Fun and free places to catch the July Fourth fireworks in New York City.
You can't beat celebrating Independence Day in New York City.
In fact, the annual Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks is the biggest fireworks event in the US, and Tuesday will mark its 41st celebration. The event is set start at about 9:20 p.m. ET and last 25 minutes, according to Pix 11 News.
The pyrotechnic displays will be a bit different this year — the five barges launching the fireworks will be positioned on the East River off Manhattan between 24th and 41st streets, meaning they will no longer be visible from Brooklyn Bridge Park, which had been a hotspot for viewing the Fourth of July fireworks. Plus, because of the government shutdown in New Jersey, the Garden State's celebrations have been thrown off.
If you don't want to watch the Macy's show, you have other options, such as Coney Island's Fourth of July celebration and Jersey City's fireworks festival at Exchange Place.
Most shows start at about 9 p.m., but it's suggested that people arrive earlier to secure a good viewing spot. If you're unsure whether your chosen park is open, you can give 311 a call the day of your preferred show to verify.
That said, here are some great, free places where you can catch the fireworks this Fourth of July:
Macy's lists the intersection of 42nd Street and FDR Drive as an official viewing spot.
It's a convenient location if you want to stay in midtown.
The folks at 34th Street and FDR Drive may have the best seat in the house. According to Macy's, onlookers here will be positioned "almost directly in front of the barges."
Spectators can also head over to 23rd Street and FDR Drive in Kips Bay.
It's supposed to be another great spot to watch the celebration.
Macy's also lists Avenue C and 18th Street as a prime location.
Houston Street and FDR Drive is the only other official viewing spot for the Macy's show.
It's the southernmost official viewing location.
The fireworks will also be visible from Gantry Plaza State Park, in Long Island City, Queens. It's perfect for people who don't want to schlep over to Manhattan.
Hunters Point South Park is also a recommended spot.
People here will get some prime viewing real estate.
Brooklynites are set to flock to WNYC Transmitter Park.
Macy's also recommends East River State Park as a place to watch the fireworks.
It's gearing up to be a popular spot this year.
If you're planning on skipping the Macy's festivities, you can head down to Coney Island for a different set of fireworks.
Folks in the Garden State are also throwing a major bash nearby along the Hudson River waterfront in Jersey City's Exchange Place.
Source: River View Observer
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