A Guide to July 4 Fireworks in NYC

By Matthew Hampton

Fireworks and Independence Day go together like hot dogs and Independence Day, or the beach and Independence Day, or American flags and Independence Day, or basically anything rad and Independence Day. 

For big-time displays this year, you've really only got a couple of options — since the Macy's Spectacular is only on the Hudson River. 

If you don't have access to a brownstone Brooklyn rooftop and you don't want to battle the crowds in Manhattan, consider Coney Island. 

Below, we've compiled some must-know information for both locations.

Fireworks on the Hudson River: 
The NYPD has released its list of official viewing locations, and they are on 11th Avenue at:

• 24th Street
• 26th Street
• 28th Street
• 29th Street
• 33rd Street
• 34th Street 
• 40th Street
• 42nd Street
• 44th Street
• 50th Street
• 52nd Street
• 54th Street
• 56th Street 
• 57th Street

Some important things to remember about these viewing areas:

1. No dogs are allowed. Sorry pet owners.
2. No large backpacks.
3. No blankets or lawn chairs.
4. No coolers.
5. No alcoholic beverages.

Once the NYPD has determined that a viewing area is full, they're going to close it and move people on to the next open area. So get there early. 

Police will start letting the public in at 5:30 p.m.  The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. and last until 9:50 p.m. 

Fireworks at Coney Island:
There will be a special fireworks display at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, and it is free (although you can make a donation that will go to the Brooklyn Public Library).

The gates at the park open at 4:30 p.m. 

The fireworks in Coney Island also begin at 9 p.m. 

If you're at Coney Island beforehand, you can always check out the super-disgusting Hot Dog Eating Championships, which feature people from around the globe eating an already pretty-gross food in a gross way in gross quantities. That kicks off just before 12 p.m.