The annual Macy’s July 4th Fireworks display is the biggest and best in the USA, and this 42nd anniversary show will be bigger and better than ever.
This year’s display is expertly timed and choreographed to a rousing and moving patriotic score featuring the West Point Band and Glee Club and the stunning voice of superstar Kelly Clarkson.
The 2018 fireworks display is a 25-minute spectacle will be 25 percent larger than last year’s presentation, with more than 3,000 shells and effects per minute launched from seven barges positioned between 23rd and 42nd Streets in midtown on the East River.
As the basis for the Fireworks choreography, this year’s musical score will feature performances from the West Point Band and Glee Club, and will highlight new interpretations of patriotic classics like Stars & Stripes Forever and The Star Spangled Banner,as well as several American musical standards.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of famed American composer Leonard Bernstein, a medley of his classic musical compositions will be showcased including the iconic New York, New Yorkfrom “On the Town,” as well as Mambo and America from “West Side Story.”
In addition, to honor the 100th anniversary of God Bless America by Irving Berlin, a soaring new recording of the classic, sung by superstar Kelly Clarkson. will inspire patriotism in the hearts of millions.
Backed by the full West Point Band Orchestra and Glee Club, the awe-inspiring tribute by Ms. Clarkson will be the show’s emotional and pyrotechnic centerpiece serving as the backdrop for Macy’s famed Golden Mile.
This signature of Macy’s Fireworks ignites the skyline with a dazzling array of golden-hued effects for a mile across the river and from 1,000 feet in the air to the water’s edge.
Here are the best places to watch the fireworks along the East River for FREE.
The fireworks display will be launched from barges along the East River, between 41st St. and 23rd St.
Where to See the Fireworks in Manhattan
There are great viewing spots all along the FDR Drive. Macy’s has five official viewing spots:
- 42nd St. and FDR Drive
- 34th St. and FDR Drive
- 23rd St. and FDR Drive – take the pedestrian ramp
- 18th St. and Ave. C – viewing from the southbound lane of the FDR Drive
- Houston St. and FDR Drive
NOTE: As crowds build, some of these locations will be closed and spectators will be redirected to additional open access points along FDR Drive.
Where to See the Fireworks In Brooklyn
Grand Ferry Park – Skip the crowds and find a quieter slice of the city at Grand Ferry Park, and the new Domino Park, on the Williamsburg waterfront.
Transmitter Park – This may be the best spot in Brooklyn to watch the fireworks, since the pier at Transmitter Park in Greenpoint stretches far into the water. The park also has easy access to nearby restaurants and bars if you want a break or to carry out some food.
- Transmitter Park (Greenpoint Avenue between West Street and the water in Greenpoint).
Note: The fireworks will NOT be visible from Brooklyn Bridge Park, or from Governors Island.
Where to See the Fireworks in Queens
Hunters Point South Park is closed to the public on July 4th again this year, since Macy’s is using it as a staging area for the fireworks show and as a private viewing area.
Neighboring Gantry Plaza State Park will be open, as in past years.
Click here for the Macy’s best viewing spots website page.
On Monday, we’ll share additional 4th of July events in New York City and in nearby New Jersey.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.