On July 4, 2025, Independence Day will be celebrated across the United States, with Macy’s Independence Day Fireworks Show returning to the areas around the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. This year marks the 49th edition of the event since its establishment in 1976. Organizers anticipate that tens of thousands of spectators will gather to witness this iconic national celebration.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Wednesday that this year’s fireworks display will be synchronized to light up the sky over the Brooklyn Bridge and four nearby barges on the evening of July 4. In conjunction with the 400th anniversary of the founding of New York City, the event adds extra significance to the citywide celebrations. Adams emphasized that Macy’s July 4th fireworks show is one of New York’s most symbolic traditions, not only boosting the local economy but also becoming a globally renowned celebration.
According to Macy’s, this year’s event will kick off at 8:00 pm on July 4, with the main fireworks display illuminating the East River skyline after 9:25 pm. The viewing range will encompass Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Queens waterfront, providing audiences with a wide perspective. After last year’s fireworks were launched on the Hudson River benefiting New Jersey as well, this year they will return to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, highlighting the unique status of New York City landmarks.
Macy’s Director of Events, Will Coss, stated that this year’s fireworks display will feature thousands of fireworks shells, accompanied by music and live performances, expected to attract millions of viewers nationwide through broadcast platforms. Specific viewing locations, entry procedures, and the lineup of live performances will be announced by the organizers and city government in the near future, including entry arrangements for viewing areas and the lottery system provided by the city government.
According to city officials, any location with a clear view of the Lower East River skyline can serve as a viewing point. Event organizers remind the public that there will be corresponding crowd control and safety measures in place at the event site, urging people to plan their trips in advance.
Since 1976, Macy’s Independence Day Fireworks Show has become an iconic celebration of American Independence Day. In recent years, the event has not only been seen as a cultural symbol of Independence Day but has also played a significant role in driving tourism, retail, and related industries in New York City.