Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show is back in New York City for 2021, kicking off the annual Independence Day celebration for the 45th year that will pay tribute to everyday American heroes.

When

The event will take place on July 4 at 9:25 p.m. at Macy’s, where 65,000 shells and effects from five barges positioned on the East River centered in midtown will shower the night sky.

“As America commemorates Independence Day, we are thrilled to join the celebration with a spectacular Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks display honoring the heroic spirit of our nation,” Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, said in a statement. “Live from New York City, five barges positioned on the East River will launch an epic celebration that will inspire a renewed sense of hope and optimism among our fellow New Yorkers and viewers nationwide.”

Where To Watch

The fireworks display will be held for New York spectators as well as a nationwide TV audience. At-home viewers can catch the two-hour show on NBC at 8-10 p.m. ET/PT or 7-9 p.m. CT/MT. Performances will include Black Pumas, Coldplay, One Republic, and Reba McEntire.

Schedule And Performances

Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks was first held in 1976 with a bicentennial show, growing in scale since that first event. Now in its 45th year, Macy’s fans will be delighted by a patriotic musical score complete with choreography that will salute the hero within, featuring classics such as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”

Guest performances will include The United States Army Field Band & Soldiers Chorus and Broadway Inspirational Voices.

The fireworks display will be set to a score that will feature music superstar Tori Kelly, who will sing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from the musical “Carousel.”

A 25-minute display will light up the sky with a host of shells and effects in dozens of colors and shapes that include waterfalls, jellyfish, and tentacles.

The entire fireworks event is designed and produced by Macy’s with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza.

Best Viewing Spots

Looking for the perfect seat to watch the fireworks this year? Macy’s suggests any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the East River in Midtown.

Public viewing locations will be set up and managed by the New York Police Department, with viewing available for fully vaccinated spectators with proof of vaccination on elevated portions of FDR Drive in Manhattan. Entry points are at East 23rd, East 34th, and East 42nd Streets.

ADA/Special Needs public viewing with proof of vaccination will be accessible at East 34th Street.

For those that are not fully vaccinated, public viewing has been set up along portions of the Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan waterfronts.

However, as health and safety regulations are updated, changes may impact New York City’s public viewing plan for the Macy’s July 4th Fireworks. Check Macy’s most up-to-date viewing information.

Give Back

Macy’s is also supporting active-duty military servicemen and women, veterans, and military families with its Macy’s Salutes Those Who Serve campaign that will run from July 1 to July 31.

Customers are encouraged to round up their shopping purchases to the nearest dollar, donate their change, or donate online to the Blue Star Families and Bunker Labs, where 100% of donations will benefit both charities to improve the service experience for military families of color through complimentary events, programs and resources.

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks 2014 01
Lower Manhattan’s skyline serves as a spectacular backdrop for the 38th annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show in New York. Reuters/Eric Thayer
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