Where to watch the Fourth of July fireworks in NYC

After spending 2024 on the Hudson, Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display will return to the East River this month for the pyrotechnic display’s 49th year.

The show requires four firework barges, which will be positioned in the river’s lower section – between Pier 17 and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, near the Brooklyn Bridge – giving those in the Financial District, Two Bridges, Chinatown, Vinegar Hill, Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights the best views in town. (Maybe next year, Jersey).

The sky will start lighting up at 9:25 p.m. this Friday, July 4, and venues across New York are making an occasion out of the half-hour display, offering great views paired with food, drink and a party – for a price.

The East River will be closed to boats from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., and several streets, bridges and subway stations will also shut down to cars and pedestrians.

Here’s a variety of some of the most ideally positioned spots to take in the show, for free or for money.

Overstory

Overstory offers incredible 360-degree views of New York City year-round from its high perch on the 64th floor of 70 Pine St., above the Financial District. For the Fourth, the bar is hosting a 21+ soiree of passed canapés, food stations and an open bar of summer cocktails, spirits, beer and non-alcoholic offerings. The event is rain or shine; Overstory is composed of a small indoor space surrounded by a sprawling outdoor terrace. It will also feature a live DJ. Tickets are $275 a head.

The elevated portion of the FDR

For those who didn’t score one of the 100,000 free tickets Mayor Eric Adams gave away for primo fireworks viewing spots in Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Seaport’s Pier 16 and Pier 17, there will still be limited first-come, first-serve viewing access on the FDR Drive's elevated portion, which will be closed to traffic that evening.

Drivers should note the FDR will shut down in both directions starting at 3 p.m., from Houston to West Street.

This non-ticketed portion has three access points: Montgomery Street at Madison Street; Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and the Brooklyn Bridge on- and off-ramp; and Broad Street at Water Street. There will also be ADA viewing available at the Murry Bergtraum Softball Field, which can be accessed at Pike Slip and Cherry Street. Spectators will be subject to a police search. Note that backpacks, alcohol, blankets, drones, lawn chairs, large coolers and other items are not allowed in the public viewing locations. You can see the full list of forbidden items here.

Pier 15 East River Esplanade

Near the two ticketed Manhattan viewing piers is Pier 15, a public pier with a tiered structure whose fourth level is sure to be an excellent front-row seat to the fireworks show.

For those with $210 or more to spare, the venue Watermark, which is also located on the pier, is hosting an event with a DJ, an open bar, a BBQ buffet and more.

The South Street Seaport Museum

The primely located South Street Seaport Museum is hosting the comparatively affordable Red, White & Views fireworks event beginning at 6:30 p.m. this Friday. Located at Pier 16 in Manhattan, the Museum is going for an all-ages “backyard-style Independence Day celebration” with its event, which will have food and drink available for purchase from vendor Cobble Fish. Tickets start at $75 for the Blue Viewing Zone, which may have limited bridge views, and $250 for the Red Viewing Zone, which organizers say offers an “optimal view” of fireworks.

For anyone with deep pockets looking to go all out for the holiday, the Museum also has Pioneer, an 1885 schooner available for private charter starting at $8,000, as well as Wavetree, an 1884 tall ship whose private charter fees start at $30,000.

Time Out Market

The Time Out Market is well-positioned to enjoy the fireworks on the East River this year. The food hall, located at 55 Water St. in Dumbo, is offering exclusive access to the views from its rooftop, high above Brooklyn Bridge Park, which is set to close to non-ticket holders at 3:30 p.m. on the Fourth.

The surrounding Brooklyn waterfront area will also be closed off to the public starting at 2 p.m. and will only be accessible to ticketed attendees. Bags will be checked, and anyone entering will be screened for metal objects.

The event, open to those age 12 and up, is $318 for rooftop access plus an open bar and an open buffet with selections from Fornino, Bark Barbecue, The Rogue Pada and Tanoreen. Tickets are available online.

Also worth noting: The High Street subway stations will be closed during the event, and both subway and bus service will follow a Saturday schedule.

The Brooklyn Bridge will also be fully closed to car and pedestrian traffic starting at 9 a.m. on the Fourth, through 4 a.m. the next day.

Charles Lane contributed reporting.