Where to watch 4th of July fireworks around NYC in 2023

Publish date: 2024-04-09

Are you ready to light it up for Independence Day?

On Tuesday, Macy’s annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration will illuminate the New York skyline at 9:25 p.m. sharp, after performances from stars like Ashanti, LL Cool J and Bebe Rexha.

If you don’t want to miss a single second of the 60,000-shell spectacle, you’ll want to find the right location.

Acting Police Commissioner Edward Caban said Monday at a press conference in One Police Plaza there were no credible terror threats to the celebration. 

“However, certainly the increased security measures with street closures will cause additional traffic. So we urge anyone to use public transportation, definitely, the most efficient way to move around the city tomorrow. If something does not look right or does not feel right. call 911 or. tell a uniformed police officer, thousands of them will be out there tomorrow.”

Spectators are reminded not to bring large backpacks or coolers, and can be subject to random search.

Here are seven of the best official spots to watch the show across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens without spending a dime.

First Avenue & East 42nd Street

With the Robert Moses Playground and the East River Platform located nearby, there will be a public entrance set up by Macy’s at First Avenue and East 42nd Street to ensure an excellent waterfront view. There, you can watch the fireworks ignite the sky from five barges in the East River.

First Avenue & East 34th Street

First Avenue and 34th Street will have a public entrance set up by Macy’s. William Miller

Located near the East River Esplanade, First Avenue and 34th Street is the only public entry point to offer ADA access.

First Avenue & East 20th Street

The entrance at First Avenue & East 20th Street is the perfect place to enjoy a view of Queens and Brooklyn.

A few streets up from Stuyvesant Square Park, the entrance at First Avenue and 20th Street is the perfect place to enjoy a view of Queens and Brooklyn as they’re lit up by the 25-minute fireworks show.

Gantry Plaza State Park

The park in Queens has a great view of the Empire State Building. Brian Zak/NY Post

Across the East River, this 12-acre park in Queens will make a fantastic vantage point for the Fourth of July fireworks show for those interested in an after-dark view of the Empire State Building and the United Nations.

4-09 47th Rd.

Newtown Barge Park

This 6-acre Brooklyn park offers a fantastic riverside view for those hoping to see the Manhattan skyline lit up from across the way.

Commercial St., Dupont St., Brooklyn

Transmitter Park

Those hoping for a beautiful space from which to watch the show will not be disappointed.

Opened in 2012, this gorgeous 6.6-acre green space is known for its pier access and nature gardens. Those hoping for a beautiful space from which to watch the show will not be disappointed.

West St. between Kent St. and Greenpoint Ave., Brooklyn

Marsha P. Johnson State Park

Marsha P. Johnson State Park was named after the gay liberation activist and drag queen. Adela Loconte/Shutterstock

Marsha P. Johnson State Park — aka the East River State Park — boasts seven acres on the waterfront in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. The green space is perfect for relaxation, recreation and watching the firework festivities.

90 Kent Ave., Brooklyn

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