July 4th in New York City 2020 Fireworks

Fireworks, Boat Cruise, Festivals, BBQ, Rooftops

July 4th in New York City is amazing! The weather is almost always wonderful and our July 4th celebrations, especially the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks®, are second to none! Expect HUGE some? any? celebrations this year as July 4th falls on a Saturday in 2020.

NYC July 4th Fireworks 2020

There will be several short displays in the 5 boroughs June 29-July 1 and the Grand Finale, from the Empire State Building will be broadcast on NBC on July 4th.

On June 23, Mayor de Blasio announced a fireworks plan in celebration of the 4th of July that will reach every borough for the first time ever. From June 29th to July 1st and on July 4th, a series of 5 minute fireworks displays will launch from various land and water-based locations across New York City. The displays will be a surprise and not announced in advance.

NBC will broadcast the short displays and a finale, likely from the Empire Stare Building, on their Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on July 4th, 8-10pm.

The NBC broadcast musical score will include a special salute to America’s frontline workers, who have served our city and country tirelessly during this time.

John Legend will host the event and other performers include Mayo Clinic surgeon Dr. Elvis (Lean on Me), Alicia Keys (Good Job) and The Young People’s Chorus of NYC.

Previous Years July 4th Info Below

The fireworks locations and viewing points vary every year. The official announcement of the exact fireworks launch points can be released anytime from April to June. In the last 4 years fireworks locations have always been over the East River, but exact launches have varied from Brooklyn Bridge through Midtown, to just the Brooklyn Bridge or to just Midtown East. There is no way to know exactly where the 2020 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® will be until Macy’s makes it’s announcement.

If you want to book your July 4th fireworks viewing before the official announcement arrives, then a July 4th NYC Fireworks Cruise is your best bet and guarantees you a prime viewing spot, regardless of the location of the 2020 fireworks. If you want to see the fireworks from your hotel, then feel free to make a fully refundable reservation at one of our top NYC July 4th Fireworks Hotel choices below and wait for the official announcement to confirm or cancel.

Make sure to check sightseeing and holiday hours for Saturday, July 4, 2020.

We’d love to hear about your July 4th in NYC Event.

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Rooftops, Hotels, Restaurants with Views of 4th of July NYC Fireworks (2019)

2019 Update – The following hotels provide views of the Brooklyn Bridge Fireworks.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (photo above)

1 Hotel BB, which offers amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge from their rooftop and some of their rooms, is hosting several fireworks viewing parties on July 4th. Parties can booked as part of a "Room to Roof" package, prime fireworks views from your room only or reservations at one of three different July 4th Fireworks parties.

• Discount Rates: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
• Direct Site: July 4th @ 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
• 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY

Millenium Hilton – here’s what one reviewer had to say about his July 4th stay: ‘The hotel is right across from the Macy’s July 4th Fireworks…We were on a higher floor (40+) in an "01" corner room… and out our east windows, we had a fabulous view of the Brooklyn Bridge, the East River and Long Island.’

• Discount Rates: Millenium Hilton
• 55 Church Street, NY, NY 10007 (Financial District)

New York Marriott Downtown – July 4th reviews, ‘Came to see the Macy’s fireworks display on July 4th….short walk from this hotel to the Brooklyn Bridge… I had a corner room with an awesome view of Ellis Island’ and ‘We braved the crowds at the fireworks but if your room faces the bridge and is high enough up, you could see them right from your room!’

• Discount Rates: New York Marriott Downtown
• 85 West Street, NY, NY 10006 (Financial District)

The Dominick Hotel – "They made sure I had a view of the east river so we could see the Fourth of July fireworks. I will definitely be staying there again." and "so very helpful in situating us in the best room possible to view the 4th of july fireworks and a tremendous view of the Empire State Building"

• Discount Rates: The Dominick Hotel (formerly Trump SoHo)
• 246 Spring St, (at Varick St) (SoHo)

Mr C Seaport – ‘balcony has an excellent view of the city and we had a good spot to watch the fireworks’ and ‘location was perfect for celebrating the 4th of July! There were bands and a street fair all around the hotel and the view of the fireworks was great! We were in room 308 and could see the show and hear the music!’ and ‘All good, especially the nice view facing Brooklyn bridge from the 7th floor terrace’

• Discount Rates: Mr C Seaport (formerly Best Western Plus Seaport Inn)
• 33 Peck Slip, NY, NY 10038 (South Street Seaport)
• Note: This hotel has very mixed reviews – read carefully.

