The annual Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display is ready to light up the New York City skyline! Once again, a big crowd is expected to gather and watch every booming colorful fireworks display live on New York’s east side and you can bet that there will be plenty of “oohs and ahhs” during the show. While Macy’s is known worldwide for their annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, their annual fireworks display is also second to none.

According to a NY Daily News report, tonight will be the 41st presentation of the Macy’s fireworks, which are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:25 p.m.

ET. This year the annual pyrotechnics extravaganza is expected to be the best ever to date, which is saying a lot, as the five barges that will be perched along the East River are expected to launch more than 60,000 shells during the approximately 30-minute long show.

Macy’s fireworks performers

With Macy’s expecting nearly 3 million spectators venturing out to watch the fireworks live and up close, you know that the talent is going to be top notch. From New York’s own Jennifer Lopez to country stars Brad Paisley and Sheryl Crow, the show that precedes the big fireworks display is going to have plenty of sparks of its own.

J.Lo has successfully kept herself in the spotlight for nearly two decades, and most recently gaining a new fan base by becoming one of the most liked judges on the hit show "American Idol." Also joining the entertainment crew will be New Jersey native Charlie Puth, Hailee Steinfeld, and Lady Antebellum.

The acts performing in this evening's show have sold nearly a combined 200 million albums worldwide.

How to watch live online and TV

If you are not one of the lucky ones who can watch the Macy’s Fireworks firsthand, don’t worry, you have a few different options to catch all of the action. First off, NBC will be airing all of the performers and the entire fireworks display nationally starting at 8 p.m.

ET.

If you are out and about this 4th of July, you can still watch the Macy’s Fireworks no matter where you may end up this evening. Thanks to modern technology, you can watch the Macy's fireworks via live stream on your tablet, smartphone or other handheld devices through NBC.com/live or NBCNewYork.com/live.

Be sure to download the NBC and NBC New York apps from iTunes for free.

After all, what better way to celebrate America's birthday than with barbecuing hot dogs and hamburgers, a cold drink and fireworks?

No matter what you do this July 4th holiday, especially if it involves lighting your own fireworks, make sure you stay safe!
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