The nation’s largest Independence Day celebration returns to New York City this July 4 as Macy’s reaches a huge milestone.
This year, both Macy’s and the United States are celebrating anniversaries. Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks is turning 50, and America (just a slight bit older) is turning 250.
The History of the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show
The first annual show in 1976 took place from New York Harbor. Since then, the fireworks have been launched from several locations, including the Hudson River, East River, the Empire State Building and even sites near New Jersey.
The East River has hosted the most celebrations, though the show has moved back and forth between the Hudson and East rivers throughout the years.
This year’s display will be launched from multiple locations, including the Brooklyn Bridge and barges placed in the lower East River and lower Hudson River.
Bringing the fireworks to television
The fireworks special has been televised locally since 1983. However. NBC began broadcasting the event nationally in 2000, helping turn the New York celebration into a July 4 tradition for viewers across the country.
When Usher helped reinvent the show
In 2013, organizers asked Usher to be the show’s creative ambassador. He helped organize the musical and visual concepts for the event, creating a soundtrack reflecting the many sides of America with other musical guests.
Fireworks during the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic forced organizers to rethink the celebration in 2020.
Instead of one large event, fireworks were launched from across New York City‘s five boroughs.
Each display lasted only a few minutes, with a grand ending of fireworks launching from the Empire State Building.
Putting drones to the sky
In 2023, Macy’s introduced a drone light show of more than 500 drones above the East River. The display created symbols in the sky representing the holiday, alongside the traditional fireworks.
This year’s celebration
Between Sail250, the World Cup, the Knicks’ championship run, and Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding, New York City has never felt more alive. Now, the Macy’s July 4 Fireworks are preparing to add another chapter to this unforgettable summer.
For more information about this year’s event, click here.