Hotel on Rivington – offers panoramic city and East River views from their spectacular Penthouse roofdeck. Their Fireworks Party offers a luxurious July 4th experience with live DJ, open bar and a prime view of the East River fireworks in one of NYC’s hippest neighborhoods! Enjoy 360 degree breathtaking panoramic views of downtown, midtown, uptown Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond!

• Discount Rates: Hotel on Rivington
• Direct Site: 4th of July at Penthouse on Rivington
• 107 Rivington Street, NY, NY 10002 (Lower East Side)

The Standard, East Village – July 4th reviews, ‘The Hotel itself is a gem with wonderful views of south Manhattan. July 4th fireworks were easily seen. The Restaurants are excellent – a definite NY vibe less pretentious than Standard Highline. I gladly recommend this gem’ and "wanted a room with a view of the East River, so we could see fireworks. She went beyond to find us the PERFECT room"

• Discount Rates: The Standard East Village
• 25 Cooper Square, NY, NY 10003 (East Village)
• 4th of July Crab Boil – Celebrate the 4th of July with us at Narcissa with a festive Blue Crab Boil on the terrace! 12-9pm. For an additional $50, guests can head to the hotel’s rooftop for drinks and views of the fireworks.

Pod 39 Hotel – Join us for a fireworks watch party at our rooftop bar on the 17th floor of the Pod 39 Hotel. Armed with some of the best views of the city and some of the best margaritas, the only thing missing from this party is you.

• Discount Rates: Pod 39 Hotel
• Direct Site: July 4th Rooftop Party Al Pastor
• 145 East 39th Street (Midtown East)

Z Hotel Long Island City – Join Z Hotel for their family-friendly all inclusive Red, White and View Package, including food, drinks with KILLER views of the Fireworks and Brooklyn Bridge!

• More Info: July 4th Fireworks at Z Hotel

The Ides Rooftop Bar at the Wythe Hotel -The Ides will open at 7:30pm for a ticketed entry ($25) for access to the bar and fireworks display at 9:00pm. Fill up while they grill house-made sausages, along with german potato salad which will be available to accompany cold beers and sparkling rosé (all for purchase).

• Discount Rates: Wythe Hotel
• 80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 (Williamsburg)

Hotels Near the Brooklyn Bridge

• In the box below that says, "Where Are You Going," copy and paste this: Brooklyn Bridge
• The Yellow Map Marker that says "Jane’s Carousel" is the Brooklyn Bridge

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July 4th Fireworks Boat Cruises

Enjoy the fireworks over the East River with your choice of NYC Boat Cruises. As mentioned above, I think the BEST view of the fireworks is from the water. Plus, it doesn’t matter where the fireworks are – you’ll always have a front row spot! Book your seat on a variety of private, upscale and family-friendly parties, with on-board DJ’s to get you dancing the night away, plus food and drinks.

Classic Harbor July 4th Fireworks Cruises (Adults)

Classic Harbor cruises offers a choice of at least 5 different July 4th Fireworks cruises. All five of Classic Harbor’s cruises are Ages 21+ and generally range around $400-$500 per ticket. Each cruise or sail will have some light fare and an open bar for you to enjoy. Highlights of the 5 boat options:

• Manhattan II – largest, most spacious and luxurious vessel. The glassed in, climate-controlled cabin and open bow offers guests plenty of room to walk around and enjoy the different views of the harbor and fireworks show. This is the most elegant of the cruises and has the most food.
• Yacht Full Moon – 20 guest limit, vintage yacht, complimentary beer, wine, Champagne, soda and water, (cocktails are available for purchase) Three courses of passed hors d’ oeuvres, stationary displays and desserts..
• Schooner America 2.0 Sailboat – more laid back than the Yachts, heavy passed hors d’oeuvres. Guests tend to find a seat and hang out for the duration of the cruise, while the crew comes to them for beverage service.
• Schooner Adirondack Sailboat – similar to above, slightly lighter food fair.
• Yacht Kingston – smallest and most intimate of the vessels, an enclosed cabin with large windows as well as an open bow. Light hors d’ oeuvres served.

