Experience Macy’s Spectacular 49th Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza Live from New York
- Jul 4, 2025
- 3 min read
4 July 2025
Each Fourth of July, as twilight drapes over the Brooklyn Bridge, a city-wide celebration transforms the East River waterfront into the most electrifying stage in America. The 49th annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular returns tonight with a breathtaking lineup that blends entertainment, community, and patriotism into a two-hour televised celebration airing from 8 to 10 p.m. Eastern on NBC and streaming live on Peacock.
Hosting the event is Tony award-winning star Ariana DeBose, whose warmth and charisma will guide viewers through an evening of music and fireworks. The musical performances, curated by Questlove and James Poyser, spotlight genre-crossing artists including the Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz, Ava Max, Keke Palmer, and Trisha Yearwood. Their performances will seamlessly accompany over 80,000 shells equipped with cutting-edge projection mapping across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, creating luminous designs ranging from crown-shaped bursts to cherry blossom cascades.
The evening begins at 8 p.m. with an opening ceremony featuring musical highlights and welcome remarks. By approximately 9:25 p.m. an hour after news broadcasters signal sunset the fireworks will punctuate the night sky, bringing 30 minutes of choreographed brilliance to life . For viewers at home, NBC will offer a replay from 10 to 11 p.m. and Telemundo will air a Spanish-language version starting at 9 p.m.
Streaming options are easier than ever. In addition to Peacock viewers, subscribers to platforms such as fuboTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV can join the festivities online. Peacock, with plans starting at $7.99 per month, offers a seamless live viewing experience .
For those celebrating in person, New York City has curated a series of free viewing zones along the Brooklyn and Manhattan waterfronts. The main display will be launched from four barges stationed near Pier 17 and from the Brooklyn Bridge itself. The city is distributing 100,000 free, ticketed spots at Brooklyn Bridge Park and Manhattan’s Pier 16 and Pier 17 via a program that began earlier this week at 8:30 a.m., with each applicant eligible for up to four tickets. Entry gates open between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. for ticketed spectators specifically .
Additional prime viewing areas include elevated stretches of the FDR Drive and public parks along the East River. A designated ADA-accessible location is available at Murry Bergtraum Softball Field, providing inclusive options for all. However, attendees are reminded that items such as coolers, backpacks, umbrellas, drones, and lawn chairs are prohibited, and that public safety measures will include perimeter access controls and transportation adjustments .
With its robust fireworks show, star-studded performances, and streaming accessibility, Macy’s celebration continues to evoke unity and pride. The event also honors longer traditions: while this marks the 49th televised special under NBC since 2000, Macy’s fireworks display has roots tracing back to 1976, evolving into a national emblem of Independence Day festivities.
Beyond global viewership, tonight’s program is part of a broader patriotic media lineup. Networks including PBS, CBS, and CNN will simultaneously present alternative Independence Day programming such as “A Capitol Fourth,” the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, and “The Fourth in America”
In short, tonight’s Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks is more than dazzling visuals in the sky it is a shared cultural moment. At home or on the waterfront, the expertly choreographed fireworks dance in harmony with live music and global broadcasts, inviting every viewer into an evening that celebrates national identity and community spirit through sound, light, and spectacle.
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