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Macys Fourth of July Fireworks
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Macys Fourth of July Fireworks Summary
Event Overview: Each year to celebrate the country's independence, millions of people gather near the Hudson River to view the Macys Fourth of July Fireworks show in New York City. In recent years, the colorful bursting fireworks are set off from six barges along the river with over 40,000 shells that explode over a thousand feet into the air above the peering crowds.There are many surrounding areas of the river that lend to great views of the famous annual display which is also broadcast live each year by NBC for viewers all across the country.
What to Expect: Because the Macys July 4th Fireworks NYC show is set along the Hudson River, there is a lot of surrounding space throughout the area providing excellent views. Besides just the fireworks show, other elements of entertainment make this event an annual favorite.
- Musical Performances: In the past years, the Macys Fireworks show has included musical performances by musical entertainers, such as barbershop quartets, pop artists, choirs, gospel groups and more. The music generally plays in sync with the bursting explosions of color in the sky, while fitting in with the theme of American independence show.
- Water Show: The New York Fire Department becomes part of the show, from their boats in the water, shooting red, white and blue water that shoots 300 feet above the river. From the sky show to the water and musical additions, this event is perfectly entertaining.
Inside Knowledge: The first ever Macys Fourth of July Fireworks show occurred in 1958 at the Hudson River and remained an annual event at that location until 1976 when the tradition moved to East River. In 2009 the Macys Fireworks show went back to the Hudson River to honor the 400th anniversary of its discovery by Henry Hudson. The following year, the event re-visited the Hudson River, as the event planners saw this as a more fitting space for the outstanding and large sky production.
Event Hints:
- Check Closed Streets: To make room for viewing of the Macys Fourth of July Fireworks presentation, many main streets surrounding the Hudson River are blocked off starting at 4pm on July 4th. Check the road travel signs and be aware that your usual routes may be blocked off.
- Get Your Spot Early: Due to the blocked off streets so early in the day, crowds begin to form for the Macys July 4th Fireworks NYC show well before the 9:20pm start time. With over three million people attending, be sure to claim your space early to guarantee you have a clear viewing space among the other millions of people seeking the same thing.
- Tune In: Guests who can't make it to the live show can tune in starting at 9pm to catch the Macys July 4th Fireworks NYC show on NBC. Even guests who do attend the event may want to record the taped version of it, to see the musical performances up close and to see the fireworks from a different view.
User Average Review
Overall: Event: Location: Staff: View:Based on 1 review
Rating Distribution
100.0% recommended it
Macys Fourth of July Fireworks Reviews
Macys Fourth of July Fireworks Photos
*Some images shown above are not actual photos from the venue, but category representations. Visit the hotel's web site for actual photos.
Macys Fourth of July Fireworks
Jul
4
General Location
Macy's Herald Square
Event Dates
Jul 04,2013
Event Cost
FREE
Burst with Joy While Celebrating Independence Day With the Radiant Macys Fourth of July Fireworks Show
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Event Quick Facts
- 12th Avenue below 59th street will close at 4pm for the event.
- Recently moved from East River to West Side Manhattan on the Hudson River.
- Live Taping on NBC begins at 9pm and fireworks begin at 9:20pm.
- NYC hotels in the area book to capacity very quickly each year so be sure to book your rooms early if you want to be close to Macys for the 4th of July festivities.
Website:
http://social.macys.com/fireworks/?cm_mmc=VanityUrl-_-fireworks-_-n-_-n
Nearest Transit:
4, 5, or 6 (Lexington Avenue subway lines 4, 5, and 6-only major subway transport to the East Side) ; Express Stations: lines 4 and 5 stop at 42nd and 14th Street. Local Stations: line 6 stops at 42nd, 33rd, 28th, 23rd, and 14th Streets

Sort Reviews By: | | |
Mackenzie Webber
Apr 04, 2011
at 9:08 am
Points: 321
Joined: March 2011
xxx.xxx.244.242
Would recommend to a friend
Date Visited: 07/10
Was it crowded:
Light Up the Sky - Macys Fourth of July Fireworks
Most people, from really young kids to older adults, love to watch the fireworks display on the 4th of July. When you're in New York City, the most spectacular of these fireworks shows is the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show. If you want to get the best possible view, you should stake out a spot on the Manhattan's West Side between 20th and 55th streets. Arrive early with your friends or family, so you can get a prime viewing spot and relax before the big event.
This review is provided by an NYCTourist staff member and is a composite of actual reviews. This may be a paid advertiser.