Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Where To Watch Fireworks In NYC This 4th Of July
By
Jeva Lange
Published Jul 1, 2014
Modified Jul 2, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jeva Lange
Published Jul 1, 2014
Modified Jul 2, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The FDNY has issued permits for fireworks shows in the East River, Coney Island Beach, and beyond—with only a handful of legal firework shows in the city, make sure you stake out your seat well before nightfall. Here are you options:
Manhattan and Brooklyn: Macy’s Firework Show
Start time: 9 p.m.
The 35th Macy’s Firework show will be held on the East River for the first time since 2009—sorry, Jersey! Fireworks will be launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and on barges below, and total 50,000 pounds, according to executive producer Amy Kuhl. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner, the fireworks are timed to explode in sync with the anthem, and a flag made out of fireworks will burst in the air.
The city advises getting set up around 5 p.m., although the show doesn’t start until 9 p.m.
Best place to watch: Brooklyn Bridge Park, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, the east side of Lower Manhattan.
Brooklyn: Brooklyn Cyclones at Coney Island
Start time: Post-game (first pitch is at 6 p.m.)
Facing off against the Aberdeen Firebirds, Coney Island's Cyclones will be celebrating with post-game fireworks on the 4th. This is actually the official Coney Island July 4th Fireworks Spectacular, so you can also find a spot on the beach.
Best place to watch: From the stands of MCU park. Tickets start at $10. Also viewable from North of Fishing Pier, Coney Island Beach.
Queens: New York Mets in Flushing
Start time: Post-game (first pitch is at 7:10 p.m.)
The Mets will also be playing the night of the 4th, against the Texas Rangers.
Best place to watch: From the stands. Promenade outfield tickets start as inexpensive as $18 on the Met's website.
Manhattan: Empire State Building Light Show
Start time: 9 p.m.
Although the Empire State Building has the option of 16 million colors, they're only using three this year. You know the ones. With a light show that the Paper of Record even declared "rivaled the fireworks," it's worth checking out. And as an added change, this year they'll be lighting up "in a dynamic sparkle." Practice your ooohs and aaahs.
Best place to watch: Anywhere with a clear view of the skyscraper.
Staten Island: SI Yankees at Richmond County Bank Ballpark
Start Time: Post-game (first pitch is at 7 p.m.)
Staten Islanders don't even need to leave the borough to enjoy a ball game and a firework show. SI Yankees CEO Steve Violetta claims that these will be the most accessible explosions in the sky for residents of the forgotten borough. Tickets for the game against the Hudson Valley Renegades start at $10.
Best place to watch: From the stands or from the promenade along the waterfront.
New Jersey: Liberty State Park
Start time: 9 p.m.
The largest firework show in New Jersey is accessible by PATH train, lightrail, or car. Liberty State Park is only a hop, skip and a jump from NYC, and you'll want to head over early: the organizers are expecting an estimated 100,000 people to attend. Events begin at noon and include food, music, games... and a Budweiser Clydesdales show.
Best place to watch: Liberty State Park (opens at 6 a.m.), Surf City Bar and Restaurant (1 Marin Blvd, Jersey City).
Tagged
4th of july
fireworks
july 4th
original
Jeva Lange
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.
Independent booksellers are grappling with whether the big-box chain is a threat or an ally in the fight against Amazon.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 16, 2026
Can eligible NYC singles find love with 30 minutes and some really spicy food?
We went to the Spiciest Supper Club singles night to take the temperature of New York City's dating scene.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
Can eligible NYC singles find love with 30 minutes and some really spicy food?
We went to the Spiciest Supper Club singles night to take the temperature of New York City's dating scene.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
How the NYC Marathon has changed in the last 50 years
By
Hannah Frishberg
A visit to Art of Play, the Brooklyn store in an animatronic bird beef with Kelly Clarkson
By
Sonia Rao
The hottest way to show you're an authentic New Yorker is… riding a Citi Bike?
By
Lindsay Lee Wallace
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .