Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks 2022 are a New York City 4th of July tradition. It seems like they’ve always been there, but the show started for the U.S. 1976 Bicentennial.
The best place to watch them is on television, but seeing the fireworks in person is something you should do at least once in your New York life. Kids love it and making the trip is something many will remember for the rest of their lives.
Many assume that the fireworks show is in New York Harbor where the Statue of Liberty provides a spectacular backdrop. But the show is often in the East River where it can be viewed live from Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.
46th Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks 2022
The 46th Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks 2022 show is live on on NBC 4 from 8-10pm, and live on the East River between Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens on Monday, July 4, 2022. 🇺🇸🇦🇺🇨🇺🇫🇷🇵🇷
The fireworks start going off at 9:25pm. The show lasts for about 25 minutes with around 30 different shapes and effects. The fireworks will fly up to a thousand feet in the air with some unusual new shapes.
It’s free. There are no ticketed viewing locations. To see the performers, watch it on television.
This year’s theme is NYC is Booming. Ay bendito.
It will be booming with more than 48,000 fireworks and effects.
Where to Watch the Fireworks
The fireworks are fired from five barges in the East River that can be seen from parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. There are official viewing locations with access security. Anywhere else is questionable. Lots of places you think would be great, will be closed to the public.
In any case, viewing areas fill up early, and traffic in nearby neighborhoods gridlocks early. So go extra early if you want to see the show. Forget driving. There is not enough parking. Use public transit.
In our experience, young children get tired by the end of the show. You have to walk a long way, wait a long time, and may have to carry your kids to your way home. It’s a great experience, but plan for that.
Manhattan Viewing Locations
- 42nd St at FDR Drive
Enter security on First Avenue at 42nd St. - 34th St at FDR Drive
Enter security on First Avenue at 42nd St. - 23rd St at FDR Drive
Enter security on First Avenue at 23rd St.
Brooklyn Viewing Locations
- Newtown Barge Park
- Transmitter Park
- Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Queens Viewing Locations
- Gantry Plaza State Park
46th Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
This is New York City, so of course there has to be a show.
The couch is the easiest way to see the fireworks and you get some entertainment too. Television gives you double the fun this year. The spectacular runs from 8-10pm and encores from 10-11pm.
NBC News Today anchors Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer co-host. Ray Chew, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars musical director curates Jazz, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock and Country music.
Performing Artists
- 5 Seconds of Summer, Australian Pop Rock. @5s0s 🇦🇺
- Brett Eldredge, Country singer. @bretteldredge 🇺🇸
- Carly Pearce, Country singer. @carlypearce 🇺🇸
- Pitbull with Filmore, Cuban American rapper & Country singer. @pitbull @filmmoremusic 🇨🇺🇺🇸
- Lin-Manuel Miranda (“In the Heights,” “Hamilton“) in “Freestyle Love Supreme” mode. 🇵🇷
- James Monroe Iglehart, Tony Award-winning genie of Broadway’s “Alladin.” 🇺🇸
- Kaila Mullady, Beatbox Battle World Champion, 2015 & 2018. @kailamullady 🇺🇸
- Dizzy Senze, “Freestyle Love Supreme” rapper. @fellingdizzy.wav 🇺🇸
- Anthony Veneziale “Freestyle Love Supreme” co-creator 🇺🇸
- “Moulin Rouge!” cast members. 🇫🇷
- Celebrity Chef David Rose (barbecue expert). @chefdavidrose 🇺🇸