Happy 4th of July! Whether you’re at the beach or BBQ during the day, come nighttime the one question on everyone’s mind is, “Where can I watch the Macy’s Fireworks?” And while we won’t be able to take you up close and personal, we still wanted to share a few easy and cheap spots to view the fabulous fireworks show other than your TV.
This year, as you may have heard, Macy’s has shifted all of the barges further uptown. This means that unfortunately you won’t be able to get a good look from areas of lower Manhattan and DUMBO. The good news is, there are still a number of waterfront parks and closed streets that are open for your viewing pleasure.
1. Anywhere along the FDR Drive
- The FDR will be closed from the Battery Park Underpass to 63rd Street. Official viewing spots will be at 42nd St, 34th St, 23rd St, 16th St and Avenue C, and Houston Street. Get there early because some of these will be right in front of the action.
2. Gantry Plaza State Park
- Unfortunately, Hunters Point South Park is used as the staging area for Macy’s, so this part of the park will be closed to the public. However, its sister state park, just a few blocks north is a perfect substitution for viewing.
3. The Pulaski Bridge
- This bridge connecting Brooklyn and Queens offers the height you need and a great view from Newtown Creek across the East River.
4. WNYC Transmitter Park
- While on the smaller side, this park in Greenpoint is a favorite for viewing the annual pyrotechnics on the water. The park includes an overlook to the south, plenty of seating, and a waterfront esplanade.
5. East River State Park
- Recommended by Macy’s as another official viewing location, so be sure to get there early, this waterfront park has sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and offers acres of space for you to claim your spot. The best part is after the show, you have plenty of restaurants or bars to choose from for a nightcap.
Fireworks are set to start at 9:25pm and run for approximately 25 minutes. As a reminder, we have a change in service on the East River Route:
The East River route will operate on a normal weekday schedule ending early as a result of the Macy’s Fireworks show on the East River.
Below are the last departures for the day:
- Last Pier 11 departure bound for E.34th street: 2:26 pm
- Last E.34th street departure bound for Pier 11: 2:57 pm
There will be no midtown shuttle bus service provided on this day. Shuttle bus service will resume its normal schedule on July 5, 2017.
Check out our service alert for more information.
Wishing you and your family a happy and safe 4th of July!