America is celebrating a monumental milestone birthday, and it is a very special year for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, too.
Michael Weatherly NCIS Return Announced as Sean Murray Reacts in a Hilarious Way That Stuns Fans First making its debut in 1976, the annual event promises bombastic musical performances from some of your favorite stars alongside the explosive light show we all want to see on the holiday. This year, an incredible 85,000 firework shells in 30 different colors will be detonated above New York City.
“Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks delivers the largest Independence Day celebration in the nation through a show-stopping spectacle that reminds us of the power of connection and shared experience,” said Will Coss, Macy’s 4th of July executive producer. “We’re proud to honor our 50th anniversary with an expanded show, never-before-seen effects, and music’s biggest stars for a truly unforgettable celebration.”
Grab your best red, white, and blue gear and learn everything you need to know about the live special below.
4th of July Macy’s Special
You can watch the two-hour milestone fireworks event live on Saturday, July 4, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The star-studded broadcast is scheduled to air exclusively on NBC, and it will simultaneously stream live on Peacock. For Spanish-language viewers, a dedicated telecast will also air on Telemundo starting at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
A Triple Celebration for 2026
Not only does this year mark the 50th presentation of Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, but it also happens to be America’s semiquincentennial, the nation’s landmark 250th anniversary. Adding to the evening’s historical weight, NBC is also celebrating 100 years of best-in-class entertainment, making it an exceptionally unique night of broadcasting.
Who is Hosting and Performing?
Charismatic actor and America’s Got Talent host Terry Crews will serve as the official face of this special-edition broadcast. Known for his beloved work in television comedies like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Everybody Hates Chris, Crews even famously played a fictional President of the United States in the 2006 satirical film Idiocracy.
The musical lineup for the night spans an incredible variety of genres, featuring high-profile sets from:
- Noah Kahan: The hit alternative singer-songwriter.
- Post Malone: The 18-time Grammy Award nominee.
- Salt-N-Pepa: The trailblazing, iconic rap group.
- Bebe Rexha: The chart-topping pop star.
- Shaboozey: The viral, genre-blending breakout artist.
- Blake Shelton: The beloved country music superstar.
The Emotional Heartbeat of the Soundtrack
While the television program runs for a full two hours, the actual pyrotechnic display will light up the sky for 27 minutes. The sweeping soundtrack is produced by Grammy Award-winning composer Jason Howland. Inspired by the enduring spirit of the country, the score reimagines more than 50 years of beloved summer classics.
Alexia Jayy, the winner of NBC’s The Voice Season 29, will lend her golden vocals to the soundtrack in a live performance. The entire musical score is meticulously designed in harmony with the stage lighting and an astounding, brand-new laser light show projecting directly from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Aman Rawat covers entertainment stories across movies, television, streaming platforms, music, celebrities, and pop culture. His reporting keeps readers updated on what’s trending, what’s releasing, and what’s making headlines in the entertainment world.