth of July fireworks show and it’s said to be bigger than ever. Be aware that the fireworks show has moved down the East River this year. In the past four years, it has been situated further north, near Long Island City. But this year, Macy’s is setting up four barges just below the Brooklyn Bridge from which to launch 75,000 shells – way more than last year’s 60,000-shell display.
That means the best viewing points will be along the East River waterfront in lower Manhattan, as well as points along the Brooklyn side. Sparks will begin to fly around 9:25 p.m., and will last for about 25 minutes.
This year, the prime viewing spots in Manhattan are the Lower East Side, Two Bridges, Fulton Seaport, and FiDi. In Brooklyn, head for Brooklyn Heights, and Dumbo.
Source: Pete Jelliffe via Flickr Creative Commons
Where to Watch the Fourth of July Fireworks in NYC? Here Are Official Viewing Sites
According to Macy’s site, here are some offical viewing points and places to access FDR Drive:
Elevated Portions of FDR Drive, Lower Manhattan:
- Broad Street and Water Street
- Pearl Street and Dover Street
- Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and St. James Place
- Pearl Street and St. James Place
- Montgomery Street and Cherry Street
Lower Promenade Portions of FDR Drive, Lower Manhattan:
- Pike Slip and Cherry Street
- Market Street and Cherry Street
Unofficial Manhattan Viewing Sites
Running alongside the FDR and the East River from Montgomery to East 12th Street, the John V. Lindsay East River Park is a great viewing spot for the fireworks display, as is the waterfront area between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, aka Two Bridges.
As Crowds Grow, Be Aware of Closures
Crowd control will be of utmost concern for the NYPD and they state they have the option of closing areas and redirecting traffic as necessary. So, it goes without saying to make sure you get to your spot early.
Source: Bob Jagendorf via Flickr Creative Commons
Where to Watch Fireworks in Coney Island
Coney Island hosts a Fourth of July fireworks show every year, preceded by the annual Fourth of July Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, which will be covered by ESPN. The women’s competition starts at 10:45 a.m. and the men’s at noon. Around 9:30 p.m, the fireworks begin off the beach near Steeplechase Pier, so grab a picnic blanket and hunker down at Steeplechase Plaza or the Coney Island Boardwalk.
The best seating can be found along the boardwalk or beach between West 10th and West 15th Streets. Not interested in shlepping to Coney for the Fourth? No problem. There’s a free fireworks show every Friday night from 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. through August 30 and after Brooklyn Cyclones baseball games, whose stadium is at MCU Park, right off the Coney Island boardwalk.
Where to Watch Fireworks in New Jersey
While there are plenty of places to see fireworks throughout New Jersey, Jersey City’s 50-Star Fire Show along the Hudson River offers a the best opportunity to catch some fireworks from New Jersey and the west side of Manhattan. Festivities will be held at Exchange Place Plaza and begin at noon, running until 10 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks display. Pitbull and Jersey City native Akon are the musical headliners.
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Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Staten Island
The Staten Island Philharmonic will perform at 6 p.m. at the Alice Austen House on the water, followed by a fireworks display that starts at 9 p.m. Tickets are free.
Some of the public viewing areas have limited capacity, and the NYPD may redirect you accordingly. If you have your heart set on a certain spot, it’s best to arrive early.
Where to Watch Fireworks in Queens
Astoria was way ahead of everyone and put on its own show on Thursday, June 27 — one week before the traditional Fourth of July shows all around NYC. Events took place on the Great Lawn in Astoria Park with a performance by the Queens Symphony Orchestra.
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[This post has been updated and republished.]
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