It’s America’s 250th birthday, and to celebrate, there will be more fireworks than ever before in NYC.

Macy’s is leveling up its annual fireworks display, which is typically launched from one of the Hudson or East rivers. This year, over 85,000 shells will be launched from both rivers.

“We are proud to celebrate our 50th anniversary with a once in a generation experience filled with emotional storytelling and signature spectacle to connect millions of people nationwide,” said Sharon Otterman, chief marketing officer for Macy’s, in a statement.

Whether you want to catch what’s sure to be a spectacular show in-person or at home, here’s everything you need to know.

What time are the Macy’s fireworks tonight?

The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks will begin at 8 p.m. ET, with the fireworks show expected to kick off at approximately 9:25 p.m. ET.

What channel are the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks on?

The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks will air on NBC.

How to watch the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks for free

DIRECTV is our favorite service for watching TV live for free. Right now, you can take advantage of a five-day free trial before saving $30 on your first month. We recommend the Choice plan, which includes NBC as part of its 125+ channels.

You can also stream the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks with a subscription to Peacock, which costs $16.99/month after a seven-day free trial.

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks 2026 performers

Actor Terry Crews will host the two-hour special, which features performers Alexia Jayy, Noah Kahan, Post Malone, Bebe Rexha, Salt-n-Pepa, Shaboozey and Blake Shelton.

Where are the best spots to watch the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks in NYC?

Non-ticketed public viewing areas for the East River portion of the show will be open along the FDR Drive.

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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.