Billed as the nation’s most extravagant Fourth of July fireworks show, the 42nd Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks will dazzle the New York City skyline with more than 75,000 shells.

With seven barges stationed on the East River, visibility will be best for those in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

The public viewing sections will be open at approximately 7 p.m. along the elevated portions of the FDR Drive. More than three million spectators are anticipated along the shores of Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.

The FDNY will provide a waterboat show at 7:30 p.m. and the NYPD will conduct a helicopter flyover at about 7:45 p.m.

The show begins at approximately 9:25 p.m.

If you haven’t scouted out a location for this year’s show yet, here is where you should (and shouldn’t) go:

FDR Drive

New York City has closed the entire elevated portion of FDR Drive between the Battery Park Underpass and East 63rd Street. The public will be able to access FDR through Houston Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street and 42nd Street.

Bring comfortable shoes! The public is discouraged from bring lawn chairs and blankets to the show.

Domino Park

Brooklyn’s brand new Domino Park, located just north of the Williamsburg Bridge on the site of the old Domino sugar factory, has plenty of open space to set up camp.
Gantry Plaza State Park

A park that already has amazing access to the NYC skyline, Gantry Plaza will give spectators a breathtaking view of the show.

Greenpoint and the Pulaski Bridge

If you want to get up close and personal to the fireworks, head to Greenpoint’s Transmitter Park, located adjacent to the barges. Make sure to go early, pack earplugs and prepare for crowds.
For a panoramic view that’s a little more removed, check out the pedestrian walkway on the Pulaski Bridge.

Any New York City rooftop

Those lucky enough to have access to a New York City rooftop (or those with lucky friends) should grab blankets and beers and head up high! Whether or not a residential rooftop has the best view in the city, it will deliver a more comfortable, crowd-controlled viewing experience.

Not Recommended

Macy’s does not recommend viewing from the following locations: Battery Park, Battery Park City, Roosevelt Island, Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park.