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In addition to being a stunning spectacle, the triumphant return of the Macy’s Fireworks in NYC in 2021 underscores an important point: The Big Apple is back. Last year, as New York was emerging from one of the country’s worst COVID-19 outbreaks, the Fourth of July was marked with a series of surprise fireworks displays. But this year, the celebration will return to its former, scheduled glory. From five barges stationed in the East River around Midtown, an extravaganza of colorful pyrotechnics—look out for fans, rainbows, and jellyfish—will be set to a sweeping patriotic score. The show kicks off around 9:25 p.m. Sunday, and will last for 25 minutes. Whether you make a reservation for rooftop cocktails, or spread a blanket over a riverfront patch of grass with a picnic basket, read on for the best places to watch the fireworks in NYC in 2021.
Public viewing platforms
Fully vaccinated spectators can flock to public viewing platforms on FDR Drive. Set up by the NYPD, the elevated sections can be accessed from entry points on East 23rd, East 34th, and East 42nd Streets. Plans are likely to evolve, though, so Macy’s suggests checking online for the most up-to-date information on the access points and entry requirements.
Roosevelt Island
Instead of making a beeline for the Roosevelt Island Tramway along with the other estimated 15,000 people who will all be trying to commute home after the show, book a night at the new Graduate Roosevelt. Positioned at the south end of the island, a little north of Four Freedoms park, almost all of the hotel’s rooms have unobstructed views of the East River. Order provisions from the ground floor all-day cafe, Anything at All, including to-go bottled cocktails and fried chicken sandwiches. Though there’s no specific programming, you can perch in the park and take in the view from the lawn or enjoy a private viewing right from the room.
Domino Park
Located on the waterfront in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the five-acre Domino Park—named in homage to the Domino sugar refinery that once occupied the site—has a sweet range of features, including volleyball and bocce courts, a sprawling playground, and a taco shop. It’s also got a lawn, seating steps, and an elevated walkway made with repurposed columns from the factory’s old sugar warehouse—all prime spots to catch the fireworks show.
Hunters Point South Park
Long Island City’s waterfront park has come alive in recent years, transforming from a post-industrial area to a sweeping, thoughtfully-designed green space overlooking the East River and the Manhattan skyline. Fireworks viewing spots range from patches of plush lawn or turf field to benches, chairs, and a 30-foot cantilevered overlook. Arrive early to stake out a spot: It gets crowded.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
It’s tough to top the view at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge any night of the year, but especially on July Fourth, where the hotel offers a deluxe seat to the sparkling show. After a COVID-prompted hiatus last year, the luxury property is hosting its viewing party at Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge. From 6 p.m. to midnight, book an al fresco table for prime fireworks viewing, plus access to bottle service, signature cocktails, and a short menu of light bites. Tables can be booked for up to six people starting at $1,250.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
There are plenty of spots to spread out a picnic blanket in the 1.3-mile riverfront park, but if you prefer your fireworks served up alongside wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, head to Fornino. Book a reservation for the tiny Pier 6 outpost during the show, or, when it sells out (it surely will), snag a table anytime between 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. for a fireworks pregame, then move to the lawn with that picnic blanket. Note: Expect the views of the fireworks to be partial here. Even though the fireworks are expected to reach heights of 1,000 feet and span a mile wide, the barge is positioned further up the river this year.
