Carli Clesmere 
Fireworks season is here, and this year’s show is a big deal. The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show is turning 50 in 2026, and NYC is celebrating with a major display along the East + Hudson River. Since 1976, this show has lit up the skyline with choreographed bursts set to music, and this year is expected to be bigger than ever. While the best views will be in NYC, it’s still one of those bucket-list summer experiences worth planning for. Read on for everything to know, including where to catch local fireworks displays near Hoboken + Jersey City and more festive July 4th events.
If you know of another venue where you can watch the fireworks, please email [email protected].
About the 50th Annual Macy’s Fireworks Display
Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are back for 2026, and this year, the display will be visible from both the Lower East River and the Hudson River. The 50th anniversary celebration of the fireworks, which also coincides with America’s 250th anniversary, will take place on Saturday, July 4th, 2026. Macy’s shared that the show will expand to the Lower East River in the Seaport District, the lower Hudson River in collaboration with Jersey City, and the Brooklyn Bridge, creating a larger shared viewing experience. We’ve got more details on that here.
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Jersey City Fireworks Displays
4th of July Rooftop Celebration at RoofTop at Exchange Place | 1st Street #1, Jersey City
Known for its American cuisine and craft cocktails, Rooftop at Exchange Place — aka Rooftop XP — regularly hosts seasonal celebrations featuring live DJ sets, festive bites like a hot dog + burger cart, and summer-themed cocktails. The event typically kick off in the late afternoon and will take place on July 4th. See here for more.
Jersey City’s Fourth of July Festival | Exchange Place Path Plaza, Jersey City
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Jersey City’s annual July 4th Fireworks Celebration returns to Exchange Place on Friday, July 4th, 2026, from 12PM to 10PM. The full-day, family-friendly event will feature over 60 vendors, three DJ stages, two beer gardens, and a Kids’ Zone with activations and bounce castles. The Independence Day celebration will wrap up with a fireworks display by world-renowned Fireworks by Grucci over the Hudson River, set against the NYC skyline. The show begins at 9:30 PM and will be synchronized to a patriotic soundtrack, with views available across the waterfront.
Jersey City Night Market: Festival + Fireworks | 179 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
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The Jersey City Freedom + Fireworks Festival, powered by the Jersey City Night Market, returns to Exchange Place on Saturday, July 4th, 2026, from 12PM to 9PM. Known as New Jersey’s largest Independence Day celebration, the waterfront event features live music, carnival rides, and over 100 local food trucks and vendors. The festival takes place along the Hudson River at Hudson Street + Montgomery Street, with views of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline. This year, guests may also be able to spot the tall ship flotilla hosted by New York and New Jersey in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, visible from the festival location. The day wraps up with a major fireworks display over the Hudson River.
Macy’s Fireworks Watch Parties
Fourth of July at Liberty Landing Marina | 80 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Jersey City residents can watch the 2026 Macy’s Fireworks show from a boat at Liberty Landing Marina. This watch party, which provides a front-row view, will take place at 80 Audrey Zapp Drive on July 4th.
Port Imperial Weehawken 4th of July Cruise | Port Imperial, 4800 Avenue at Port Imperial, Weehawken
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NY Waterway will offer several July 4th cruise experiences for 2026, giving guests front-row views of the fireworks and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations from New York Harbor. Options include the Sail4th 250 Tall Ships Parade of Sail: July 4th Buffet Cruise with Open Bar on the Grande Mariner, featuring a full buffet, open bar, and narration of the historic tall ships parade; the July 4th America 250 Fireworks Dinner Cruise aboard Eternity, a luxury three-deck yacht experience with a five-course meal, live entertainment, DJ music, and full-service bar; and the 4th July Fireworks Cruise on New York Harbor aboard the Grande Mariner, featuring an all-inclusive BBQ buffet, live DJ, open bar, climate-controlled cabin, and spacious top-deck viewing. Cruises will sail through New York Harbor with views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, international tall ship flotilla, and Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. Fireworks are weather-dependent and subject to New York City Coast Guard regulations. Boarding time begins at 6:30 PM on Saturday, July 4th. See more details here.
Spots to Watch Macy’s Fireworks in Hoboken + Jersey City
Harborside Atrium | 210 Hudson Street, Jersey City
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Located along the Jersey City waterfront, Harborside is home to professional offices and restaurants. The Harborside Atrium, an event space within the building, has floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, making it a go-to spot to watch the fireworks.
Liberty State Park | 1 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City
Liberty State Park, Jersey City’s most well-known park, provides a view of the NYC skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. With tons of open space available, residents can pick a spot and enjoy the show.
Pier A Park | 11 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
Located next to the Hoboken train station, Pier A Park is known for its large green space, view of the NYC skyline, summertime splash pad, and more.
Greater NJ Firework Displays + Events
Bergen County Star-Spangled Spectacular | Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park
Bergen County’s 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular returns on July 4th at Overpeck County Park, and this year’s celebration is extra special in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Festivities begin at 2 PM and include live music, children’s activities, 20+ food trucks, a beer + wine garden, carnival attractions, and fireworks over Overpeck Creek to end the night. The Sugarhill Gang will headline, with performances also from the New Jersey Wind Symphony, Super Trans AM, Glenn Roberts Band, and Tempo Alegre. Rain date is July 5th. Learn more here.
Oradell Fourth of July Parade + Fireworks | Memorial Field, Oradell
Oradell’s Fourth of July festivities span two days, starting with a July 3rd pre-party featuring food trucks and fireworks. On July 4th, locals can line the sidewalks for the town’s parade, followed by a DJ, games, a wet down, and a beer garden. Learn more here.
Union Township Fourth of July Spectacular | Biertuempfel Park, Union
Union Township’s annual Fourth of July Spectacular takes place on July 4th at Biertuempfel Park, with a rain date of July 5th. The night kicks off at 7:30 PM with a free concert by The UpTown Band, followed by a fireworks display. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Learn more here.
State Fair Meadowlands Fireworks | 1 MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford
State Fair Meadowlands is bringing the July 4th fun to East Rutherford with its annual fireworks display at the fairgrounds. Attendees can make a night of it with classic fair food, rides, games, entertainment, and fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. Learn more here.
Allendale Fireworks | 300 West Crescent Avenue, Allendale
Allendale hosts its annual Fourth of July celebration, an all-day event filled with family-friendly activities and community traditions. The lineup typically includes field events, a horseshoe tournament, a water balloon toss, a fun run, and more, all leading up to a fireworks display at Crestwood Lake in the evening.
Paramus Food Trucks Festival + Fireworks Show | Cliff Gennarelli Sports Complex, Paramus
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Hosted by the Paramus Volunteer Fire Department, Paramus’s fireworks display takes place on July 6th at 5PM. This community event will double as a food truck festival, boasting a variety of food options and live music by DJ Valentino + iHeartRadio at 6PM. For more on this event, see here.
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Ridgewood Fourth of July Celebration | Veterans Field, North Maple Avenue, Ridgewood
Ridgewood hosts its annual Fourth of July celebration at Veterans Field, featuring food trucks, live entertainment, and a beer garden. The evening event typically begins with gates opening in the early evening, followed by a fireworks show after dark. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, and snacks for a comfortable viewing experience. The event takes place on Saturday, July 4th and starts at 9 AM.
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