NEW YORK — One of the most anticipated celebrations of the year is just around the corner.
It is about the fireworks from Macy’s that light up the sky of the Big Apple to commemorate the independence of the United States on July 4th. Fireworks return this 2023 from the East River for their 47th show.
This year’s show will debut with a new mile-wide waving flag made up of red, white and blue fireworks.
The New York skyline will light up in the colors of the show around 9:25 pm with more than 60,000 projectiles and effects launched from five barges positioned along the river.
The July 4th exhibit “will feature the most dynamic collection of animated shells ever released during Macy’s annual extravaganza.”
“This year’s Macy’s Fireworks celebration is going to be spectacular,” said Will Coss, executive producer of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. “Along with a score featuring American classics, this year’s celebration will honor the pioneers who have shaped our past, present and future.”
They are expected to launch more than 2,400 projectiles and effects per minute on the Big Apple.
Public viewing locations will be set up along the Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan waterfronts.
The show will pop and crackle to classic patriotic tunes including “The Star Spangled Banner“, “America the Beautiful“, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough“.
Here we answer questions about what you should know.
What time is the show
The New York skyline will light up in the colors of the show around 9:25 pm with more than 60,000 projectiles and effects launched from five barges positioned along the river.
What will the fireworks be like?
Some of this year’s masterpieces include a mile-wide waving flag of red, white, and blue palm trees and strobe shells, a sunflower ring with crackling pistil shells, red stop sign effects, and the new ghost firework featuring four different alternate tones.
More than 60,000 projectiles and effects launched from five barges positioned along the river. They are expected to launch more than 2,400 projectiles and effects per minute on the Big Apple.
Where can I see the show in person?
People can find entry points for elevated public viewing areas along FDR Drive in Manhattan and viewing areas in Queens &
Brooklyn Parks. There is limited capacity in most places. Please note: Parks are generally ADA accessible, but may not have a designated ADA viewing space.
Here is the map of the points to see the show:
Macy’s
There are locations along the East River shoreline where you CANNOT view the fireworks, as the view is obstructed or the area is closed to the public. These are not recommended viewing locations: Bushwick Inlet Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Grand Ferry Park, Domino Park, Hunter’s Point South Park, Roosevelt Island, and E 34th Street Ferry Landing.
What items are NOT allowed
All viewers should note that lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas, coolers, and backpacks/containers/other large bags will NOT be permitted at public viewing locations for safety reasons. Viewers are subject to search by the NYPD.
America’s musical legacy
This year’s score will feature American classics that pay homage to the nation’s musical pioneers. Curated by Ray Chew, famed music director and master of some of the country’s most popular entertainment shows, sheet music selections will include “The Star Bangled Banner“, “America the Beautiful“, “Lift Every Voice and Sing“, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, and a special presentation of an original work titled “Sea to Shining Sea”, written and performed by rap duo Nico & Lamar from United States Army Field Band with Ray Chew.
No Macy’s fireworks display would be complete without an inspiring tribute to light and each show’s signature moment, Macy’s Golden Mile. Shown to “The Best“, by the legendary Tina Turner, thousands of golden shells will create a spectacular cascading effect that will stretch for over a mile through the East River.
