9 fun, free places to watch Fourth of July fireworks in New York City

• Your Fourth of July celebration may require some planning ahead if you w ant to catch some free fireworks in or near New York City.
• Check out these hotspots this Independence Day.

Celebrating the Fourth of July around New York City can’t be beat.

On Wednesday July 4, the annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks will mark its 42nd celebration. The event is set to start at about 9:25 p.m. ET, according to Time Out.

The seven barges launching the fireworks will be positioned on the East River off Manhattan between 24th and 41st streets.

Here are some great, free places where you can catch the fireworks this Fourth of July:

Macy's lists the intersection of 42nd Street and FDR Drive as an official viewing spot.

It's a convenient location if you want to stay in midtown.

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The folks at 34th Street and FDR Drive may have the best seat in the house. According to Macy's, onlookers here will be positioned "almost directly in front of the barges."

Spectators can also head over to 23rd Street and FDR Drive in Kips Bay.

It's supposed to be another great spot to watch the celebration.

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Macy's also lists Avenue C and 18th Street as a prime location.

Houston Street and FDR Drive is the only other official viewing spot for the Macy's show.

It's the southernmost official viewing location.

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Across the East River, the fireworks will also be visible from Gantry Plaza State Park in Long Island City, Queens. It's perfect for people who don't want to schlep over to Manhattan.

Brooklynites can also enjoy the display from their home ground and head to WNYC Transmitter Park.

Macy's also recommends East River State Park as a place to watch the fireworks. According to the retail chain's website, "The fireworks may be viewed from any area in Brooklyn with an unobstructed view of the sky above the East River."

Source: Macy's

It's gearing up to be a popular spot this year.

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And if you're on the other side across from Manhattan and can't see the Macy's show, you have other options, such as Jersey City's fireworks festival along the Hudson River waterfront at Exchange Place.

Source: NJ.com