NEW YORK (WABC) — The biggest Independence Day celebration in New York City is the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks.
More than 60,000 shells will explode in a dazzling display over the East River for this year’s “pyrotechnic salute to America” on Tuesday night.
RELATED: More fireworks celebrations happening in New York City and the Tri-State area
The festivities begin at 8:00 p.m. with live music followed by the 25-minute fireworks show at 9:25 p.m.
The 25-minute extravaganza is synchronized to a spectacular score.
“This year’s Macy’s Fireworks celebration will be nothing short of showstopping,” said Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “Millions of spectators come together every year to witness the spectacular performance along the East River and we are ready to deliver a high-flying, jaw-dropping fireworks display that will fill the night sky with color, light, shapes, and thunderous sound. Paired with a score featuring American classics, this year’s celebration will honor trailblazers that have forged our past, present, and future.”
This year, look for a signature moment featuring “The Best” by Tina Turner as thousands of golden-hued shells will create a dramatic cascade effect stretching for more than a mile across the East River.
There are 7 official viewing locations along the East River in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. The NYPD oversees these locations and as they become full, they will be closed.
Manhattan
1st Avenue and East 42nd Street
1st Avenue and East 34th Street (A.D.A. accessible)
1st Avenue and East 20th Street
Queens
Brookyln
Not everywhere along the East River is good for viewing. Macy’s recommends avoiding these areas: Bushwick Inlet Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Grand Ferry Park, Domino Park, Hunter’s Point South Park, Roosevelt Island & the E 34th Street Ferry Landing.
The show will take place rain or shine.
NYPD Security
Independence Day celebrations, including the fireworks in New York City, are “attractive targets for attacks,” but there is no known threat, according to an NYPD assessment obtained by ABC News
“While the NYPD Intelligence & Counterterrorism Bureau is not aware of any reporting indicating a specific or credible threat to New York City or the 2023 Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks, the ICB assesses that iconic locations and high-profile, symbolic events – including Independence Day celebrations – remain attractive targets for opportunistic attacks by a variety of violent extremists and non-ideological malicious actors,” the document said.
“Past attacks and plots against Fourth of July celebrations in the US by a variety of perpetrators demonstrate the ongoing, elevated threat environment for such events.”
The assessment mentioned prior attacks, including the Highland Park, IL July 4 parade shooting, to show how lone actors could attack similar events, locations, and mass gatherings with easily obtainable weapons.
The document also cites the proliferation of online extremist content that could inspire such attacks, despite the absence of specific threats.
Street Closures
Because of the events, several streets may be closed in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn on Tuesday at the discretion of the NYPD. Mass transit is highly recommended. Visit mta.info to plan your trip.
Manhattan Locations:
FDR Drive between Montgomery Street and East 63rd Street
FDR Drive Service Roads between Montgomery Street and 63rd Street
Montgomery Street between Cherry Street and FDR Drive
Delancey Street between Lewis Street and FDR Drive
East Houston Street between Baruch Place and FDR Drive
Avenue C between 13th Street and Avenue C Entrance Ramp to FDR
Avenue C Entrance Ramps
East 6th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
East 10th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
14th Street between Avenue C and Avenue B
Avenue C between East 16th Street and East 23rd Street
East 20th Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue C
East 23rd Street between 1st Avenue and Avenue C
East 26th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 30th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
30th Street Entrance Ramps
East 33rd Street between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue
East 34th Street between 2nd Avenue and FDR Drive
34th Street Entrance Ramps
East 37th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 38th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 41st Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 42nd Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
42nd Street Entrance Ramps
East 48th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 49th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
East 53rd Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive
Brooklyn Locations:
Greenpoint Avenue between McGuinness Boulevard and East River
Kent Street between Franklin Street and East River
Java Street between Franklin Street and East River
India Street between Franklin Street and East River
Huron Street between Franklin Street and West Street
Green Street between Franklin Street and West Street
Freeman Street and Franklin Street and West Street
Eagle Street between Franklin Street and West Street
Dupont Street between Franklin Street and East River
West Street between Greenpoint Avenue and Eagle Street
Franklin Street between Greenpoint Avenue and Commercial Street
Commercial Street between Franklin Street and East River
Queens Locations:
Area bounded by 44th Drive on the North; Borden Avenue on the South; Vernon Boulevard on the East East River on the West (All Inclusive)
Center Boulevard between Borden Avenue and 54th Avenue
2nd Street between Borden Avenue and Newtown Creek/Dead End
Vernon Boulevard between 54th Avenue and Newtown Creek/Dead End
54th Avenue between Center Boulevard and Vernon Boulevard
Closure: At the discretion of the NYPD
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