What to know about watching the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Show

The 49th Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show is an iconic event in the region to celebrate the country's birthday. Here are some answers to your questions about the show's details and where to view it.

When does the show begin?

The show will be televised nationwide on NBC and simulcast live on Peacock from 8 to 10 p.m. An encore presentation will be aired at 10 p.m. on NBC.

Where is the show located?

The fireworks will be launched from four barges between Pier 17 and the Downtown Manhattan Heliport on the lower East River in the Seaport District. For the first time, the East and West Towers of the Brooklyn Bridge will also feature projected mapping of animation and colors to complement the fireworks.

Are tickets needed?

The show does not sell tickets and does not sell VIP tickets at any viewing location. Macy’s doesn’t endorse or participate in any venues along the viewing path of the show. This is a free public event.

Who is the host?

This year, it will be Academy Award-winning actor and singer Ariana DeBose.

Who will perform?

This year’s performances include the Jonas Brothers, Eric Church, Lenny Kravitz, Ava Max, Keke Palmer, Trisha Yearwood, and a musical score created by six-time Grammy Award-winning musician Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and record producer James Poyser. They will perform on The Rooftop at Pier 17 live from New York City.

What kind of fireworks will there be?

Fireworks will include crackling crown jellyfish, atomic rings, yellow and green sunbursts, strobing lemon cascades, comet fans and more before Macy’s Golden Mile. The show is said to launch more than 80,000 shells some 1,000 feet into the sky, made possible through Macy’s Studios in collaboration with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza.

Can you view the show from the water in a commercial boat?

There are several companies, including Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, North River Lobster Company and American Princess Cruises, that offer cruises providing views of the fireworks.

What are the ideal places to view the show?

Brooklyn Bridge Park and sections along Pier 16 and Pier 17 at the Seaport District will be accessible only via free tickets issued by the City of New York.

A map of public viewing areas can be found at macys.com/s/fireworks.

What about security and street closures?

At a news conference Wednesday, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said there are no known security threats to the show, but thousands of officers, as well as harbor and aviation units, will be deployed.

The Brooklyn Bridge will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in both directions from Friday at 9 a.m. until Saturday at 4 a.m.

On the Manhattan side of the East River, the FDR Drive will be closed to traffic from East Houston to West Streets on Friday from 3 p.m. Viewing areas along the drive will begin to open at 6 p.m. Along the East River, seating areas for viewing are designated for ticket holders only, said Tisch.

A list of prohibited items in the viewing areas include alcoholic beverages, lawn chairs, large backpacks, coolers, umbrellas, blankets and items that could obstruct viewing, she noted.

On the Brooklyn side of the East River, there will also be certain designated viewing areas accessible for ticket holders.

Newsday's Anthony M. DeStefano contributed to this story.