Map shows best spots to watch NYC 4th of July fireworks 2025 as they're back over the Brooklyn Bridge
New York City's 4th of July fireworks show is set to return to the East River for 2025. The annual tradition moved to Manhattan's West Side last year, for the first time in more than a decade, but now it's back over the Brooklyn Bridge.
"We're just hours away from one of the biggest shows in the history of our Fourth of July fireworks, our 49th show. We have over 80,000 shells and effects this year across four barges and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge," said Will Coss, the show's executive producer. "It's going to be 25 minutes of uninterrupted, spectacular fireworks."
Coss said it's a celebration of joy and patriotism, adding, "It's an opportunity to bring people together for that 25 minutes, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with your friends, strangers, loved ones."
"Have moments of celebration, moments of introspection, moments of reflection," he said. "It's something that we spend the entire year building, look forward to delivering. It's been made with a lot of love, and we look forward to sharing that love with all of New York."
Our First Alert Weather team is keeping a close eye on the forecast, and Friday is looking warm and sunny with clear skies for the big show.
Here's everything to know about when it starts, how long it lasts and the best places to watch from Manhattan and Brooklyn.
What time do the NYC 4th of July fireworks start?
The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks are scheduled to start around 9:15 p.m. on Friday, July 4 -- about one hour after sunset. The fireworks typically last about 30 minutes, ending shortly before 10 p.m.
Ticketed viewing areas open for entry from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and officials say anyone who arrives later will not be admitted.
There will also be a separate fireworks display from 9 to 9:30 p.m. at Coney Island Beach in Brooklyn. Then on Saturday, there will be another display from 8 to 8:20 p.m. in Breezy Point, Queens.
Best places to watch the NYC 4th of July fireworks
The show is set to launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges in the East River. This year, the barges will be located off Piers 16 and 17 at the Seaport District in Manhattan.
Macy's says the fireworks will be visible from anywhere with an unobstructed view of the sky over the lower portion of the East River.
"We like to say, if you have clear shot of the skies over the lower East River, you'll have an opportunity to see our show," Coss said. "But there are designated viewing points on the upper roadway of the FDR and on the Brooklyn side, as well."
The best public viewing areas will be along elevated portions of the FDR Drive at the following access points:
- Montgomery Street at Madison Street on the Lower East Side of Manhattan
- Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps
- Broad Street at Water Street
- ADA viewing will be available at the Murry Bergtraum Softball Field with access at Pike Slip and Cherry Street
Macy's warns the following locations are not recommended:
- Areas of the FDR in Midtown
- The Battery
- Battery Park City
- East River Park
- Hunter's Point South Waterfront Park
- Roosevelt Island
- Governors Island
- Gantry Plaza State Park
Have tickets for the NYC 4th of July fireworks?
The city also offered 100,000 free tickets for designated viewing areas in Brooklyn Bridge Park and at the Seaport.
In Brooklyn, there are four zones:
- Zone 1: Access point located at Prospect and Old Fulton streets; Bag screening at New Dock and Water streets
- Zone 2: Access point at Prospect and Old Fulton streets; Bag screening at Old Fulton and Furman streets
- Zone 3: Access point at Hicks and Joralemon streets; Bag screening at Joralemon Street/Bridge Park Drive and Furman Street
- Zone 4: Access point at Columbia Street and Atlantic Avenue; Bag screening at Bridge Park Drive and Atlantic Avenue
The Manhattan location is at the north side of Pier 17 and the lower portion of Pier 16. The access point is at John and Water streets, and bag screening will be at South Street between the piers.
Organizers remind visitors that parking will be limited around the viewing areas, so consider taking mass transit. MTA subways and buses will be running with increased service before and after the event.
The NYPD has also posted .
What can't you bring to the NYC 4th of July fireworks show?
Anyone planning to enter the designated viewing areas should leave the following items at home:
- Alcohol,
- Backpacks, duffle bags and large bags
- Blankets
- Cigarettes and e-cigarettes
- Drones
- Large coolers
- Large packages
- Lawn chairs
- Motorized scooters
- Umbrellas
- And weapons.
The NYPD may search spectators to make sure they don't have any prohibited items on them.
