Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you purchase through our links, we may receive a commission. Opinion on the ethics declaration
The iconic celebration is set to take place with the greatest pomp ever to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Kevin Lynch is a writer and journalist born in London and based in Dublin. Author of Steve Jobs: A Biographical Portrait, Kevin is a regular writer for a number of technology sites and the former technology editor of the Daily Mirror. He was also editor-in-chief of GuinnessWorldRecords.com and a judge at the BAFTA British Academy Video Game Awards.
73% off with a 2-year plan (+4 months free). Now only $3.49/month
See more details
With a double celebration to mark, Macy’s 4th of July 2026 Fireworks Special is ready to light up the skies like never before. If you haven’t managed to find a prime spot to watch the screen or you’re far from the Big Apple, you can tune in to watch the show on TV.
The New York institution is now celebrating its 50th anniversary, an event that fits perfectly with this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, marking America’s 250th birthday. With launch sites on the Lower East River in the Seaport District, the Lower Hudson River and the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, this year’s exhibit is expected to feature more than 85,000 shells – its most ever – as well as revolutionary laser elements.
Read on to find out how to watch the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks show from anywhere.
What time does Macy’s 4th of July fireworks special start?
The two-hour special will be broadcast live on Saturday, July 4 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Terry Crews will host for the first time, while there will be a star-studded musical lineup that will see Noah Kahan, Post Malone, Salt-N-Pepa, Bebe Rexha, Shaboozey and Blake Shelton all perform.
The show will be complemented by the highly anticipated fireworks display, soundtracked by music by Grammy Award-winning composer Jason Howland, which will feature the live vocals of Alexia Jayy, winner of season 29 of The Voice.
Stream Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Special on Peacock
For those looking for an alternative to NBC, the event is being simulcast live on Peacock.
Peacock currently costs $11 per month for the ad-supported Peacock Premium plan and $17 per month for the ad-free Peacock Premium Plus plan.
Watch Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Special on Live TV Streaming Service
If you’ve ditched cable, you can still catch this year’s event with a subscription to a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Fubo Or Sling. Note that NBC is only available in select cities with Sling Blue or Sling Blue + Orange subscriptions.
How to Watch Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Special Using a VPN
If you are traveling internationally and wish to attend the event away from home, a VPN can help you improve your privacy and security while streaming.
It encrypts your traffic and prevents your Internet service provider from throttling your speed. Additionally, it can be useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks while traveling, providing an extra layer of protection for your devices and connections. VPNs are legal in many countries, including the United States and Canada, and can be used for legitimate purposes such as improving online privacy and security.
However, some streaming services may have policies restricting the use of VPN to access region-specific content. If you’re considering a VPN for streaming, check the platform’s terms of service to ensure compliance.
If you choose to use a VPN, follow the provider’s installation instructions to ensure you are connected securely and in compliance with applicable laws and service agreements. Some streaming platforms may block access when a VPN is detected, so it is crucial to check if your streaming subscription allows VPN use.
Price $78 for two yearsLatest tests No DNS leak detected, 18% speed loss in 2025 testingJurisdiction British Virgin IslandsNetwork More than 3,000 servers in 105 countries
ExpressVPN is currently our top VPN pick for people looking for a reliable and secure VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. Its most popular plan (Advanced) normally costs $120 per year, but if you sign up for an annual subscription now, you’ll save $45.
Other services and software
Kevin Lynch is a writer and journalist born in London and based in Dublin. Author of Steve Jobs: A Biographical Portrait, Kevin is a regular writer for a number of technology sites and the former technology editor of the Daily Mirror. He was also editor-in-chief of GuinnessWorldRecords.com and a judge at the BAFTA British Academy Video Game Awards. See full bio