Unlike last year, people in New York City will be able to watch at viewing points across the Big Apple. Fireworks fans outside of NYC are also able to watch the fireworks online and on TV where they are. Here’s how.
How to Watch the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Online
The best way to watch the fireworks is on NBC, who will be showing the event live from Macy’s.
The Peacock Network will be giving viewers two chances to watch on July 4. It is first showing the Fireworks Spectacular at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT, before repeating it at 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT.
As well as offering a 25-minute fireworks display, the event this year is also set to include a drone light show in celebration of Team USA’s upcoming efforts in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The NBC special also includes performances from the Jonas Brothers, Blake Shelton, Marshmello, Black Pumas, Coldplay, Reba McEntire and OneRepublic. The coverage will be hosted by Hamilton and Girls5eva star Renée Elise Goldsberry and New Amsterdam’s Ryan Eggold, and the United States Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus will provide the soundtrack as the fireworks go off.
For viewers who want to watch the proceedings online as they happen, NBC offers a live stream on its website. In order to access it, all viewers have to do is log in with their cable provider details or the details of their online live TV provider.
Nearly all of those live TV providers, like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and Sling offer a week-long free trial, allowing fireworks fans to watch the special as it airs online for free.
For vaccinated members of the public in New York City who want to watch in person, there will be raised viewing platforms to watch the fireworks launch, which will happen on barges on the East River.
These are accessible from Manhattan’s FDR Drive, with entrances at East 23rd, East 34th and East 42nd Streets.
This display on the East River is a return to the usual proceedings after last year, which saw Macy’s have a series of smaller displays over a week across the five boroughs of NYC in order to prevent a super-spreader event.
In a statement, the organizers said of the event: “The 45th annual Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks will illuminate the Big Apple skyline with an electrifying light show full of bursting colors, jubilant music and a feeling of positivity.
“This year, we’re honoring America’s everyday heroes from communities across the country & the resilient spirit within us all. It’s our way of looking ahead with renewed hope for a brighter tomorrow.”
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