Entertainment

How To Stream Macy's 4th Of July Celebration

by Victoria McNally
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images News/Getty Images

The 4th of July is a time for three things: barbecues, American flag-printed memorabilia, and giant fireworks spectacles. Most people like to go their own local celebration going on, of course, but if you’re feeling like a homebody this weekend and don’t want to go out to enjoy the festivities, there’s always the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks special that NBC puts on every year, complete with awesome musical performances by some of the biggest artists around. But where can you stream the stream the Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks Spectacular if you don’t have a television set handy?

You can check out the stream of the July 4th Fireworks from 8 to 10pm ET using NBC’s mobile app, or on NBC’s live stream website — although you will need a login for a cable provider to do so. According to AM New York, Macy’s has promised it will be the biggest Independence Day event in New York City for over a decade, and will feature performances by Jennifer Lopez, Brad Paisley, Hailee Steinfeld, Lady Antebellum, Sheryl Crow, and Charlie Puth.

However, although the show will be broadcast both on TV and online, if you miss it while it’s happening, there won’t be another chance to watch with On Demand. So if you don’t have a DVR handy, you’re going to have to make a choice between staying home to watch it and going out to see some real fireworks. As a certified Indoor Kid I am staunchly pro-watching the Macy's Fireworks instead of going outside, and here are just a few reasons why:

There Are No Mosquitos Indoors

The biggest problems with outdoor fireworks? You have to be outdoors, where the bugs live. Hard pass.

There's Also Air Conditioning

Sure, the summer night air can be be very relaxing, but you know what’s even more relaxing? Central air.

You Can Control The Volume

Fireworks are a notoriously upsetting method of celebration, and not just for your easily-spooked dog — Military.com says they can also trigger PTSD in veterans, and the Migraine Relief Center’s blog points out that loud noises can cause migraines, too.

Fireworks Are Legit Bad For You

It’s not just the volume or the explosions that makes fireworks dangerous. A study reported on by Time also suggests that fireworks cause significant air pollution. Don’t have to deal with any of that if you’re watching it on the big screen!

No Designated Drivers Needed

If you’re not trying to get back and forth from anywhere, you can party all you want in a totally responsible way. Or, you can just fall asleep on the couch! Either way, not having to deal with traffic or public transportation is a holiday miracle.

Rad Musical Performances

Does your local township have access to acts like Jennifer Lopez, Lady Antebellum, and Charlie Puth? Yeah, didn’t think so.

You Don’t Have To Wear Pants

And really, isn’t that the greatest reason to stay indoors?

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the 4th of July this year, I think everyone can agree that we all could use a little extra time off this weekend to hang out with friends and family. Whether that's inside watching the Macy's Spectacular, with or without pants, is totally up to you.