July 4 | 6:30pm | Pier 16 | $75–$200
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a dazzling evening on the waterfront at the South Street Seaport Museum, where you’ll enjoy one of New York City’s most iconic fireworks displays from a truly special vantage point. Set along the East River, the Museum’s historic Pier 16 offers unparalleled front-row views of the 49th edition of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks®, which will launch from the Brooklyn Bridge and four barges stretching right in front of the Museum, from the bridge to Pier 6.
Bring your friends, family, and festive spirit for this backyard-style Independence Day celebration filled with excitement, color, and the thrill of fireworks lighting up the New York City skyline. There are two viewing areas to choose from at Pier 16—Red and Blue. Both areas promise great views and an incredible waterfront experience.
To complete the celebration, all ticket holders can purchase delicious food and refreshing drinks from Cobble Fish, which will have food and drink stations throughout the pier. A variety of festive favorites will be available—think hot dogs, burgers, and lobster rolls, plus ice-cold Margaritas, cocktails, beer, lemonade, and iced tea. Come hungry; there’s something for everyone!
This is an all-ages experience you won’t want to miss. All attendees over the age of one year old must have a ticket to enter. Infants do not require their own ticket. Access to the pier will begin at 6:30pm and the sky come alive with fireworks from 9:25pm to 10pm.
Ticket Options
Red Viewing Zone | $200
Almost sold out!
Red ticket holders have access to a more exclusive watch area at the face of Pier 16, offering an optimal view of fireworks launched from both the Brooklyn Bridge and the barges.
Blue Viewing Zone | $75
Blue ticket holders have an incredible view of the fireworks launched from the barges along the river but may have a limited view of the bridge.
Advanced registration is required. Details about timing and how to access the celebration will be emailed to ticket holders. All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be issued. This event will take place rain or shine. Tickets are limited, and space within the Red and Blue viewing areas is available on a first-come, first-served basis for respective ticket holders.
Additional Information
Security Checks
Coolers and large bags are not permitted in the NYPD secure zone. All items brought into the space are subject to search by NYPD, and guests may be asked to discard items prior to entry. The Seaport Museum is not liable for any items that are not permitted into the secure zone by NYPD. Strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers are allowed but are also subject to search by NYPD.
Food and Drinks
Food and drink will be available for purchase from Cobble Fish at various stations throughout the pier. Offerings will include festive favorites like hot dogs, burgers, chips and guacamole, lobster rolls, Margaritas, cocktails, beer, lemonade, and iced tea. Last call for food and beverages will be at 9:10pm, just before the fireworks begin at 9:25pm. As a reminder, no outside food or drinks are permitted, aside from water in clear plastic bottles.
Seating
The Blue Viewing Zone does not include seating. The Red Viewing Zone has limited seating available on a first come, first served basis. Guests with disabilities may bring mobility aids, such as tripod stools or specialty chairs. Guests who would like seating may also try bringing a small folding chair through the NYPD checkpoints; however, these are subject to search, and whether they are allowed is at the discretion of on-site officers. The Seaport Museum is not liable for any items that are not permitted into the secure zone by NYPD.
Bathrooms
Portable toilets will be available within the Blue Viewing Zone for guest use throughout the evening.
Rain or Shine
This event will take place rain or shine. Any decision to cancel the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® is at the discretion of Macy’s. The Seaport Museum does not issue refunds or exchanges, regardless of weather conditions.
Tickets
All guests over the age of one must have a ticket to enter. Infants under one year of age do not require their own ticket. Each ticket includes a unique QR code. Orders with multiple tickets will include a QR code for each ticket. If you cannot locate your confirmation email, please check your spam or junk folder. If it’s still missing, you may request a resend by contacting [email protected].
Walking Around the Pier
For safety, once you’ve entered the Viewing Zone, you will not be permitted to leave Pier 16 until the fireworks display concludes at 10:00pm. Guests in the Red Viewing Zone will be able to move back and forth between the Red and Blue Viewing Zones as they wish throughout the evening.
Independence Day Pioneer Charter
Celebrate the Fourth of July in unforgettable style with a private charter aboard the 1885 schooner Pioneer! Together with up to 36 of your friends and family, the deck of this historic ship will become your exclusive front-row seat to New York City’s legendary fireworks display. With the skyline as your backdrop and fireworks lighting up the night, this experience promises an evening of magic. Don’t miss this opportunity—inquire now to reserve your exclusive Independence Day charter!
This charter fee starts at $8,000.
Make Wavertree Your Exclusive Party Destination
This Independence Day, make the 1885 tall ship Wavertree your exclusive event destination! Moored along the southern edge of Pier 16, this magnificent, three-masted vessel—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—offers a stunning waterfront setting and unbeatable views of the iconic Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® display. Whether you’re planning an epic gathering with hundreds of friends and family or an impressive corporate event, Wavertree sets the stage for a night to remember. From full bars to passed hors d’oeuvres, your vision can come to life aboard this historic tall ship.
This rental fee starts at $30,000.
Ready for more?
Head over to our Programs and Events page to see what else is happening at the Museum. Sign up for an upcoming talk, learn more about visiting Wavertree, or explore our virtual offerings.