You Can Watch Macy's 4th Of July Special Anywhere

While we can’t all be in the Big Apple on July 4 to witness Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, we can all catch the extravaganza live, thanks to modern technology. And, the showcase is expected to be grander than ever as Monday, July 4, 2016 marks Macy’s 40th anniversary conducting the Fourth of July fireworks display in New York. So, here are all of the ways you can watch and stream Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular.

The display will be televised on NBC and accompanied by patriotic musical performances from stars like Meghan Trainor, Kenny Chesney, Pitbull, and 5 Seconds of Summer. The event will also feature a closing musical performance of “America the Beautiful” by Broadway star Jennifer Holliday and The United States Air Force Band. Of course, this won’t be the only way to watch the 40th anniversary celebration, which Macy’s announced will feature “more than 56,000 effects” making 2016 its “largest pyrotechnic display in more than a decade.” The show will also be available via live streaming and apps.

While 3 million onlookers are expected to watch the display over New York City, Macy’s estimates that “tens of millions of viewers nationwide [will] marvel at the synchronized explosions and soaring musical tributes.” With so many viewers across the country, it’s interesting to consider how all of the spectators will enjoy the fireworks with the use of modern technology and devices. If you plan on enjoying Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, here’s a guide to all of the ways you can watch, from up close and in person to the screen of your smart phone.

In New York

If you’ll be one of the millions of attendees watching the pyrotechnical displays illuminate New York’s skyline, Macy’s has some tips and directions provided on their website. The website explains, “The Fireworks display will be launched from barges along the East River in Manhattan. Public viewing areas are located along The FDR Drive and the downtown piers at South Street Seaport.” So if you'll be in New York, head over to the east side and grab a spot.

Live On NBC

Catch the fireworks extravaganza on NBC on Monday, July 4, at 8 p.m. ET. The televised event will be hosted by the Today show’s Willie Geist and Tamron Hall. The live broadcast will showcase all of the event's fireworks, musical performances, and spectacle.

Live Stream On NBC

Visit www.nbc.com/live to see if streaming is available in your area. If your location works with the live stream, you'll have to login with a cable subscription, and then you can watch the special live online.

NBC App

Since the NBC App lets you stream “can’t miss specials,” it will likely have the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular available. And like the NBC website, it offers "a live stream of your local NBC station (in select markets)." The app is available for many devices, including iOS, Apple TV, Androids, Amazon Fire, Roku, Xbox One, and more.

Makelight App

Macy's announced that the mobile special effects platform, Makelight, has launched an app that will bring the prismatic spectacle straight to your phone. Revelers at home or in New York can download the free app on Google Play and iTunes and watch their phones sync with the colors seen in the show. As the sky is illuminated, users phones’ will mimic the effect with awesome colors.

Since there is no wrong way to experience Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, don't forget to enjoy the show live, from the comfort of your living room, or with a dazzling app.

Cheers to the combined wonder of the Fourth of July and the magic of technology.

Images: Craig Blankenhorn/NBC, NBC; Giphy (2)