NYC giving away 100K free tickets to Macy's 4th of July fireworks show with skyline views — here's how to get them
The city is doling out 100,000 free tickets for prime views of the Macy's 4th of July fireworks along the East River this week.
The passes – to be distributed online on a first-come, first-serve basis – will unlock access for 100,000 revelers to watch the grand show in Brooklyn Bridge Park or sections of Pier 16 and Pier 17 at the Seaport in Manhattan, Mayor Eric Adams announced Monday.
4 The city is giving away 100,000 free tickets for prime views of the Macy's 4th of July fireworks along the East River this week.
REUTERS
'Every New Yorker deserves a chance to celebrate under the sparkle of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, and this year, 100,000 lucky residents will have front-row access to one of the city's most iconic events as our city celebrates its 400th anniversary this year and we get ready to celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary next year,' Adams said in a statement.
The mayor credited his administration with making sure the 'celebration is for everyone.'
4 Map of street closures and ticketed viewing areas for the Macy's 4th of July fireworks display in Brooklyn.
New York City Mayors Office
'I can't wait to join hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and visitors as we light up the night and honor America's birthday right here in the greatest city in the world,' he added.
The city's second annual free ticket allotment comes after the NYPD faced sharp criticism in years past for roping off areas for private watch parties while turning away members of the public without law-enforcement ties.
The no-charge tickets will be made available at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, with users permitted to request up to four tickets. This year's massive distribution offers 10 times the number of free tickets offered last year, when the fireworks show was moved to the West Side.
New Yorkers can text 'FIREWORKS' directly to 917-909-2288 to secure tickets ahead of the general release to the public, with the first 2,500 to receive four free tickets to the Brooklyn Bridge Park location.
4 Several viewing areas along FDR Drive will be open to non-ticket holders.
New York City Mayors Office
For those who are unable to score a freebies, the 49th annual fireworks display will be visible along FDR Drive.
Access points to the general public include:
Montgomery Street and Madison Street
Robert F. Wagner Sr. Place and Brooklyn Bridge On/Off Ramp
Broad Street and Water Street
An ADA-accessible viewing spot will be provided on the Manhattan side at Murry Bergtraum Field with an entrance at Pike and Cherry streets.
Widely recognized as the largest Independence Day celebration in the nation, the show will kickoff at 9:25 p.m., according to the city's website.
4 The 49th annual display will begin at 9:25 p.m., according to the city's website.
REUTERS
This year's Macy's 4th of July fireworks performance will feature more than 80,000 shells fired 1,000 feet into the air from barges along the East River.
Viewers can expect 11 new effects to debut this year – like atomic rings, sunbursts, crackling crown jellyfish, comet fans and more – as well as 30 vibrant colors and other visual effects like projection mapping on the Brooklyn Bridge.
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