The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks returning to the Hudson River for some reason

2013 photo of the fireworks on the West Side as seen from the East Village 

For the first time since 2013, you'll have to awkwardly rekindle that friendship this summer with those people you really don't like who live on the west side and have a rooftop view of the Hudson River. 

Per our friends at West Side Rag: 

Macy's, along with officials from the city and New Jersey, announced Tuesday the fireworks display would be taking place over the Hudson in 2024, with "thousands of shells and an array of effects from barges position along the Hudson River with multiple viewing opportunities in Manhattan between West 14th and West 34th Streets and in New Jersey."

While the fireworks won’t be ignited on the Upper West Side, it means that any spot along the Hudson River within Riverside South and Riverside Park, or a properly positioned neighborhood roof you might be able to get on, will provide locals with a great view of the display. 

The July 4th fireworks show typically takes place over the East River, the correct river for this, but in 2009, the display shifted to the Hudson River for a special celebration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploration of the region, and it stayed there for four long years. (It also seemed like overkill: Henry Hudson already has a parkway and a double-deck steel arch toll bridge named after him. Fireworks too, now?)

Anyway, here's a view of the fireworks in 2011 from the East Village looking to the west ...

Tuesday's parting shot

Happy 4th! Hope your dogs are less traumatized (except for the 500 people lighting fireworks on the block). 

Back later with a round-by-round analysis with letter grades!

Monday's parting shot

Thanks to the reader for the rooftop shot tonight (July 4!) ...

Why you may not be able to see the July 4 fireworks from the usual places this year

[2018 6th Street rooftop view of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks]

In case you are planning to watch the 4th of July Fireworks tomorrow (July 4!) ... you're likely not going to have that view as in did in recent years from your neighbor's roof on Sixth Street (or wherever you may have had roof access...)

This year, Macy's has moved the barges to below the Brooklyn Bridge, which is the star of the show...



So...



Last year, the barges were placed on the river between 23rd Street and 40th Street ... Flashback!


[2018]

This year, the northernmost point that Macy's suggests on its Where-to-Watch map is Montgomery Street and Cherry Street.

And via the Macy's press release...

Since 1976, Macy’s Fireworks have grown in scale and artistry as they burst to life over many of New York City’s waterways and neighborhoods. Incorporating landmarks and celebratory milestones is a Macy’s Fireworks signature. Macy’s last showcased the Brooklyn Bridge when its structure served as the launchpad for key moments in the 2014 show.

This year’s presentation will add three times more pyrotechnic firepower as Macy’s creative team expands the design to include more dazzling and intricate effects firing from locations spanning the entire bridge. On Independence Day, millions of spectators will enjoy jaw-dropping effects launching from more than a dozen points off the famed Brooklyn landmark throughout the 25-minute display.

The fireworks start at 9:20 p.m. And for some reason if you're going to be driving around, here are street closures via NBC 4.

Today, we celebrate our Independence Day and street closures

[Screengrab via Macy's]

Last week, Macy's reportedly changed the location of the barges for tonight's fireworks... something to keep in mind in case you had plans for watching from, say, the South Street Seaport or Brooklyn Heights. You won't have a view like you did last July 4. The five barges will be located in the East River between 24th Street and 41st Street.

This map via Macy's has a rundown of viewing spots.

The fireworks will also impact driving/parking around here. Gothamist has a full list of closures, including:

• East Houston Street between Baruch Place and FDR Drive
• Avenue C between 13th Street and Avenue C Entrance Ramp to FDR
• Avenue C Entrance Ramps
• East 6th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
• East 10th Street between Avenue D and FDR Drive
• 14th Street between Avenue C and Avenue B

These roadways will be closed roughly from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. The fireworks are from 9:20 to 9:50 p.m. And you still have time to memorize President Whitmore's "Independence Day" speech.

East River hosting July 4 fireworks again; prepare thee for 'never-before-seen shells and effects'

For the third consecutive year, the Macy's 4th of July fireworks will launch from the East River. [Insert west side taunt here.]

Anyway, here are all the glory details via the official news release released Monday announcing the 2017 edition...

A pyrotechnic anthem for the ages will ignite New York City’s famed skyline on Tuesday, July 4, as the 41st Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® launch an unrivaled barrage of color, shape, light and sound to celebrate Independence Day.

The nation’s largest pyrotechnic display will come to life over the East River, captivating more than 3 million spectators lining the shorelines, waterways, streets and rooftops of the Big Apple and millions more on television coast-to-coast as together they marvel at the nation’s largest and most exciting party.

Beginning at approximately 9:25 p.m., the first shells will launch the celebration along the shores of Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn with more than 60,000 effects rumbling toward the grand finale.

The 41st edition of the festivities will showcase a 25-minute display featuring never-before-seen shells and effects. Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is once again at the helm of the pyrotechnics that will feature multiple new shells including color changing chrysanthemums, purple crackling ghost peonies, orange bees, and pulsing happy faces in 23 electrifying colors including fuchsia, lemon and aqua.

Last night

[Photo by James and Karla Murray via Facebook]