Reserve your Fourth of July Fireworks cruise soon, these sell out every single year before the end of June.

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July 4th Family-Friendly Fireworks Cruises

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July 4th Fireworks BBQ, Boat Cruise and NYC Tour – FULL DAY!

Book your July 4th day as part of a Family Friendly July 4th Fireworks Hotel Package or separately. Fill your entire day with hosted July 4th festivities:

More Info: July 4th BBQ, Tour and Fireworks Cruise.

Start your 4th of July NYC with BBQ Over Broadway from 1pm until 3:30pm on the Supernova Restaurant’s outdoor terrace. Continue with a guided tour of historical Manhattan and finish your holiday with the World Yacht Duchess cruise with buffet dinner and open bar. The 4th of July NYC fireworks BBQ Day ALWAYS sells out, so don’t get left behind!

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NY Mets @ Citi Field

What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with America’s favorite pastime, an old-fashioned hot dog and beer? The Mets take on the Padres @ Citi Field July 3-6, 2020. Friday will have Fireworks, Saturday is Patriotic T-Shirt Giveaway and Sunday is Player Poster Giveaway. Tickets: Mets vs Padres July 2020.

While we won’t have a July 4th Subway Series this year, you can catch Yankees vs Mets – July 7-8, 2020 @ Yankee Stadium and July 28-29 @ Citi Field.

New York Mets Schedule

Catch NYC's National baseball team in action at the amazing Citi Field, one of baseball's nicest stadiums. Tickets are easy to get and the Mets are an easy 30 minute subway from Times Square or Grand Central. Grab a burger from Shake Shack and get ready to see some baseball action.

• Mets Tickets: StubHub | Ticketmaster | Groupon
• Insider Guide: NY Mets Tickets, Schedule, Directions

July 4th in New York City – Attractions

Many New York City Tourist Attractions are open 365 days per year, although some with limited hours. July 4th may be a great day to try and see some of the more popular attractions as many people will be celebrating the holiday.

July 4th in New York City – Open Attractions

• Statue of Liberty
• Empire State Building (365 days)
• Top of the Rock and most of Rockefeller Center (365 days)
• Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (365 days)
• New York City Bus Tours
• Times Square – Hershey’s Store, M&M Store, Hard Rock Cafe and more
• Central Park – Zoo, Carousel
• Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
• Guggenheim Museum (closed Thursdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day)
• Museum of Modern Art (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
• Metropolitan Museum of Art (9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m)
• American Museum of Natural History (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
• New York Botanical Garden (Closed most Mondays and Christmas Day)

Save BIG on July 4th with a Discount New York City Pass!

Get savings coupons and find the best New York City Pass Discounts for your July 4th in New York City.

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Get savings coupons and find the best New York City Discount Pass for your NYC vacation. Unbiased reviews of the New York City Sightseeing Passes. Which is the BEST – NY Sightseeing Pass, New York City Explorer Pass, New York Pass or New York CityPASS?

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NYC Insider Print Map and Guide to Manhattan

NYC Printable Maps - Immediate Download

NYC Printable Map Guide Book

BONUS NYC Maps

NYC Travel Guide

More Info: NYC Printable Maps | Customer Reviews | Free Mini Guide

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New York City Hotels with Pools

While a few of our hotels with pools are family-friendly, most are adult party zones with skyline views, cocktails, private cabanas and summer long pool parties. We highlight more than 10 family-friendly and adults-only hotel pools, many with day-pass availability for NYC locals.

