Macy's Fireworks July 4th: What you need to know about this year's show

This year, the 46th annual Macy's Fireworks Show returns to the East River on the evening of July 4th. Macy's will start its signature fireworks display at 21:25 p.m. ABC7.

What to expect

The show, as always, will give the audience a flurry of emotions thanks to dazzling fireworks and special effects. This year, more than 48 fireworks will be fired from five barges located between 000rd and 23nd streets on the East River. Approximately 42 pyrotechnic projectiles will be fired every minute.

The 25-minute show, synchronized with incendiary music, features fireworks in 30 colors and shapes, including tall-hat salutes, mushrooms, tricolor intertwining rings and flashing smiley faces.

Where to see

Fireworks will be launched from barges along the East River in Manhattan.

Free public viewing spaces will be available with limited capacity along Roosevelt Drive and at locations in Queens and Brooklyn, as follows:

1. East 42nd Street and Roosevelt Drive - Enter through checkpoints at 1st Avenue and East 42nd Street or at 1st Avenue and East 34th Street.
2. East 23rd Street and Roosevelt Drive - Enter through the checkpoint at the intersection of 1st Avenue and East 23rd Street.
3. Gantry Plaza Park in Queens
4. Transmitter Park in Brooklyn
5. Bushwick Inlet Park in Brooklyn
6. Marsha P. Johnson Park in Brooklyn

Additional viewing seats available with tickets.

There are places from which it will be difficult to see. They are not recommended to choose for watching fireworks: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights Waterfront, Brooklyn Grand Ferry Park, Domino Park, Queens Hunters Point South Park, and Roosevelt Island.

On the subject: Top 12 Best Places to Watch the 4th of July Fireworks in New York

Fireworks soundtrack

This year's show's musical score will showcase the dynamic diversity of America's musical heritage. Ray Chu, celebrity music director of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, curated the musical portion of the show. It will feature America's unique musical genres that have inspired and conquered the world, from jazz and hip-hop to R&B, rock and country, and patriotic tunes.

Highlights include The Star-Spangled Banner performed by the United States Army Choir, Born in the US, Lift Every Voice and Sing featuring Kenny Lattimore.

The July 4th Macy's fireworks has been a tradition in New York City since 1976. More information about the show can be found on Macy's website.