Sorry Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. But West Side and New Jersey residents will once again have the best view of the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks . For the second year, the display will be held over the Hudson River instead of the East River.
A mile-long pyrotechnic extravaganza will be set off from six anchored barges in the river starting at about 9:00 p.m Sunday. Tune in to 1010 WINS to listen to a patriotic soundtrack during the show. It will also be broadcast live on WNBC 4 New York.
Aside from packing a radio, bring plenty of water and icy treats to hydrate and cool off because Sunday promises to be a scorcher at 94 degrees. Since the fireworks launching pads will be stationed between 24th and 50th Streets, the city will be closing off the West Side Highway for spectators from 23rd to 59th Streets starting at 4:30 p.m. To get a good spot, it’s best to scope out a spot by 5 p.m.
Other prime viewing locations include Pier 54 at 13th Street, Pier 84 at 38th Street and the Hoboken waterfront. For a bird’s eye view of the Hudson River head to the Chandelier Room lounge in Hoboken’s W Hotel. Jersey City canceled its fireworks at Liberty Park and is turning spectators away spectators because it doesn't have it in its budget to handle crowds. However, several parks in Weehawken are good viewing options including, Waterfront Park, Hamilton Park and Louisa Park.
And if you’re willing to shell out some cash for a spot, viewing tickets are going for $125 at the Empire State Building, $170 for an open bar and sit-down dinner at the Chelsea Brewing Company, $150 for an open bar and all-you-can-eat barbecue at the Hudson Terrace, and $200 for a private party at Pier 66.
Alternatively, hop on a NY Waterway cruise for $75 at 6 p.m. at the Fulton Ferry Landing in Brooklyn and watch the pyrotechnic show from the city’s glistening waterways. The Spirit of New Jersey will also be offering a five-course dinner cruise departing from Weehawken at 6 p.m.
From 9 to 10 p.m. music superstars Justin Bieber, Enrique Iglesias and LeAnn Rimes will perform onboard the Norwegian EPIC at Pier 88 for the Macy’s fireworks display, which will be broadcast on WNBC Channel 4.
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If you’re not in the mood to wrangle for a space in the crowds, here are other fireworks displays taking place in the area:
Coney Island is in celebration mode every Friday from June 18 until Labor Day and has fireworks for your viewing pleasure starting at 9 p.m.
Bridgewater, N.J. – Fireworks at dusk, North Branch Park
Maplewood, N.J. – Fireworks at 9 p.m., Ricalton Square
Leonia, N.J. – Fireworks at dusk, Overpeck County Park
The NYPD also released a list of street closures in Manhattan during the Macy's fireworks display:
Northbound Westside Highway from 23rd Street to 57th Street from 4:30 p.m. until approximately 1 a.m., July 5th, or until cleanup is complete.
Southbound Westside Highway from 42nd Street to 79th Street from 4:30 p.m. until approximately 1 a.m., July 5th, or until cleanup is complete.
Southbound Westside Highway from 42nd Street to 23rd street from 5:30 p.m. until approximately 1 a.m., July 5th, or until cleanup is complete.
Spectators may gain access to the Hudson River viewing area from the following locations:
11th Avenue at: 24th Street, 26th thru 30th Streets, 33rd Street, 34th Street, 40th thru 44th Streets, 47th thru 52nd Streets (excluding 48th Street - operational needs) 54th thru 57th Streets