Since most are indoor/outoor and heated, anytime of year is a great time to check into one of our New York City Hotels with Pools.

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NYC Hotels with Free Bicycles

If had to pick my FAVORITE way to explore NYC, it would be on bicycle! Don't miss out on your choice of NYC hotels with free bicycles, allowing you to explore hidden nooks of NYC you can't see any other way. Some of our top value picks include:

See the Insider Guide for dozens more NYC Hotels with Free Bicycles.

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Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

• Best Price Guarantee - best online Madame Tussauds Discounts.
• NY Pass, Go Select Card, Sightseeing Pass - admission included with all
• Madame Tussauds Insider Guide

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July 4th Broadway Shows NYC 2020

July 4th is a great time to catch a Broadway show, stay out of the heat and beat the crowds. 2020 Broadway Show highlights on July 4th include: West Side Story, Plaza Suite (Sarah Jessica Parker & Matthew Broderick), Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Phantom of the Opera, Diana, Jagged Little Pill, Mean Girls and many more.

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43rd Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks (2019)

Pending 2020 Updates. Check back in June.

On Thursday, July 4 at approximately 9:20 p.m. millions of spectators lining the waterways on the lower East River and millions more on television nationwide will be enthralled by the awe-inspiring display, as Macy’s Fireworks launch tens of thousands of shells and effects from the bridge and from four barges positioned along the shores of Pier 17 at the Seaport District."

Macy’s is saluting American Cinema this year by featuring music from some of our country’s most beloved film scores. Macy’s Fireworks score features classic themes from more than 10 iconic American films. They collaborated with the best producers, arrangers and musicians in Hollywood to bring this year’s show to life, recording the score on the old MGM backlot where film classics were first recorded.

Immerse yourself in the sounds of award-winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson belting out "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Plus, the orchestra from Hollywood Scoring will make the fireworks feel even more epic!

Television Perfomances:
Independence Day spectators from coast-to-coast can catch all the action in the sky by tuning to NBC’s two-hour live national broadcast of “Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular” beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT and 7 p.m. CT, with a one-hour encore presentation at 10 p.m. ET/PT, and 9 p.m. CT (check local listings). In addition to the pyrotechnic splendor, the 4th of July’s most popular entertainment special will feature musical performances from the nation’s premiere artists.

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Macy’s 4th of July NYC 2019 Fireworks Viewing Spots and Barges

The fireworks will be launched from four barges stationed along the East River between Broad Street and the Brooklyn Bridge.

For Prime Viewing Spots, head to elevated portions of the FDR (North/South roadways) with entry points as follows (listed West to East):

• Broad Street & Water Street
• Pearl Street & Dover Street
• Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place & St. James Place
• Pearl Street & St. James Place
• Montgomery Street & Cherry Street

Access the Lower Promenade with the following entry points:

• Pike Slip & Cherry Street
• Market Street & Cherry Street – ADA Viewing will be available at the Murray Bergtraum HS Track and Field Facility at the base of the Manhattan Bridge entrance at these cross streets.

For Brooklyn locations and other spectator tips, see Macy’s and Tripsavvy

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More July 4th NYC Hotels

2019 Update: The following hotels provided views of the Midtown East Fireworks and we are not sure if they provide Brooklyn Bridge Views in 2019:

Residence Inn New York Manhattan/Central Park – ‘we were given a room on the 64th floor! Looking out of the window the Rockefeller building was in front of us, Times Square to the right and Central Park to the left. We even watched the 4th of July fireworks from our room’

July 4th Fireworks Boat Cruise & Hotel Vacation Package – Book your July 4th day as part of a July 4th Fireworks Hotel Package or separately. Fill your entire

Hotel Indigo – ‘The room was large, and had a great view towards the east and the south, giving wonderful views of the July 4th fireworks. The hotel is in the heart of things, with the bars and restaurants of the LES all a short walk way.’

