The Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Ignites Excitement
On Tuesday, July 4th, over 3 million spectators will claim a spot along New York City’s East River, in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn. And millions more coast-to-coast will gather around their screens to tune into NBC. Their common goal will be to watch the nation's largest party--one of the most enthralling pyrotechnic displays in the world and the largest Independence Day display in America in size, audience and artistry—the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, an annual event that Macy’s has produced since 1976.
Macy’s has long celebrated American traditions and holidays by staging large-scale public events, and this one is among the most popular and anticipated—in fact, it’s hard to imagine the July Fourth holiday without it. This year's display, the 41st edition of the festivities, will incorporate 25 minutes of dazzling effects synchronized to a soaring patriotic score performed by the West Point Band and Glee Club.
The awe-inspiring shapes and colors that will light up the sky and the rousing music accompanying them are sure to spark deep sentiments. Every detail of the spectacle has been carefully designed to inspire wonder and patriotism in commemoration of Independence Day and the democratic freedoms it stands for.
A Show Fit for America's 241st Birthday
Months in the making, this year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks is the result of a carefully orchestrated collaboration between Macy's annual events team of creative, operations and logistics experts along with a world-class pyrotechnics firm—Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, 68 musicians of the West Point Band, one civilian harpist, 70 singers of the West Point Glee Club and USO Show Troupe vocalists. The score to which the 25-minute show is choreographed, will feature the West Point Band performing "ANTHEM," an inspiring all-American musical medley featuring 10 songs—new arrangements of patriotic classics like “Yankee Doodle," You're a Grand Old Flag," and "America the Beautiful." Renowned operatic vocalist Jamie Barton will kick off the show with a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner," Grammy and Tony-Award winner Heather Headley will perform an exhilarating gospel rendition of the Elvis Presley hit “If I can Dream” and country star Craig Campbell will perform a country ballad saluting veterans entitled "American Anthem."
The broadcast entertainment special will be hosted by "American Ninja Warrior's" Akbar Gbajabiamila, Matt Ismean and Kristine Leahy. Be sure to also catch performances by top stars Jennifer Lopez, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Hailee Steinfeld, Sheryl Crow and Charlie Puth, who will lend even more star power to the event.
Explosive Effects, Dazzling Hues
This year, the show will feature 60,000 spellbinding, never-before-seen shells and effects. Some of the luminous shapes folks will see overhead: color-changing chrysanthemums, purple crackling ghost peonies, orange bees and pulsing happy faces in 23 different colors, including fuchsia, lemon and aqua. Talk about starting the month off with a bang!
NYC Neighborhood Fun Before the Fireworks Show
This year, Macy’s is helping visitors get the most out of their New York sojourns with NYC Neighborhood Guides that provide smart sightseeing tips for exploring and enjoying good times in the various New York City neighborhoods with show viewing areas.
Spectators lining the shores of the East River will also enjoy an NYPD helicopter flyover and an FDNY waterboat show prior to the start of the display.
Other Ways to Experience the Music and Fireworks
Our nation’s good fortune, so hard-won, is worth celebrating in a big way. Fortunately, there are ways to enjoy the Macy’s July 4th Fireworks festivities, even if you can’t make it to New York to see the event in person. You can watch the two-hour show on NBC, starting at 8 PM ET/7 PM C. Or, watch an encore presentation at 10 PM ET/9 PM C or tune in to radio station 1010 WINS-AM in NYC.
Have a great Fourth!
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks can be seen from any unobstructed view of the sky above the East River where the pyrotechnic barges are located. Public viewing locations and dedicated entry points will be set up along various streets on the F.D.R. Drive, as well as various points in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. To learn more details about the event and access information about points of entry, viewing locations for persons with disabilities and marine viewing details, check out the dedicated Macy's 4th of July Fireworks website. You can also call the Macy's Fireworks Hotline at 212-494-4495 to get information.
