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As New Yorkers gear up for all of the 4th of July festivities this weekend, one of the many questions on everyone's mind is not only where to watch the fireworks, but how many firework displays will there actually be this year. Of course, Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks spectacular is probably the largest and most popular show to catch, but there are several other ka-boom fests worth mentioning. That's why we decided to highlight a few other underrated firework displays, including where you can watch in boroughs such as Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. For folks near the Hudson River, don't fret. You should be able to view the spectacular show going down in Jersey City.
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to 4th of July in NYC
Macy’s 40th Anniversary 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
The Mac Daddy of July Fourth firework displays begins at 9:20pm (obviously, get there way earlier) over the East River, and can be viewed in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn or any other area with a clear view. The fireworks will blast from multiple barges set up just south of the Brooklyn Bridge, and the rest are positioned between 17th St and 42nd St. We provided the best vantage points below, but be warned: As the crowd builds, some of these locations will be closed off for safety.
Vantage points:
If you’re viewing from Manhattan (along FDR Drive):
Houston St, 23rd St, 34th St, 42nd St, 16th St and Avenue C, Broad St, Vietnam Memorial Park, Old Slip Upper Level as well as Pearl and Frankfort Sts.
If you’re viewing from Brooklyn:
Furman and Old Fulton Sts.
If you’re viewing from Queens:
Center Blvd from 48th to 49th Sts.
2016 Coney Island 4th of July Fireworks
It’s worth sticking around Coney Island after you watch Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, which starts at 10am on July 4th. Hang out around the boardwalk and hit up the rides at Luna Park because at 9:30pm, you can expect a spectacular fireworks display which launches at the beach near Steeplechase Pier.
Vantage points:
Steeplechase Plaza and on the Coney Island Boardwalk.
Jersey City Annual Freedom and Fireworks Festival
Good news for folks positioned near the Hudson River! During Jersey City’s third annual Freedom and Fireworks festival—which is free and bursting with live entertainment, games, amusement rides, food and drink vendors—there will be a massive fireworks display highlighting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The show, which is organized by Grucci (holders of the Guinness World Record for the “Largest Fireworks Display” ever recorded), is going to be an unreal sight. The fun starts at 1pm at Liberty State Park. The fireworks should go off around 9:20pm.
Vantage points:
Liberty State Park.
LIC Flea and Food 4th of July Market
For folks located in Queens, the Fourth is the perfect opportunity to hit up the LIC Flea and Food’s sensational market, complete with a beer garden that serves all of the best brews the neighborhood has to offer. Disclaimer: The market itself is not launching its very own firework extravaganza. But for the second year in a row, the flea will be open late (until 11:00 pm), so you can eat, drink and get a killer view of the Macy’s display by the waterfront.
Vantage points:
5-25 46th Ave, Long Island City.
Staten Island Philharmonic Concert and Fireworks
Enjoy a free and live performance by the Staten Island Philharmonics as they perform "American Salute" at 6pm on Monday, July 4. Afterward, enjoy a citywide viewing of the many firework displays.
Vantage points:
Alice Austen House Museum at Alice Austen Park (2 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island).