Everything You Need to Know About Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks on the East River

By on July 3, 2014 4:28 pm in Brooklyn Heights

Update: Great news for North Heights residents who want to see the fireworks up close and personal via the NYPD:

While the weather has cleared for tonight’s Macy’s Fireworks display, due to an expected high rip current, the Macy’s Fireworks barge previously set to be positioned in between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges will be repositioned south of the Brooklyn Bridge for the event. This is being done out of an abundance of caution as safety is our number one priority.

After a few years away, Macy’s July 4th fireworks return to the East River. For information on viewing in Brooklyn Bridge Park and street closures in Brooklyn Heights click here.

Click here for advisories from NYPD

And here’s additional info from Macy’s official website:

Macy’s barge locations

The fireworks may be viewed from any area with an unobstructed view of the sky above the East River. The public viewing sections will be the elevated portions of FDR Drive with the following entry points:

MANHATTAN ACCESS POINTS

Montgomery & South Streets: From the North, viewing along the FDR between Manhattan Bridge and Montgomery Street. Brooklyn Bridge entry from St. James Place (Pearl Street) & Wagner Place (viewing both north & south of the Brooklyn Bridge). Broad Street and/or Old Slip at Water Street (viewing between Heliport & south side of Brooklyn Bridge Esplanade Viewing: South Street Seaport to Houston Street along the East River ADA viewing area: Murray Bergtraum High School track and field facility, at the base of the Manhattan Bridge. Use the entrance at Market & Cherry Streets. All of Brooklyn Bridge is ADA accessible. The following pedestrian streets will be closed to all non-emergency vehicle traffic, with most closures happening at 4pm & towing all day:
• South Street between Whitehall Street and Jackson Street
• All side streets between South and Water, South and Cherry
• Front Street between Old Slip and John Street
• FDR between Battery Park Underpass (West Street) and Houston Street
NOTE: Piers 15-17 are not public viewing areas.

BROOKLYN ACCESS POINTS

Brooklyn Bridge Park (piers 1-6): Enter on Old Fulton & Furman Street, Joralemon Street & Furman Street or Atlantic Avenue & Furman Street. Brooklyn Bridge Promenade: Enter at Pineapple Street & Columbia Heights, Pierrepont Street & Columbia Heights, Montague Street & Pierrepont Place, Remsen Street & Pierrepont Place. The following pedestrian streets will be closed to all non-emergency vehicle traffic, with most closures happening at 4pm & towing all day:
• Montague Street — Court Street to Montague Terrace
• Remsen Street — Court Street to Montague Terrace
• Old Fulton Street — Hicks Street to Furman Street
• Furman Street — Old Fulton Street to Atlantic Avenue
• Columbia Heights — Montague Street to Old Fulton Street
• Hicks Street — Atlantic Avenue to Old Fulton Street

BRIDGE CLOSURES

Brooklyn Bridge: Closed 5pm Manhattan Bridge: Pedestrian & bike traffic prohibited after 7pm Williamsburg Bridge: Pedestrian & bike traffic prohibited after 7pm
The bridges will be closed to pedestrian and bike traffic starting at approximately 7:00pm. The bridges will remain open to vehicular traffic.

For boater viewing restrictions, call Macy’s Marine Hotline at (212) 494-5243.


Share this Story:

  • Solovely

    As everyone enjoys the fireworks at Brooklyn Bridge Park this holiday, there’s also the chance to consider whether we can keep more of the park green space, and reduce the number of future condos, please consider joining our petition, http://www.change.org/petitions/bill-de-blasio-stop-brooklyn-bridge-park-pier-6-development-gone-awry

  • http://www.shootlikeagirlphotography.com/ lauren

    If one had to make an educated guess, which location– the Promenade or Brooklyn Bridge Park– will be more crowded?

  • Heightsman

    I was hoping the park would be the shiny new toy and people would flock there not the promenade. Here’s to hope.

  • Zorg_Montague

    Barring a downpour, I imagine both places will be filled to capacity.

  • ujh

    After talking with BBP staff, NYPD and PEP officers this morning, I understand the entire BBP will be open except for the following:

    *Small lawns along the main walk/bikeway;
    *Athletic facilities on Piers 2, 5 and 6, pop-up pool and entire Picnic Peninsula;
    *Spaces between benches and seawall fences/shoreline rocks.
    Access via Squibb Park is closed for a “Wounded Warrior” event in that park I was told by an NYPD officer (probably reserved viewing area for veterans). The main N-S walk/bikeway and esplanades around Piers 1, 2, and 5 will remain open for viewing. NYPD will check bags at entry points. BBP park staff is worried about destruction of planted areas.
    Some groups had already staked out picnic areas on the Pier 5 esplanade by 11 a.m.
    BBP will obviously accommodate many more visitors than the BH Promenade.