Booming Back to the Hudson: Macy’s July 4th Fireworks Return, Plan Your Viewing Spot!

After an 11-year stint on the east side, the Macy’s July 4th fireworks are back on the Hudson this year, providing Bill de Blasio with prime viewing from his new Columbus Circle backyard . However, Hell’s Kitchen residents might need to take a ferry to New Jersey to get the best view.

If you don’t live in a 30-story apartment with windows facing the river in Silver Towers, River Place or Manhattan Plaza, one option could be to take a stroll into Hudson River Park. The fireworks will be launched off five barges along the river, stretching from W14th Street to W34th Street.

Neither the Hudson River Park nor the Mayor’s Office have as yet confirmed the public viewing spots, but potential prime locations in Hell’s Kitchen may be Pier 76 (in front of the Javits Center), Pier 84 (W44th St) or the section of The High Line in front of Hudson Yards. However, it is unclear if any of these areas will be available for public viewing.

The Public Square and Gardens in the heart of Hudson Yards (W33-30th St at 11th Ave) will be open to the public for viewing, per an announcement. There will also be paid options for viewing the spectacle, including from 1,100 feet up atop The Edge ($400), or from a table at several restaurants.

The Circle Line is offering a July 4th evening cruise , starting at $299 per person, while La Barca Cantina ($369) and North River Lobster Company ($329) will both depart from Pier 81. New York Waterways is also offering a cruise ($170) that departs from Port Imperial at 7pm; attending New Yorkers would receive a free ride across the river.

If you are thinking that maybe New Jersey is the place to be, we asked Hoboken-based photographer Gary Hershorn (whose photos illustrate this article) where he will be snapping pictures of this year’s display.

His initial words of wisdom? “I don’t know where the heck I am going to shoot it from.”

“For spectators, Hoboken is the place to be,” Gary said. “The center of Hoboken will be right off the first barge — and probably Pier 14 will be in line with the center of the action. You will get to see all five barges.”

However, as a photographer, that’s not the best spot. “You want to see the New York skyline and the Empire State Building — and being so close to so many fireworks makes the skyline small and dark in the background,” he said.

Gary plans on taking a ride seven miles out west to the town of Kearny, which he says will afford him a panoramic view of Manhattan. “However, there will be so much traffic from folks at the fireworks, it might take me until the morning to drive home,” he laughed.

To avoid traffic he might head to Palisades Avenue in neighboring Jersey City. “There’s a good angle to get the fireworks and the Empire State Building,” Gary said. “I will take my bike so that I can change position.”

While he’s happy the fireworks will be closer to his home turf, Gary enjoyed shooting the display from New Jersey when it took place over the East River, creating an interesting contrast with buildings in the foreground. This year, Brooklyn and Queens residents might be afforded the same opportunity.

The fireworks display typically starts at 9:30pm. A word of advice from a born-and-raised New Yorker — get there early if you want a good view… or really any sort of view.

It may be a while since Hell’s Kitchen bore witness to the Independence Day spectacular, but it’s certainly not the neighborhood’s first rodeo. In past years, barges at W42nd Street would light up the skies during Chinese New Year. Colors also burst into the river during World Pride in 2019.

Clinton Community Garden is also hosting its annual July 4th cookout and potluck extravaganza from 1 to 4pm. Anyone interested in volunteering can sign up here .

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