• Discount Rates: Hotel Indigo
• 171 Ludlow Street, NY, NY 10002 (Lower East Side)

Hotel 50 Bowery – The Crown Rooftop at Hotel 50 Bowery, one of NYC’s newest hotels, is Lower East Manhattan’s most spectacular 360-degree view to celebrate and watch the fireworks with a clear view of the fireworks and city, downtown to Brooklyn to Midtown.

• Discount Rates: Hotel 50 Bowery
• 50 Bowery, NY, NY 10013
• Direct Site: The Crown Rooftop Fireworks Party

The Box House Hotel Rooftop – Join us on our rooftop for the perfect view of the Macy’s fireworks!! Live DJ, Games, Local Food Vendors, Drinks.

• Discount Rates: The Box House Hotel Rooftop, Brooklyn
• 50 Bowery, NY, NY 10013
• Direct Site: Fireworks at The Box House Hotel Rooftop

Park South Hotel – July 4th reviews, ‘The rooftop patio was an amazing bonus and we had a great view of the fireworks’ and ‘…for added pleasure the Roof bar was fabulous we watched the fireworks’ (photo above)

• Discount Rates: Park South Hotel
• 2019 Update: We are not sure at this time what Park South Hotel will do for the fireworks in 2019. Read about 2017 Fireworks here: July 4th Fireworks at Park South Hotel

July 4th NYC Visitor Questions

Can I watch the fireworks from Central Park?

Not that I know of. There is no vantage point high enough from which to view the fireworks on the East River.

Can Trump SoHo (Dominick Hotel) see the see 4th of July fireworks?

Possibly, the Dominick (formerly Trump SoHo) hotel offers some rooms with fireworks views. I’m not sure if you can see them from the rooftop pool, so please check with the hotel. See Dominick Reviews above.

Can You See the Macy’s fireworks from Weehawken?

No. The current Mayor, DeBlasio, has moved the Fireworks back to the East Side of NY, so more New Yorkers can see them, including those in Queens and Brooklyn. I’ve heard “the fireworks are for New York, not Jersey.” However, I hear New Jersey does have their own fireworks display which may be an option.

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Rooftop Restaurants with July 4th Fireworks Parties:

(pending 2019 updates)

• Riverview Restaurant & Lounge – Long Island City
  Riverview, which has one the best Manhattan skyline views, especially of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River (probably all of the fireworks), is offering standard open bar and a four-star buffet from 6-9 pm and top-shelf open bar 6-10pm for $170 per guest (plus tax & tip). After the fireworks, at 10 pm, get dancing with a DJ and cash bar. More info: www.riverviewny.com
• Fourth of July Fireworks at Brooklyn Grange
• Riverpark’s 4th of July BBQ Bash

NYC Insider Tip: Back in the 90s, when the fireworks were launched from the same barges as those that will be from 23rd to 37th Streets this year, I worked on the 71st Floor of the Empire State Building, and we had FANTASTIC VIEWS of the fireworks.

Who Does NOT Have a View of the Fireworks?

In researching some other posts online, I was wary of the information NON New Yorkers were providing, such as, "to see NYC fireworks this year, the restaurant or upper floors of the Andaz Wall Street would be a good option." – thepointsguy

This is completely incorrect as the Andaz Hotel Rooms do NOT have views of the Brooklyn Bridge (BB), and the restaurant is on the ground floor, with about 100 buildings between it and the BB. The hotel is about a 15 minute walk from the BB, but you will not see the fireworks from the hotel.

Another old (and now incorrect) article – Best Hotels to View New York City Fireworks. I’ve tried to email USA Today to tell them, but their form doesn’t work.

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Prior Year July 4th Fireworks NYC Locations

• 2019 – launched from the Brooklyn Bridge and Pier 17
• 2018 – launched from seven barges stationed along the East River between East 23rd and East 40th Streets.
• 2017 – launched from 5 barges placed from 24th to 41st Streets. No fireworks over Brooklyn Bridge.
• 2016 – fireworks launched over the Brooklyn Bridge and from 23rd to 37th Streets

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