Carli Clesmere 
Fireworks season is here, and this year’s show is a big one for Jersey City. The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks are turning 50 in 2026, and the anniversary display is expanding to the lower Hudson River, the lower East River, and the Brooklyn Bridge. That means Jersey City will have a front-row seat for this year’s show. Read on for what to know about the fireworks + viewing spots.
Where to Watch the Macy’s Fireworks in Jersey City
Prime viewing areas for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks include Exchange Place, the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway, and the Colgate Clock/Essex Street area. ADA-accessible viewing will also be available at 70 Hudson Street along the Hudson River Walkway. The fireworks typically begin around 9:25 PM ET and last for about 25 to 30 minutes, with the NBC television broadcast starting earlier at 8 PM.
Read More: Will Fireworks be Visible from Hoboken on July 4th?
Waterfront access points include:
- 2nd Street + Hudson Street
- Hudson Street + Harborside Place
- Christopher Columbus Drive + Hudson Street
- York Street + Hudson Street
- Grand Street + Hudson Street
- 70 Hudson Street at the Hudson River Walkway for ADA-accessible viewing
- Washington Street + Dudley Street in Paulus Hook
- Essex Street + Hudson Street
- Colgate Clock
How to Get There
If you live in Jersey City, walking to one of the designated waterfront access points is the move. For anyone traveling in, public transportation is highly recommended, and driving is strongly discouraged since the festival footprint will limit vehicle access throughout Downtown Jersey City.
PATH riders can use Exchange Place, Grove Street, or Newport. Grove Street and Newport are recommended alternatives for anyone hoping to avoid the heaviest crowds at Exchange Place. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail riders can use Harborside, Exchange Place, or Essex Street.
Those who absolutely need to drive are encouraged by the city to park outside the event footprint, including in Newport, Journal Square, Liberty State Park, or west of Marin Boulevard, then walk or take transit into the area.
More Jersey City + Local July 4th Firework Viewing Spots
Want to catch fireworks somewhere else or make a full festive weekend out of it? We also rounded up a few more local events and viewing spots below.
Jersey City Events
4th of July at Harborside | 200 Hudson Street, Jersey City
Harborside is hosting a 4th of July celebration on Saturday, July 4th from 8PM-11PM at 200 Hudson Street in Jersey City. The event is open to the public and will include drinks, food, music, + fireworks, with a cash bar and lite bites available. Guests should enter from the Back Boardwalk.
4th of July Rooftop Celebration at RoofTop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place
RoofTop at Exchange Place is hosting a 4th of July rooftop celebration with skyline views, seasonal bites, cocktails, and live DJ energy. The waterfront rooftop is known for its panoramic Manhattan views, making it a popular spot for fireworks watching. Event details are expected to vary by ticket/reservation type, so attendees should check with RoofTop at Exchange Place directly before going.
4th of July Stork Club Rooftop Party | Felina Steak, 2 Chapel Avenue
Stork Club Rooftop at Felina Steak is hosting a Fourth of July rooftop party on Saturday, July 4th. Tickets include unlimited wine + beer from NJ Beer Co., BBQ bites, passed lite bites, a live DJ, and views of the Macy’s fireworks. Specialty cocktails and bottle service will also be available for purchase.
America 250: Jersey City Style! Americana in the Heights | Riverview-Fisk Park, 498 Palisade Avenue
As part of Jersey City’s America 250 weekend programming, Riverview-Fisk Park will host Americana in the Heights on Saturday, July 4th from 6PM to 9PM. The free concert is part of a citywide music series taking place across multiple Jersey City parks throughout the holiday weekend.
America 250: Jersey City Style! Jazz + Salsa Party | Berry Lane Park, 1000 Garfield Avenue
Berry Lane Park will host the Jazz + Salsa Party on Saturday, July 4th as part of America 250: Jersey City Style. The event is part of a weekend-long lineup of free outdoor concerts throughout Jersey City, with live music styles ranging from salsa to classical to bluegrass.
America 250: Jersey City Style! Sunday in the Park | Van Vorst Park
The America 250: Jersey City Style series continues on Sunday, July 5th with Sunday in the Park at Van Vorst Park. The event is part of the city’s July 4th weekend concert lineup and gives locals another way to keep the holiday weekend going after the fireworks.
America 250: Jersey City Style! Summer Swing Dance | Hamilton Park, 9 McWilliams Place
The July 4th weekend celebrations begin early with a Summer Swing Dance at Hamilton Park on Friday, July 3rd from 7PM to 9PM. The event features the Rob Edwards Big Band and is part of Jersey City’s America 250 programming, which includes live music events across several parks.
Blue Anchor Bar + Kitchen 4th of July Party | 166 River Drive
Blue Anchor Bar + Kitchen is hosting a waterfront Fourth of July party on Saturday, July 4th from 9PM to 11PM. The event includes an open bar and hors d’oeuvres as fireworks light up the NYC skyline from the Jersey City waterfront. Tickets are $120 per adult and $50 per child. To reserve, call 201-734-0020.
Fourth of July at Liberty Landing Marina | 80 Audrey Zapp Drive
Liberty Landing Marina is hosting Fourth of July programming for those looking to watch the Macy’s fireworks and Jersey City fireworks from the water. The marina’s celebration gives boaters and guests a waterfront view of the Manhattan skyline, Jersey City, and the holiday fireworks displays.
Fourth of July Fireworks at 902 Brewing | 902 Brewing Co., 101 Pacific Avenue
902 Brewing Co. is hosting a Fourth of July fireworks event on Saturday, July 4th from 7PM to close. Taproom access is free, and the event is dog-friendly, but rooftop access requires a ticket. Rooftop tickets include access to the upstairs viewing area and one drink ticket, with limited availability.
Jersey City Freedom + Fireworks Festival | Exchange Place PATH Plaza
Jersey City’s annual Freedom + Fireworks Festival returns to Exchange Place on Saturday, July 4th. The waterfront festival is expected to include live music, food vendors, local vendors, carnival rides, beer gardens, family-friendly activations, and fireworks over the Hudson River. Jersey City Night Market is producing the festival portion, which will span several blocks downtown.
Jersey City Red White + Brew 4th of July Bar Crawl | Boots + Bones, 116 Newark Avenue
The Jersey City Red White + Brew Bar Crawl is happening on Saturday, July 4th, starting at Boots + Bones. The bar crawl will bring Independence Day energy to Downtown Jersey City with participating bars, drink specials, and a festive night-out feel.
See More: Food Festivals Happening in New Jersey for Summer 2026, By County
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