NYC's July 4 Fireworks 2017: Where And When To Watch Tonight's Show

NEW YORK CITY – More than 60,000 fireworks will burst into light over the East River July 4 as the city hosts its biggest celebration of independence in a decade. The nation's birthday party light show will launch from five barges anchored in Midtown and be watched by an expected 3 million people on the streets – and many more watching live on TV, organizers said.

The event, the 41st hosted by Macy's, will start at 9:25 p.m. and last about 25 minutes with many never-before-seen pyrotechnics featured, a Macy's spokeswoman said.

“Intricately synchronized to a rousing and uplifting score featuring the West Point Band and Glee Club, the display will be filled with magical, awe-inspiring effects that will enthrall and delight millions of spectators celebrating our nation’s birthday," Susan Tercero, vice president of Macy's Branded Entertainment, said in a statement.

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New explosives will include color changing chrysanthemums, purple crackling ghost peonies, orange bees and happy faces in 23 colors including fuchsia, lemon and aqua, organizers said.

It will be the fourth consecutive year that the show returns to the East River after the it took a five year trip to the Hudson.

The fireworks will be launched along the East River between East 24th and East 41st streets. Public viewing points will be set up along the East River, with the show also visible from points in Queens and Brooklyn.

The official viewing locations are:

• 42nd Street and FDR Drive
• 24th Street and FDR Drive
• 23rd Street and FDR Drive
• 18th Street and Avenue C
• Houston Street and FDR Drive

If you want to see the fireworks, make sure to arrive early. As areas become crowded, access will be closed off and spectators will be directed to other viewing points along FDR Drive.

More details are available here.

Lead image by Dan Costin/Flickr