A 2009 photograph of the crowds waiting for the show to begin on 12th Avenue (Jen Chung/Gothamist)
Now you know where to see tonight's Macy's July 4th Fireworks Spectacular—and how to photograph them—but here are some handy last minute tips from the NYPD about street closures.
The fireworks, shot from barges situated in the river approximately between 20th and 55th Streets, will start around 9:20 p.m. (and end at 9:50 p.m.). The NYPD wanted to remind everyone that "no large backpacks, lawn chairs, lawn blankets, coolers or alcoholic beverages will be allowed in the viewing area. All restricted items are subject to search and seizure" and says drivers should "use public transportation and avoid the following locations between 2 p.m. and 2 a.m.":
- 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 4:30 p.m. until approximately 1 a.m., July 5th, or until cleanup is complete.
As for viewing areas, the NYPD says: "Spectators may gain access to the Hudson River viewing area from the following locations on 11th Avenue. Access blocks will be closed as viewing areas fill up. Spectators will then be redirected to open access blocks as appropriate."
- (Eleventh Avenue)
- 24th Street
- 26th Street
- 28th, 29th Streets
- 33rd, 34th Streets
- 40th through 44th Streets
- 47th Street
- 49th through 52nd Streets
- 54th through 57th Streets
Finally, "In addition to the Fireworks Spectacular, F-15 Eagle jets and NYPD Aviation Unit helicopters will fly over the Hudson River on Monday evening between the Verrazano Bridge and Pier 86."
