Macy’s is set to illuminate the New York City skyline with its annual Fourth of July fireworks display, offering multiple viewing options both locally and from afar.
The 48th annual “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks” event will commence on Thursday, featuring live TV coverage on NBC and Peacock starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The two-hour spectacle will include musical performances and a breathtaking display of tens of thousands of fireworks.
“Year after year, this telecast never fails to inspire and awe, lighting up the New York skyline with a fireworks display that’s unmatched,” said Jen Neal, executive vice president of live events and specials at NBCU Entertainment. “It’s this type of live programming event that brings us together as a nation, highlighting the distinctiveness of both our NBC and Peacock brands.”
This year’s fireworks will be launched from five barges along Manhattan’s Hudson River on the West Side, featuring over 60,000 shells in more than 30 colors. Macy’s will debut a custom-made effect with a silver cascading burst that creates a kaleidoscope with alternating red and blue colors. The display will also include waterfalls, Saturn circles, and more.
Accompanying the display is a 25-minute musical score, featuring patriotic songs and contemporary hits. Viewers tuning in on TV will also enjoy performances by artists like Bell Biv DeVoe and Luis Fonsi.
For the first time, a live audio description of the fireworks will be available on the Secondary Audio Program (SAP) channel for blind and visually impaired viewers.
Those wishing to experience the show in person can watch from several public viewing areas between West 14th Street and West 34th Street in Manhattan, or from Hoboken, New Jersey. Macy’s advises against viewing from New York City’s High Line.
Watching the fireworks in person is free and does not require tickets, but early arrival is recommended to secure a good spot.
For those who miss the live display or wish to rewatch it, NBC will air a repeat of the entire show at 10 p.m. ET/PT.