The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular is back and louder than ever for 2025! Set against the iconic Manhattan skyline, this year’s celebration is more than just sky-high explosions; it’s a full-on, star-studded party in the sky.
Broadcast live from The Rooftop at Pier 17 in Lower Manhattan, the 49th annual celebration is set to air on Friday, July 4, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. For those wanting more, there will be an encore presentation airing immediately after. A Spanish-language simulcast will also air on Telemundo at 9 p.m. ET for those wanting to celebrate in Español.
And hosting the whole shebang? None other than Academy Award winner and Broadway icon Ariana DeBose. Not only will she keep the energy flowing between acts, but she’s also taking the stage herself. So, as she usually does at the Tony Awards as host, she will sing, dance, and dazzle while the rest of New York waits for the fireworks finale.
Who’s Lighting Up the Stage Before the Sky?
Macy’s doesn’t do anything halfway, especially not on its July 4th. The 2025 lineup reads like a festival dream team, with pop, rock, R&B, and country coming together to set the perfect vibe before the first rocket even launches.
Here’s who’s hitting the stage this year:
- The Jonas Brothers: America’s favorite trio is back, and you can bet they’ll bring their biggest hits (and maybe a few patriotic surprises).
- Keke Palmer: The multi-hyphenate, hilarious, and talented queen returns with vocals and flair that are as powerful as the fireworks themselves.
- Lenny Kravitz: Rock ‘n’ roll royalty meets national holiday? Yes, please. Expect an electrifying set!
- Ava Max: She’s sweet but a little psycho (see what we did there?) and perfect for a night like this.
- Eric Church: Country fans, you’re covered. Church is bringing his signature Southern soul to the NYC skyline. Can we expect some new songs live?
- Trisha Yearwood: Iconic vocals and a heart as big as her talent. She’s the country diva we didn’t know we needed on the Fourth. Should we get a duo with Church this year?
- Ariana DeBose: In addition to hosting, she’ll grace the stage with a musical performance that promises Broadway energy and diva-level vocals.
Even the fireworks soundtrack is a performance in itself. This year’s show is scored by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and James Poyser, who are curating a 25-minute musical arrangement to synchronize with the fireworks display. TV late-night favorite Questlove promises a blend of genres that’ll feel like a journey across the country, without ever leaving your viewing spot.
Where to Watch Live & What to Bring, Or Not
The fireworks will launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges positioned on the Lower East River, specifically between Pier 17 and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport. That means any location with an unobstructed view of the Lower East River sky will be prime real estate for oohs and aahs.
Public viewing areas are managed by the New York Police Department and include:
- Montgomery Street at Madison Street
- Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge off/on ramps
- Broad Street at Water Street
- ADA viewing at the Murray Bergtraum Softball Field (access via Pike Slip and Cherry Street)
For those who snagged free tickets via NYC’s official website, Brooklyn Bridge Park and select sections of Pier 15 & Pier 17 are the go-to destinations. Just remember:,once those areas are at capacity, access will be restricted. As of July 1, Manhattan viewing was nearly full, so if you’re hoping for a front-row seat, you might want to hustle down there ASAP.
And yes, in case you were wondering, security will be tight. So you want to leave the backpacks, lawn chairs, alcohol, e-cigarettes, and drones at home. The show is expected to begin its fireworks display at approximately 9:25 p.m. ET, lighting up the NYC sky with more than 60,000 shells and effects.
From patriotic classics to pop bangers, all choreographed to bursts of red, white, and boom, this is the kind of Independence Day spectacle that defines summer in the city.
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Who’s Performing at the Macy’s 2025 Fireworks? See the Complete Lineup